repaired to a forest . - 접 기 position commanding the spur of the hill , up which the natives must advance after crossing a ford on the Arai River . Four days passed and there was no news of the convoy with the provisions , and the supply in camp was almost exhausted . That evening Major Biggs started to bring up the supplies with all speed , as otherwise starvation would compel the force to retreat . The same day Mr . Skipwith had arrived with news that Te Kootiwas undoubtedly marching on Paparatu , but was making slow progress owing to the heavy loads his men were carrying . The fifth day passed slowly . The men being altogether without food Mr . Atherton divided his small [ Pg 268 ] stock of provisions and wine among them , and then taking his rifle went out among the hills , accompanied by two of his natives . Late in the evening he returned , the natives bearing an old boar which he 접 기