On the south side of the Armed Constabulary depot, on a slightly higher elevation, sat a young man in his late twenties. With his legs fully stretched and comfortably positioned, he lay reclined against a large tree. Using his free hand, he readjusted his hat, making sure that his eyes were shaded from the sun as he casually chewed on some food. Arranged on a cloth beside him were some sausage, mostly eaten, a little cheese, bread and an apple, all purchased from a nearby market. From his vantage point on Mount Cook, he could see clearly into the depot and observe most of the activities of the few men still in residence.