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diff --git a/old/53358-0.txt b/old/53358-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 623124f..0000000 --- a/old/53358-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,13827 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of War to the Knife, by Rolf Boldrewood - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: War to the Knife - or Tangata Maori - -Author: Rolf Boldrewood - -Release Date: October 24, 2016 [EBook #53358] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WAR TO THE KNIFE *** - - - - -Produced by MWS, Brian Wilsden and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - - - -"WAR TO THE KNIFE" - -[Illustration] - - - - - "WAR TO THE KNIFE" - - OR - - TANGATA MAORI - - BY - - ROLF BOLDREWOOD - - AUTHOR OF - "ROBBERY UNDER ARMS," ETC. - - London - MACMILLAN AND CO., LIMITED - NEW YORK: THE MACMILLAN COMPANY - 1899 - - _All rights reserved_ - - - - - LONDON: - PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED, - STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS. - - - - -CHAPTER I - - -Massinger Court in Herefordshire was a grand old Tudor mansion, the -brown sandstone walls and tiled roofs of which had been a source of -pride to the inhabitants of the county for untold generations. Standing -in a fair estate of ten thousand acres, three roods, and twenty-eight -perches (to be accurate), with a nominal rental of somewhat over -fifteen thousand a year, it might be thought that for the needs of -an unmarried man of eight and twenty there was "ample room and verge -enough." - -Beside the honour and glory of being Massinger of Massinger, and -inhabiting "The Court," the erstwhile residence of a royal princess, -with its priceless heirlooms and memories! - -Many a newly enriched proprietor would have given his eyes to have -possessed them by hereditary right. - -For, consider, what a place, what a possession, it was! - -Thus, many a maid, many a matron of the town and county, had often -reflected in appraising the matrimonial value of the eligible suitors -of the neighbourhood. - -Think of the grand hall, sixty feet in length, twenty-six in width, -extending to the roof with its fine old oaken rafters and queer post -trusses! Think of the floor of polished oak, the walls with their -priceless oak panelling, with carved frieze and moulded cornice; the -mullioned windows, with arched openings giving light to King Edward's -corridor on the first floor, carried across one corner of the hall by -the angle gallery! - -Then--glory of glories!--the bay, ten feet wide and nine deep, with -windows glazed in lead squares, and extending to the springing of the -roof. - -Here was a place to sit and dream, while gazing over the park, in -the glowing yet tender light of an early summer morn, the while the -châtelaine tripped down the broad oaken staircase at the opposite end -of the hall, with its carved grotesque-headed newels. - -Boudoir and billiard-room, dining and drawing-room, library and -morning-room, were they not all there, admirably proportioned, in -addition to a score of other needful, not to say luxurious, apartments? - -Thus much for the domestic demesne, the suzerainty of which is dear to -every woman's heart. - -From a man's point of view--at Massinger Moor were the head keeper's -lodge and kennels; these last slated, with iron caged runs, -stone-paved, iron-doored, complete. - -The river Teme is famed for excellent trout-fishing. Salmon also are -not unknown in the water. But, in this connection be it known, that for -centuries past the lords of the manor have permitted the townspeople to -fly-fish (for trout only) in that length of the river below the bridge. - - "And then, her heritage, it goes - Along the banks of Tame; - In meadows deep the heifer lows, - The falconer and woodsman knows - Her thickets for the game." - -As much as this might be said for the woods and coverts of "The Court," -since that old time when "the forest laws were sharp and stern," and -the Conqueror stood no nonsense where "the tall deer that he loved as -his own children" were concerned. - -The descendants of these well-beloved and interesting animals were by -no means scarce in "The Chase," which was still jealously preserved for -them as of old. - -The North Herefordshire hounds met three days a week, the Milverton -hounds two days, the Ledbury were only just across the boundary, while, -for fear the squire and his visitors might feel a _soupçon_ of ennui in -the season, the South Boulton harriers are available, and, to fill up -any conceivable chink, the Dunster otter-hounds were within easy reach. - -Thus, man's every earthly need being provided for, his spiritual -welfare was by no means forgotten. - -In the parish church, as was befitting in days of old, before the -doctrine of equality and the "flat burglary" of democracy were so much -as named, was reserved for the lords of Massinger and their assigns, -by sale or lease, the whole of the south aisle and chapel. And as the -church was within five minutes' walk of the Court, all pedestrian -fatigue, as well as the indecency of taking out carriages and horses on -the Sabbath, was avoided. - -Now, from an earthly paradise like this, why should the lawful owner, -young, good-looking, cultured, athletic, think for one moment of -fleeing to the desert, socially, and no doubt literally, of a distant, -almost unknown British colony? - -Was there an angel with a flaming sword? If so, she was typified in the -guise of Hypatia Tollemache. Was she mad? - -Must be. He, of course, utterly moonstruck, inasmuch as there is well -known to be throughout all England a sufficiency of marriageable -damsels--even, as some have averred, a redundancy of that desirable -national product. If the county had been polled, they would have voted -for a _de lunatico inquirendo_. - -Was there a hidden reason? There could not be. - -He was not rich, but Massinger had stood many an extravagant squire in -the old days without losing the estate which had come down from father -to son since the Conquest, and would again so continue to descend, with -a prudent marriage in aid of rent and relief of mortgages. - -But there was a reason besides what lay on the surface, and the old -family lawyer, Mr. Nourse, of Nourse and Lympett, knew it well. -More than a hundred years ago there had been a sudden-appearing -re-incarnation of one of the most reckless spendthrifts--and there -had been more than one in the annals of the family--that had ever -scandalized the county, frightened the villagers, and wasted like water -the revenues which should have kept up the ancient traditions of the -house. - -Rainauld de Massinger had the misfortune to be a living anachronism. -Born out of due time, he was at odds with the age and the circumstances -amidst which his lot had been cast. Despising the unlettered -squirearchy of his day, and the nearly as uncongenial nobility of the -county, he threw himself with ardour into the semi-scientific, wholly -visionary studies which, under the name of astrology, amused the -leisure of those personages who could not content themselves with the -dull round of duties and coarse dissipations which the manners of the -age prescribed. He constructed a laboratory in one of the turret-rooms, -which only he and his confidential servant, a grave, silent Italian, -were suffered to enter. From time to time mysterious strangers of -foreign habit and alien language arrived at Massinger, and were -entertained with every mark of high respect. The villagers spoke with -awe of midnight fires in the turret-room, of the strange sounds, the -evil-smelling fumes thence proceeding, with other innovations proper in -their untutored fancies to the occupation of a sorcerer. Seldom did he -visit the Court, and when at rare intervals his tall figure and dark -saturnine face were remarked in the throng of nobles, they inspired -dislike or distrust more than kindly sentiment. Not that such feelings -were openly displayed. For he had brought back from his travels in the -East, and the far countries in which he had spent his early manhood, a -reputation for swordsmanship which caused even the reckless gallants of -the day to pause ere they lightly aroused the ire of one who was known -to hold so cheaply his own life and that of others. - -It was known that he had fought as a volunteer in the long Roumanian -war with the Turks, in which it was popularly reported that he bore -a charmed life; such had been his almost incredible daring, such had -been the miraculous escapes from captivity and torture. And yet, all -suddenly relinquishing a career which promised unusual brilliancy -in court and camp, he had for years shut himself up in the old hall -at Massinger, devoting himself to those unblessed studies which had -excited the distrust of his neighbours, the displeasure of the Church, -the cynical wonder of his peers. - -Departing with his usual eccentricity from the course which he had -apparently laid down for himself, he for a season quitted his lonely -studies, once more mingled in the gaieties of the county, even -consented to grace the revels of royalty with his presence. His manner -at such times was gracious, courtly, and strongly interesting. Like -many men of his character and reputation, he exercised an almost -resistless fascination over the fairer sex when he chose to enter the -lists. It was so in this instance. He succeeded, in despite of a host -of rivals and the opposition of her parents, in winning the hand of the -beautiful Elinor de Warrenne, the daughter of a neighbouring baronet of -lands and honours hardly inferior to his own. For a year or more the -gloom which rested on his spirit seemed to have passed away. Happy in -the possession of an heir, his conduct after marriage put to shame the -ominous predictions of friends and foes. His wife was fondly attached -to him. His stately manners had won sympathy for her, and the approval -of the _grandes dames_ of the county. He conciliated the tenantry; -the ordinary duties of his station were not neglected. The happiest -results were expected. He was even spoken of for the representation of -the county; when, abruptly as he had emerged, he once more retreated -into the seclusion of his laboratory, resisting all the efforts of his -heart-broken wife and friendly wellwishers to cause his return to the -duties of his rank and station. - -For more than a year he pursued in gloom and silence his self-appointed -task, only taking exercise at night, and from time to time, as before, -joining with sorcerers and necromancers (as the neighbourhood fully -believed) in unblessed study, if not unholy rites. On one eventful -morn, suspicion being aroused, search was made for him, when the turret -was found to be vacant, save of broken crucibles, strange scrolls, and -other remnants of the so-called "black art." The seasons came and went, -Massinger Chase grew fair in early spring and summer prime, the leaves -of many autumns faded and fell, the heir grew from a rosy infant to a -sturdy schoolboy--a tall stripling. Then the lady pined and withered, -after lingering sadly in hope of the return of him who never again -crossed the threshold of his ancient hall. - -She was laid to rest with the dames of her race. An authentic statement -of the death of Sir Rainauld reached England from abroad, and his son, -Sir Alured, reigned in his stead. - -Meanwhile, it had been discovered after his departure that large sums -had been disbursed, and payments made to foreign personages. Warrants -and vouchers, legally witnessed, were in the hands of financiers whose -demands could not be legally resisted. Sale had to be made, with the -concurrence of Sir Alured when he came of age, of portions of the -estate, which seriously curtailed its area and importance. Sir Alured, -however, an easy-going, unambitious youth, had promised his mother, of -whom he was passionately fond, to break the entail. Contented with the -field-sports and homely pleasures which there was no present danger -of his being forced to relinquish, he cared little for the future. -Notwithstanding the sacrifice of the goodly acres which (in addition -to his portrait in the costume of a Roumanian heiduck, hanging in -King Edward's corridor) gave Sir Rainauld's descendants something to -remember him by, it had been found necessary to negotiate another -loan upon the security of the estate. This was looked upon as an -unimportant, easily released encumbrance at the time; but, like all -the tentacles of the dire octopus, Debt, it had a tendency to draw the -debtor closer to that gaping maw, down which in all ages have gone the -old and worn, the young and fair, the strong and brave, all sorts and -conditions of men. - -Sir Alured had no desire to pry into the arcana of science, nor did -he show curiosity about the transmutation of metals. Indolent, if not -self-indulgent, he was wholly averse to the examination of accounts. -The interest on the mortgage, with occasional loans, increased the -liability notably before his death; so that when our hero, Sir Roland -(an ancestor had fought at Roncesvalles), came into the estate on -attaining his majority, he was startled at the portentous amount for -which he stood liable to the mortgagee. - -Being, however, for his age, a sensible young person, he set himself -to live quietly, to reduce expenses, and in a general way to pay off -his liabilities by degrees. Just as he had formed these meritorious -resolves, rents commenced to fall. Old tenants, who had been punctual -and regular of payment, began to decline from their proud position, -asking for time, and, what was still worse, for abatement of rent. -And with a show of reason. What with the importation of cheap meat, -butter, wheat, and oats--all manner of farm produce, indeed, produced -in colonies and other countries--the English farmer found himself -unable to continue to pay rents calculated on prices which seemed to -have fled for ever. It was hoped that farm commodities would regain -their value, but they receded for the two years which were to see a -recovery. Finally, after consultations with Messrs. Nourse and Lympett, -it was decided that, at Sir Roland's present scale of expenditure, -there needed to be no compulsory sale in his time. An heiress would set -all right. Sir Roland must marry money. It was his duty to his family, -his duty to the county, his duty to England. - -Then Massinger Court could be restored to its former splendour, and the -estate to its legitimate position in the county. - -Sir Roland did not assent or otherwise to these propositions. He did -not particularly want to marry--just yet, at all events. He was too -happy and comfortable as he was. Even with his curtailed revenues, he -found the position of a country gentleman pleasant and satisfactory. -He was not expected to do much, whereas everybody, old and young, were -most anxious to make themselves useful and agreeable to him. Of course -a man must marry some day. - -So much was clearly the duty of the heir of Massinger. The ancient -house must not be suffered to become extinct. - -Strangely enough, the succession had always gone in the direct line. -But there was no hurry. He had not seen any one so far on whom he -was passionately anxious to confer the title of Lady Massinger. So, -matters might be worse. In this philosophical frame of mind, he -told himself that he was content to remain a bachelor for the next -half-dozen years or so, during which period his pecuniary affairs might -be expected to improve rather than otherwise. - -At eight and twenty a man is young--very young indeed, as occasionally -reflects the middle-aged _viveur_, looking regretfully back on the -feats and feelings of his lost youth. Sir Roland was fairly well -equipped, according to the society needs of the day. An Oxford degree -taken creditably guaranteed all reasonable literary attainment; -at any rate, the means and method of further development. Fond of -field-sports, he shot brilliantly and rode well. Vigorous and active, -neither plain nor handsome, but having an air of distinction--that -subtle but unmistakeable accompaniment of race--he yet presented few -points of divergence from the tens of thousands of youthful Britons -capable, in time of need, of calm heroism and Spartan endurance, but -unaware of any pressing necessity for stepping out of the beaten track. - -Though unostentatious by nature and habit, it was not to be supposed -that the name of Sir Roland Massinger, of Massinger Court, was -unfamiliar to matrons with marriageable daughters, as well in his own -county, as in the Mayfair gatherings which he did not disdain during -the season. - -More than one of his fair partners would not have objected to bear -his name and title embellished, as his position could not fail to be, -by the handsome settlements which her father's steadfast attention to -trade would enable him to make. - -But, so far, all appreciative reception of his ordinary -courtesies--the sudden glance, the winning smile, the interested -attention to his unstudied talk, conservatory lounges, country-house -visits--all the harmless catalogue of the boy-god's snares and -springes, were wasted on this careless wayfarer, protected by a lofty -ideal and an untouched heart. - -Though he had listened politely to the prudent counsel of his man of -business as to the necessity of repairing his attenuated fortune by -marriage, such an arrangement had never been seriously contemplated by -him. He felt himself capable of a passionate attachment to the princess -of his dreams, could Fate but lead him into her presence. Not as yet -had he encountered her. That was beyond doubt. He would await the voice -of the oracle. In the meanwhile he was far from being _ennuyé_. There -was a mildly pleasurable sensation in merely contemplating "the supreme -psychological moment" from afar, and speculating as to situations not -yet arisen. He awaited in resigned contentment the goddess-moulded -maiden. In the meanwhile he was not minded to worship at the shrines of -the lesser divinities. - -Was Fate, unsmiling, ironic, even now listening to the too-presumptuous -mortal? - -It would appear so. For, shortly after making these prudential -resolutions, he met at a military ball the beautiful Hypatia -Tollemache, who decided the question of elective affinity once and -for ever. One look, a brief study of her unrivalled graces, an -introduction, an entrancing interchange of ideas after a deliriously -thrilling dance--even a second waltz, perilously near the end of the -evening--and the solemn chime from the ancient tower, found an echo in -his heart, which seemed to ring "forever, ever, ever, forever." - -That there are moments like this in men's lives, fateful, irrevocable, -who may doubt? Sir Roland did not, at any rate. All the forces of his -nature were aroused, electrically stimulated, magnified in power and -volume. As they separated conventionally, and he delivered her into -the care of her chaperon, the parting smile with which she favoured -him seemed the invitation of an angelic visitant. He could have cast -himself at her feet, had not the formalism of this too-artificial age -forbidden such abasement. - -When he returned to the country house where he was staying, he examined -himself closely as to his sensations. - -How had he, the cool and indifferent Roland Massinger, come to be -so affected by this--by _any_ girl? He could almost believe in the -philtre of the ancients. It wasn't the champagne; he had forgotten -all about it, besides being by habit abstemious. Supper he had hardly -touched. It could not even be a form of indigestion--here he laughed -aloud. Surely his reason wasn't giving way? He had heard of abnormal -brain-seizures. But he was not the sort of man. He had never worked -hard, though steadily at college. And, when a man's appetite, sleep, -and general health were faultless, what could have caused this dire -mental disturbance? He went to bed, but sleep was out of the question. -Throwing open the window, he gazed over the hushed landscape. The moon, -immemorial friend of lovers, came to his aid. Slowly and majestically -she rose, silvering over the ruined abbey, the ghostly avenue, the -far-seen riverpools, as with calm, luminous, resistless ascent, she -floated higher and yet higher through the cloud-world. Gradually his -troubled spirit recognized the peaceful influence. His mind became -composed, and betaking himself to bed, he sank into a slumber from -which he was only aroused by the dressing-bell. - -The cheerful converse of a country-house breakfast succeeding a -prolonged shower-bath and a satisfactory toilette, restored him to -a condition more nearly resembling his usual frame of mind. He was, -however, rallied as to his sudden subjugation, which had not escaped -the keen critics of a ball-room. In defence, he went so far as to -admit that Miss Tollemache was rather a nice girl, and so on, adding -to the customary insincerities a doubt whether "she wasn't one of the -too-clever division. Scientific, or something in that line, struck me?" - -"That's all very well, Sir Roland," said a lively girl opposite to him. -"You needn't try to back out of your too-evident admiration of the fair -Hypatia--we all saw it. Why, you never took your eyes off her from the -moment she came into the room, till you put her into the carriage. You -forgot your dance with me. You never _once_ asked Jennie Castanette; -she used to be your favourite partner. A sudden attack of whatsyname at -first sight, don't they call it?" - -"You ought to know best," he replied; "but Miss Tollemache is certainly -handsome, or, rather, distinguished-looking; seems clever too, above -the average, though she avoided literary topics." - -"Clever!" retorted his fair opponent. "I should think she is, though -I defy you to do more than guess at it from her talk; she is so -unpretending in her manner, and has a horror of showing off. Do you -know what she did last year? There wasn't a girl that came near her in -the University examinations." - -"So much the worse for her chances of happiness or that of the man that -marries her--if she is not too 'cultured' to marry at all." - -"How do you make that out?" - -"There are three things that tend to spoil a woman's character in -the estimation of all sensible men," he answered: "beauty, money, or -pre-eminent intellect. The beauty is flattered into outrageous vanity -and frivolity. The heiress is besieged by suitors and toadies whose -adulation fosters selfishness and arrogance. The third is perhaps the -least evil, as after it is demonstrated that its possessor cannot lay -down the law in private life, as she is prone to do, she retains a -reserve of resources within herself, and mostly makes a rational use of -them. Depend upon it, the post of honour is a 'middle station.'" - -"Indeed! I am delighted to hear it," replied Miss Branksome. "So we -poor mediocrities who have neither poverty nor riches--certainly -not the last--and who don't profess beauty, have a fair chance -of happiness? I was not quite sure of it before. And now, having -unburdened yourself of all this 'philosophy in a country house,' you -will dash off in pursuit of Hypatia directly you find out what she is -going to do today. What will you give me if I tell you? 'Have you seen -my Sylvia pass this way?' and so on." - -"Hasn't she gone back to Chesterfield?" he asked. - -"So it was erroneously supposed. But Lady Roxburgh will tell you when -she comes down that she brought off a picnic to the ruins of St. -Wereburgh's Abbey; that she has been invited from the Wensleydales, -and all the house-party here are going. Unless, of course, you would -prefer to stay behind and have a peaceful day in the library?" - -Sir Roland's face betrayed him. No human countenance, after such -contending emotions as had almost "rent his heart in twain," could have -retained its immobility. - -"There now!" said Miss Branksome, scornfully. "'What a piece of work is -man!' etc. I have been reading Shakespeare lately--on wet mornings." - -"But are you certain as to the programme?" - -"Clara Roxburgh is my authority. The arrangement was made at an early -hour this morning. You are relied on to drive the drag conveying the -ladies of this household, including my insignificant self--not without -value, I trust, to _some_ people, however we poor ordinary mortals may -be overshadowed by 'sweet girl graduates.'" - -"Then may I venture to ask you, with Lady Roxburgh's permission, to -occupy the box seat?" - -"That's very sweet of you; _faute d'autre_, of course. Her ladyship's -nerves won't permit of her taking it herself. And now let me give -you a little advice--'honest Injun,' I mean--in all good faith and -friendship, though I know you men don't believe in our capacity -for that. Don't be too devoted. It's a mistake if you want to be -successful; any girl could tell you. We are mostly annoyed if we're run -after. There's nothing like indifference; it piques us. Then, if we -like a man, we run after _him_--in a quiet ladylike way, of course. Do -you follow?" - -"Oh yes; a thousand thanks. Pray go on." - -"I have only one other bit of warning. You're a lot older than me, -and I dare say you think you know best, as I'm not long out. But you -don't. Some day you'll see it. In the meantime don't give away _all_ -your heart before you make sure of a fair return. She may lead you -on--unconsciously, of course--which means she wouldn't be rude to you -and all the rest of it. But my idea is, she doesn't know what she wants -just now. She's the sort of girl that thinks she's got a career before -her. She won't be satisfied with the regulation returned affection, -matrimony business." - -"But surely such a woman has no commonplace thoughts, no vulgar ideals. -She is incapable of such paltry bargaining for wealth or position." - -"You think so? I don't say she's worse than any other girl who's got -such a pull in the way of looks, brains, family, and all the rest -of it. But none of us like to go cheap, and the love in a cottage -business, or even a man like yourself of good county family, but -_not_ rich, _not_ distinguished--h'm--as yet, _not_ a power socially -or politically in the land, is scarcely a high bid for a first-class -property in the marriage market like Hypatia Tollemache." - -"My dear Miss Branksome, don't talk like that. It pains me, I assure -you." - -"Perhaps it does, but it will do you good in the long run. It's pretty -true, as you'll find out in time. And now, as I hear Lady Roxburgh -coming downstairs, and I've talked enough nonsense for one morning, -I'll go and get ready for the drag party. You'll know soon that I have -no personal interest in the matter, though I've liked you always, and -don't wish to see your life spoiled by a sentimental mistake." - -And so this very frank young woman departed, just in time to meet -the hostess, who, coming forward, explained her late arrival at the -breakfast table by saying that she had to send off messages about the -picnic party and an impromptu dance for the evening. She verified Miss -Branksome's information respecting the drag, and the responsible office -of coachman which Sir Roland expressed himself most willing to accept. -But all the time he was suitably attiring himself; and even during a -visit of inspection to the stables for the purpose of interviewing the -well-matched team, and having a word or two with the head groom, a -feeling of doubt would obtrude itself as he recalled the well-meant, -unconventional warning of Miss Bessie Branksome. - -"I suppose women know a good deal more about each other's ways than -we do," he reflected. "But an average girl like Miss Branksome, -good-hearted and well-intentioned, as she no doubt is, can no more -enter into the motives of a woman like Miss Tollemache than a milkmaid -could gauge the soul of a duchess. In any case, I must take my chance, -and I shall have the satisfaction of taking my dismissal from _her_ -lips alone, for no other earthly authority will detach me from the -pursuit. So that's settled." - -And when Roland Massinger made use of that expression in soliloquy -or otherwise, a certain line of action was definitely followed. -Neither obstacles nor dissuasions had the smallest weight with him. In -general, he took pains to work out his plans and to form his opinion -before committing himself to them. This, however, he admitted, was an -exception to his rule of life. Rule of life? It _was_ his life--his -soul, mind, body--everything. "Whatever stirs this mortal frame"--of -course. What did Byron say about love? "'Tis woman's whole existence." -Byron didn't know: he had long since squandered the riches of the -heart, the boundless wealth of the affections. He could _write_ about -love. But the real enthralling, all-absorbing, reverential passion of -a true man's honest love, he did not know, never could have known, and -was incapable of feeling. - -After this burst of blasphemy against the acknowledged high priest of -"Venus Victrix," the great singer of "love, and love's sharp woe," Sir -Roland felt relieved, if not comforted. - -Then came the more mundane business of the day. The girls' chatter, -always more or less sweet in his ears, like the half-notes of thrushes -in spring; the arranging of pairs, and the small difficulties in -mounting to the high seats of the drag; the monosyllabic utterances of -the swells, civil and military, who helped to compose the party, at -length came to an end. - -Finally, when, with pretty, lively, amusing Miss Branksome on the box -seat beside him, he started the well-matched team, and, rattling down -the avenue, swept through the park gates, and turned into the road -which led to St. Wereburgh's, he felt once more in comparative harmony -with his surroundings. - -"Now, Sir Roland, you look more like your old self--like the man we -used to know. You take my tip, and back your opinion for all you're -worth. If it comes off, well and good; if it's a boil-over, pay and -look pleasant. If you knew as much about girls as I do, you'd know -there _are_ as good fish in the sea, etc., though you men won't believe -it. Now, promise me not to do the Knight of the Woeful Countenance any -more, won't you?" - -"As the day is so fine, for a wonder, and the horses are going well -together, not to mention the charming company of Miss Branksome on the -box seat, who would be perfect if she would drop the didactic business, -I think I may promise." - -So, shaking himself together by a strong effort of will, such as he -remembered when acting in private theatricals, he defied care and -anxiety, enacting the gay worldling with pronounced success. So much -so, that between his prowess as a whip and his cheery returns to the -airy badinage usual on such occasions, he ran a close second to a -cavalry officer on leave from India for the honourable distinction of -"the life of the party." - -Pleasant enough indeed was their progress through one of the most -picturesque counties in England, but when they stopped within full view -of the venerable ivy-clad ruin, of which a marvellous gateway and a -noble arch still remained perfect, Sir Roland's gaze did not rest on -those time-worn relics of ancient grandeur. - -"She's not here yet," said Miss Branksome, with a smile, after the -descent from the drag and the regulation amount of handshaking, -greeting, and "How are you?" and "How is your dear mother?" had been -got through. "The Wensleydales have farther to come, and I doubt if -their horses are as fast as ours. Oh yes! now I see them--just behind -that waggon in the lane, near the bridge. Hypatia is on the box beside -young Buckhurst. _He_ can't drive a bit; that's a point in your favour, -if you can get her to exchange with me going back. I'll suggest it, -anyhow." - -Sir Roland gave his guide, philosopher, and friend a look of such -gratitude that she began to laugh; but, composing her countenance to an -expression of the requisite propriety, she advanced to the rival coach, -and so timed her movements that he was enabled to help the fair Hypatia -to the ground--a slight, but smile-compelling service, which repaid the -giver a hundredfold. - -Taking a mean advantage of Buckhurst, who was compelled for some reason -to overlook the unharnessing of his horses, he thereupon walked away -with the entrancing personage towards the assembled party, abandoning -Miss Branksome, who discreetly preferred to busy herself in animated -conversation with the newcomers. - -After this fortunate commencement all went well. Smiling as the morn, -pleased (and what woman is not?) with the marked attention of a -"personage," Miss Tollemache confessed the exhilaration proper to that -pleasantest of informal gatherings--a picnic to a spot of historic -interest in an English county, with congenial intimates, and perhaps -still more interesting strangers. - -Her companion was well up in the provincial records, and thereby in a -position of superiority to the rest of the company conversationally. - -They had pulled up for lunch in the meadow, deep-swarded and thick -with the clovers white and purple, mingled with the tiny fodder plants -which nestle around a ruin in green England. The party was full of -exclamations. - -"What a darling old church!--thousands of years old it must be," said -one of the Miss Wensleydales. "Now, can any one tell me whether it is -a Norman or a Saxon one?" - -"Oh, Norman, surely!" was the verdict of several feminine voices, all -at once. - -"I am not quite certain," said Lady Roxburgh; "I always intended to -look it up. What do you say, Miss Tollemache? You know more about these -matters than we do." - -"Oh, I don't pretend to any knowledge of architecture. A grand old ruin -like this is such a thing of beauty that it seems a pity to pick it to -pieces. That south door with its round arches looks rather Saxon. What -does Sir Roland think? It's not far from Massinger, is it?" - -"I used to know it well in my boyhood," replied that gentleman, who, -truth to tell, had been waiting to be referred to. "Miss Tollemache is -right; you will find its history in the Domesday Book. The manor was -held by the secular canons of St. Wereburgh till the Conqueror gave it -to Hugh Lupus, who granted it to the Benedictine monks." - -"And was it an abbey church?" asked Miss Branksome, who may or may not -have divined Sir Roland's special knowledge of church history. - -"Certainly," he replied; "all the authorities are distinct on the -point. The manor was held under the abbots by a family of the same -name, so it must have belonged to the original Saxon stock." - -"And why did they not keep it?" asked Lady Roxburgh. "Really, this is -most interesting." - -"A lady in the case," answered Sir Roland. "Alice de Sotowiche conveyed -it away by her marriage with Robert de Maurepas. What the Normans did -not get by the sword they seem to have acquired by matrimony. It did -not go out of the family, though, till the time of Edward the First. -These De Maurepases battled for their manorial rights, too, which -included fishing in the Welland, always providing that sturgeon went to -the overlord." - -"I always knew it was a dear old place," said Lady Roxburgh, "but now -it seems doubly interesting. I must get up this history business for -future use, and Miss Branksome shall give a little lecture about it -next time we have a picnic." - -"Thanks awfully, my dear Lady Roxburgh," said that young lady, "but I -never could learn anything by heart in my life. I don't mind writing it -down, though, from Sir Roland's notes, so that you can have it printed -for private circulation at breakfast-time on picnic days." - -"I think we might manage a county historical society," continued her -ladyship. "It would be a grand idea for house-parties--only now it must -be lunch-time. I see they have been unpacking. We must verify these -quatrefoils, chevrons, and things afterwards." - -They lunched under the mouldering walls, picturing a long-past day -when, issuing forth from the courtyard of the neighbouring castle, had -ridden knight and squire and lady fayre, attended by falconers and -woodsmen, with hawk on wrist and hound in leash. - -"What glorious times they must have had of it!" said Miss Tollemache. -"I should like to have lived then. Life was more direct and sincere -than in these artificial days." - -"If we could only have seen the people as they really were," he -replied, "'in their habit as they lived,' mental or otherwise, it -would be such splendid opera business, would it not? But they must have -been awfully dull between times. Hardly any books, no cigars till later -on; war and the chase their only recreations." - -"Noble occupations both," said Miss Tollemache, with an air of -conviction; "they left little room for the frivolous indolence of these -latter days." - -"Perhaps so," assented her companion. "You had either to knock people -on the head or undergo the operation yourself. Then, mark the opposite -side of the shield. In that very castle--while the gay troop was riding -out with pennons flying--the feudal enemy or 'misproud' retainer was -probably lying in the dungeon (_they had_ one there, Orme says) after -an imprisonment of years." - -The gathering was a pronounced success. The ruin provided subjects for -unlimited conversation as well as occasions for heroic daring in the -matter of climbing. The lunch was perfect in its way; the ensuing walks -and talks all that could be wished. - -And when, after, as one of the young people declared, the "truly -excellent--really delicious day" came so near to its close that the -horses were brought up, Miss Branksome playfully suggested that she and -Miss Tollemache should change seats, as she wished to take a lesson -from the opposition charioteer in driving, and when, after a moment's -playful contest, the fair enslaver was placed on the seat beside him, -Sir Roland's cup of happiness was full. - - "Let Fate do her worst; - There are moments of joy, - Bright dreams of the past, - Which she cannot destroy"-- - -must have been written by the poet, he felt assured, with that wondrous -instinctive insight into the inmost soul of him, and all true lovers, -which stamps the heaven-born singer. - -Then the drive back to Roxburgh Hall, where they were to reassemble -for the impromptu dance! The horses, home-returning, pulled just -sufficiently to enable the box passenger to appreciate the strong arm -and steady hand of her companion; and when, after an hour, the lamps -were lit and the star-spangled night appeared odorous with the scents -of early spring, the girl's low voice and musical laugh seemed the -appropriate song-speech for which the star-clustered night formed -fitting hour and circumstance. - -Roland Massinger in that eve of delicious companionship abandoned -himself to hope and fantasy. His fair companion had been so far -acted upon by her environment, that she had permitted speculative -allusions to the recondite problems of the day; to the deeper aims of -life--subjects in which she evinced an interest truly exceptional in -a girl of such acknowledged social distinction; while he, drawn on by -the thought of possible companionship with so rarely-gifted a being, -abandoned his usual practical and chiefly negative outlook upon the -world, acknowledging the attraction of self-sacrifice and philanthropic -crusade. His mental vision appeared to have received an illuminating -expansion, and as those low, earnest, but melodious tones made music in -his ear, emanating from the fair lips so closely inclined towards his -own, he felt almost moved to devote his future energies, means, lands, -and life to the amelioration of the race--to the grand aims of that -altruistic federation of which, it must be confessed, that he had been -a formal, if not indifferent, professor. If only he might persuade this -"one sweet spirit to be his minister"! Then, how cheerfully would he -fare forth through whatever lands or seas she might appoint. - -But that fatal _if_! - -Why should _he_ be privileged to appropriate this glorious creature, -redolent of all the loveliness of earth's primal vigour, and yet -informed with the lore of the ages, heightening her attractions a -hundred--yes, a thousand-fold? Almost he despaired when thinking of his -superlative presumption. - -Fortunately for the safety of the passengers, who little knew what -tremendous issues were oscillating in the brain of their pilot, he -mechanically handled the reins in his usual skilled and efficient -fashion. Nor, indeed, did the fair comrade, or she would scarcely have -emphasized the conventional remark, "Oh, Sir Roland, what a delightful -drive we have had! I feel so grateful to you!" as he swung his horses -round, and, with practised accuracy, almost grazed the steps at the -portico of Roxburgh Hall. - - - - -CHAPTER II - - -Events shaped themselves much after the manner customary since that -earliest recorded compromise between soul and sense which mortals -throughout all ages have agreed to call Love. Ofttimes such pursuits -and contests have been protracted. After the first skirmish of -temperaments, war has been declared by Fate, and through wearisome -campaigns the rival armies have ravaged cities, so to speak, and -assaulted neutral powers before the beleaguered citadel surrendered. - -At other times, the maiden fortress has been taken by a _coup de -main_, the assailant's resistless ardour carrying all before it. -More frequently, perhaps, has the too venturous knight been repulsed -with scorn, and, as in earlier days, been fain to betake himself to -Palestine or other distant region blessed with continuous warfare, and -exceptional facilities for acquiring fame or getting knocked on the -head, as the case might be. - -For the patient and scientific conduct of a siege, according to the -rules of the Court of Love--and such there be, if the poets and -minstrels of all ages deserve credence--Roland Massinger was unfitted -by constitution and opinion. His fixed idea was, that every woman -knew her mind perfectly well with regard to a declared admirer. If -favourable, it was waste of time and emotion to await events. If -otherwise, the sooner a man was made aware of his dismissal the -better. He could then shape his course in life without distraction or -hindrance. In any case he was freed from the hourly torments under -which the victim writhes, uncertain of his fate. It was the _coup de -grâce_ which frees the wretch upon the rack; the knife-thrust which -liberates the Indian at the stake. And he trusted to his manhood to be -equal to the occasion. - -When he did "put his fortune to the touch, to win or lose it all"--as -have done so many gallant lovers before this veracious history--he was -too deeply grieved and shocked at the unexpected issue to place before -the fateful maid any of the pleadings or protests deemed in such cases -to be appropriate. He did not falter out statements inclusive of a -"wrecked life," an "early grave," a career "for ever closed." Nor did -he make the slightest reference to her having, so to speak, allured him -to continue pursuit--"led him on," in more familiar terms. - -Such commonplaces he disdained, although not without a passing thought -that in the familiar play of converse, and her occasional touch upon -the keynotes which evoke the deeper sympathies, an impartial judge -might have discovered that perilous liking akin to love. - -No! beyond one earnest appeal to her heart, into which he implored her -to look, lest haply she had mistaken its promptings--a plea for time, -for cooler consideration--he had no words with which to plead his -cause, as he stood with sad reproachful gaze, assuring her that never -would she know truer love, more loyal devotion. - -What had she told him? Merely this: "That if she were to marry--a step -which she had resolved not to take for some years, if at all--she -confessed that there was no man whom she had yet known, with whom she -felt more in sympathy, with whom, taking the ordinary phrase, she would -have a greater prospect of happiness. But she held strong opinions -upon the duties which the individual owed to the appealing hordes of -fellow-creatures perishing for lack of care, of food, of instruction, -by whom the overindulged so-called upper classes were surrounded. Such -manifest duties were sacred in her eyes, though possibly incompatible -with what was called 'happiness.' For years--for ever, it might -be--such considerations would be paramount with her. They could be -neglected only at the awful price of self-condemnation in this world -and perdition in the next. She was grieved to the soul to be compelled -to refuse his love. She blamed herself that she should have permitted -an intimacy which had resulted so unhappily for him--even for herself. -But her resolve was fixed; nothing could alter it." - -This, or the substance of it, fell upon the unwilling ears of Roland -Massinger in unconnected sentences, in answer to his last despairing -appeal. Meanwhile his idol stood and gazed at him, as might be imagined -some Christian maiden of the days of Diocletian, when called upon to -deny her faith or seal it with martyrdom. Her eyes were occasionally -lifted upward, as if she felt the need of inspiration from above. - -For one moment the heart of her lover stood still. - -He placed his hand on his brow as if to quell the tumult of his -thoughts. She moved towards him, deprecating the intensity of his -emotion. An intolerable sense of her divine purity, her ethereal -loveliness, seemed to pervade his whole being. He felt an almost -irresistible desire to clasp her in his arms in one desperate caress, -ere they parted for ever. Had he done this, the current of both lives -might have been altered. The coldest maids are merely mortal. - -But he refrained; in his present state of mind it would have been -sacrilege to his ideal goddess, to the saintly idol of his worship. - -Raising her hand reverently to his lips, he bowed low and departed. - -When he thus passed out of her sight--out of her life--Hypatia herself -was far from unmoved. Regrets, questionings, impulses to which she had -so far been a stranger, arose and contended with strange and unfamiliar -power. - -Never before had she met with any one in all respects so attractive -to her physically, so sympathetic mentally; above all things manly, -cultured, devoted, with the instincts of the best age of chivalry. -She liked--yes, nearly, perhaps quite--loved him. Family, position, -personal character, all the attributes indispensably necessary, he -possessed. - -Not rich, indeed; but for riches she cared little--despised them, -indeed. Why, then, had she cast away the admittedly best things of -life? For an abstraction! For toilsome, weary, perhaps ungrateful -tasks among the poor, the disinherited of the earth. - -Had not others of whom she had heard, died, after wasting, so to speak, -their lives and opportunities, with scarcely veiled regrets for the -sacrifice? How many secretly bewailed the deprivation of the fair -earth's light, colour, beauty, consented to in youth's overstrained -sense of obedience to a divine injunction! Was this wealth of joyous -gladness--the free, untrammelled spirit in life's springtime, which -bade the bird to carol, the lamb to frisk, the wildfowl to sport -o'er the translucent lake--but a snare to lead the undoubting soul -to perdition? As these questioning fancies crossed her mind, in -the lowered tone resulting in reaction from the previous mood of -exaltation, she found her tears flowing fast, and with an effort, -raising her head as if in scorn of her weakness, hurried to her room. - - * * * * * - -A sudden stroke of sorrow, loss, disappointment, or disaster affects -men differently, but the general consensus is that the blow, like -wounds that prove mortal, is less painful than stunning. Roland -Massinger never doubted but that his wound _was_ mortal. For days he -wondered, in the solitude of his retreat to which he had, like other -stricken deer, betaken himself, whether or no he was alive. He returned -to the Court. He moved from room to room--he absorbed food. He even -opened books in the library and essayed to read, finding himself -wholly unable to extract the meaning of the lettered lines. He rode -and drove at appointed hours, but always with a strange preoccupied -expression. This change of habit and occupation was so evident to his -old housekeeper and the other domestics, that the subject of their -master's obvious state of mind began to be freely discussed. The groom -was of opinion that he did not know the bay horse that carried him so -well to hounds, from the black mare that was so fast and free a goer in -the dog-cart. - -He retired late, sitting in the old-fashioned study which served as a -smoking-room, "till all hours," as the maids said. - -He rose early, unconscionably so, as the gardener considered who had -met him roaming through the shrubberies before sunrise. A most unusual -proceeding, indefensible "in a young gentleman as could lie in bed till -breakfast-bell rang." - -The maids were instinctively of the opinion that "there was a lady -in the case;" but, upon broaching their ingenuous theory, were so -sternly silenced by Mrs. Lavender, the old housekeeper who had ruled -in Massinger long before Sir Roland's parents had died, and remembered -the last Lady Massinger as "a saint on earth if ever there was one," -that they hastily deserted it, hoping "as he wouldn't have to be took -to the county hospital." This theory proving no more acceptable than -the other, they were fain to retire abashed, but clinging with feminine -obstinacy to their first opinion. - -Suddenly a change came over the moody squire who had thus exercised the -intelligences of the household. - -On a certain morning he ordered the dog-cart, in which he drove himself -to the railway station, noticing the roadside incidents and mentioning -the stud generally, in a manner so like old times, that the groom felt -convinced that the desired change had taken place; so that hunting, -shooting, and all business proper to the season would go on again with -perhaps renewed energy. - -"When the master jumped down and ordered the porter to label his trunk -'London,' he was a different man," said the groom on his return. "He's -runnin' up to town to have a lark, and forgit his woes. That's what I -should do, leastways. He ain't agoin' to make a break of it along o' -Miss Tollemache, or any other miss just yet." - -Though this information was acceptable to the inmates of a liberally -considered household, who one and all expressed their satisfaction, -the situation was not destined to be lasting. Within a week it was -widely known that Massinger Court was for sale, "just as it stood," -with furniture, farm-stock, library, stud, everything to be taken at a -valuation--owner about to leave England. - -What surprise, disapproval--indeed, almost consternation--such an -announcement is calculated to create in a quiet county in rural -England, those only who have lived and grown up in such "homes of -ancient peace" can comprehend. A perfect chorus of wonder, pity, -indignation, and disapproval arose. - -The squirearchy lamented the removal of a landmark. The heir of an -historic family, "a steady, well-conducted young fellow, good shot, -straight-goer in the field--knew something about farming, too. Not too -deep in debt either? That is, as far as anybody knew. What the deuce -could he mean by cutting the county; severing himself from all his old -friends--his father's friends, too?" - -This was the lament of Sir Giles Weatherly, one of the oldest baronets -in the county. "D--n it," he went on to say, "it ought to be prevented -by law. Why, the place was entailed!" - -"Entail broken years ago; but that wouldn't mend matters," his -companion, Squire Topthorne, replied--a hard-riding, apple-faced old -gentleman, credited with a shrewd appreciation of the value of money. -"You can't force a man to live on a place, though he mustn't sell it. -It wouldn't help the county much to have the Court shut up, with only -the old housekeeper, a gardener, and a maid, like Haythorpe. Besides, -some decent fellow might buy it--none of us could afford to do so just -now. _I_ couldn't, I know." - -"Nor I either," returned Sir Giles, "with wheat at thirty shillings -a quarter, and farms thrown back on your hands, like half a dozen of -mine. But why couldn't Roland have stopped in England; married and -settled down, if it comes to that? There are plenty of nice girls in -Herefordshire; a good all-round youngster like him, with land at his -back, might marry any one he pleased." - -"That's the trouble, from what I hear," said Mr. Topthorne, with a -quiet smile. "Young men have a way of asking the very girl that won't -have them, while there are dozens that would. Same, the world over. And -the girls are just as bad--won't take advice, and end up as old maids, -or take to 'slumming' and Zenana work. I hear it's Hypatia Tollemache -who's responsible." - -"Whew-w!" whistled Sir Giles. "She's a fine girl, and knows her -value, I suppose, but she's bitten by this 'New Woman' craze--wants -to regenerate society, and the rest of it. In our time girls did what -they were told--learned house-keeping, and thought it a fair thing to -be the mistress of some good fellow's household; to rear wholesome boys -and girls to keep up the honour of old England. I have no patience with -these fads." - -"Well! it can't be helped. Have you any idea who is likely to make a -bid for the place?" - -"Not the slightest. We're safe to have a manufacturer, or some infernal -colonist--made his money by gold-digging or sheep-farming, drops his -aitches, and won't subscribe to the hounds." - -"Suppose we do? You're too hard on colonists, who, after all, are our -own countrymen, with the pluck to go abroad, instead of loafing at -home. Often younger sons, too--men of as good family as you or I. We're -too conservative here, I often think. They always spend their money -liberally, give employment, and entertain royally if they do the thing -at all." - -"I suppose there's something in what you say; but all the same, I don't -like to see a Massinger go out of the county where his family have -lived since the time of Hugh Lupus. Viscount the Sire de Massinger came -out of Normandy along with Duke William. He was a marshal commanding a -division of archers at Hastings. 'For which service both the Conqueror -and Hugh Lupus rewarded him' (says an old chronicle) 'with vast -possessions, among which was Benham Massinger in Cheshire; and the -said Hamon de Massinger was the first Baron de Massinger.' There's a -pedigree for you! Pity they hadn't kept their lands; but they're not -the only ones, as we know too well." - -These and the like colloquies took place during the period which -intervened between the direful announcement of the sale of the Court -and its actual disposal by an auction sale, at which the late owner was -not present. - -It was then made public that the stranger who bought that "historic -mansion, Massinger Court, with lands and messuages, household -furniture, and farm stock, horses and carriages," was acting as -agent only for Mr. Lexington, the great Australian squatter, who had -made a colossal fortune in New South Wales and Queensland, numbering -his sheep by the half-million and his cattle by the twenties of -thousands. He had, moreover, agreed to take the furniture, books, -pictures--everything--at a valuation, together with the live stock, -farm implements, and--in fact, the whole place, exactly as it stood; -Sir Roland, the auctioneer said, having removed his personal belongings -previously to London immediately after offering the Court for sale. He -only returned to bid farewell to the friends of his youth and the home -of his race. - -Yes! it _was_ hard--very hard, he thought, at the last. There was the -garden--old-fashioned, but rich in fruit and flower, with box-borders, -clipped yew hedges, alleys of formal shape and pattern; the south wall -where the fruit ripened so early, and to which his childish eyes had so -often been attracted; the field wherein he had, with the old keeper in -strict attendance, been permitted to blaze at a covey of partridges--he -remembered now the wild delight with which he marked his first slain -bird; the stream in which he had caught his first trout, and whence -many a basket had been filled in later days; the village church, under -the floor of which so many de Massingers lay buried--the family pew, -too large for the church, but against the size and shape of which no -innovating incumbent had thought fit to protest. - -How well he remembered his mother's loving hand as he walked with her -to church--_every_ Sunday, unless illness or unusual weather forbade! -That mother, too, so gentle, so saintly sweet, so charitable, so -beloved, why should she have died when he was so young? And his father, -the pattern squire, who shot and hunted, lived much at home, and was -respected throughout the county as a model landlord, who did his duty -to the land which had done so much for the men of his race? Why should -these things be? - -He recalled his mother's dear face, which grew pale, and yet more pale, -during her long illness--her last words bidding him, to be a good man, -to remember what she taught him, and to comfort his poor father when -she was gone. And how he kneeled by her bedside, with her wasted hand -in his, praying with her that he might live to carry out her last -wishes, and do his duty fearlessly in the face of all men. Then the -funeral--the long train of carriages, the burial service, where so many -people wept, and he wished--how he wished!--that he could be buried -with her. His father's set face, almost stern, yet more sorrowful -than any tears. And how he went back to school in his black clothes, -miserable and lonely beyond all words to describe. - -In the holidays, too--how surprised he had been to find that the -squire no longer shot, fished, hunted. He, that was so keen as long as -he could remember, but now sat all day reading in the library, where -they often used to find him asleep. And how, before the Christmas -holidays came round again, he was sent for, to see his father once more -before he died. - -The squire spoke not--he had for days lost the power of speech--but he -placed his hands upon his head and murmured an inarticulate blessing. -He did not look pale or wasted like his poor mother, he remembered. -The doctors said there was no particular ailment; he had simply lost -all interest in life. The old housekeeper summed up the case, which -coincided closely with the public feeling. - -"It's my opinion," she affirmed, "that if ever a man in this world -died of a broken heart, the squire did. He was never the same after -the mistress died, God bless her! She's in heaven, if any one is. She -was a saint on earth. And the squire, seeing they'd never been parted -before--and I never saw two people more bound up in each other--well, -he couldn't stay behind." - -The new lord of the manor--for Massinger held manorial rights and -privileges, which had been tolerably extensive in the days of "merrie -England"--lost no time in taking possession. - -A week had not elapsed before the Australian gentleman and his family -arrived by train at the little railway station, much like any one else, -to the manifest disappointment of the residents of the vicinity, who -had expected all sorts of foreign appearances and belongings. Certain -large trunks--_not_ Saratogas--and portmanteaux were handed out of the -brake-van and transferred to the waggonette, which they filled, while -three ladies with their maid were escorted to the mail phaeton which -had made so many previous journeys to the station with the visitors -and friends of the Massinger family. A middle-aged, middle-sized, -alert personage, fair-haired, clean-shaved, save for a moustache -tinged with grey, mounted the dog-cart, followed by a tall young man -who looked with an air of scrutiny at the horses and appointments. -He took the reins from the groom, who got up behind, and with one of -those imperceptible motions with which a practised whip communicates -to well-conditioned horses that they are at liberty to go, started the -eager animal along the well-kept road which led to the Court. - -"Good goer," he remarked, after steadying the black mare to a medium -pace. "If she's sound, she's a bargain at the money; horses seem -tremendously dear in England." - -"Yes, I should say so," replied his father. "And the phaeton pair are -good-looking enough for anything: fair steppers also. I thought the -price put on the horses and cattle high, but the agent told me they -were above the average in quality. I see he was correct so far." - -"Well, it's a comfort to deal with people who are straight and -above-board," said the younger man. "It saves no end of trouble. -I shouldn't wonder if the home-station--I mean the house and -estate--followed suit in being true to description. If so, we've made a -hit." - -"Sir Roland wouldn't have a thing wrong described for the world, sir," -here put in the groom, touching his hat. "No auctioneer would take -that liberty with him; not in this county, anyhow." - -"Glad to hear it. I thought as much, from seeing him once," said the -elder man. - -A short hour saw the black mare tearing up the neatly raked gravel in -front of the façade of the Court, and by the time the dog-cart had -departed for the stables, the phaeton came up to the door, with one of -the young ladies in the driving seat. - -"Well, this _is_ a nice pair of horses!" said the damsel, who evidently -was not unaccustomed to driving a pair, if not a more imposing team. -"Fast, so well matched and well mannered; it's a pleasure to drive -them. And oh! what a lovely old hall--and such darling trees! How -fortunate we were to pick up such a place! It's not too large: there's -not much land, but it's a perfect gem in its way. I suppose we are to -have the pictures of the ancestors, too?" - -"We shall have that reflected glory," said the matron with a smile. -"Sir Roland would not sell them, but hoped we would give them -house-room till he wanted them--which might not be for years and years." - -"So they will still look down upon us--or frown, as the case may be," -said the younger girl. "How savage I should be if I were an ancestor, -and new people came to turn out my descendant!" - -"We haven't turned him out. We only buy him out," said her mother, -"which is quite a different thing. It is the modern way of taking the -baron's castle--without bloodshed and unpleasantness." - -"It is a great shame, all the same, that he should have to turn out," -exclaimed the younger girl, indignantly. "I am sure he is a nice -fellow, which makes it all the worse, because--because----" - -"Because every one says so," continued her elder sister; "as if that -was a reason!" - -"No! because he has _such good horses_. When a man keeps them, in such -buckle too, there can't be much wrong with him." - -"What _is_ the reason that he can't live in a place like this, I -wonder?" queried Miss Lexington in a musing tone. "A bachelor, too! Men -don't seem to know when they are well off. He ought to try a dry year -on one of our Paroo runs, if he wants a change. That would take the -nonsense out of him. Our vile sex at the bottom of it, I suppose!" - -"I _did_ catch a whisper in London, before we left," said Miss Violet, -cautiously. - -"You always do," interrupted her sister. "I hope you don't talk to -Pinson confidentially. What was it?" - -"Only that a girl that every one seemed to know about wouldn't have -him, and that he nearly went out of his mind about it: wouldn't hear of -living in England afterwards." - -"Poor fellow! he'll know better some day--won't he, mother? He must be -a romantic person to go mooning about, wanting to die or emigrate, for -a trifle like that." - -"I sometimes wonder if you girls of the present day have hearts, from -the way you talk," mused the matron. "However, I suppose they're deeper -down than ours used to be. But I don't like my girls to sneer at true -love. It's a sacred and holy thing, without which we women would have -a sad time in this world. But, in our own country, men have done -rash things in the agony of disappointment. You have heard of young -Anstruther?" - -"Oh yes, long ago. He went home and shot himself because of a silly -girl. I suppose he's sorry for it now." - -"Hearts are much the same, in all countries and ages, depend upon it, -my dears; they make people do strange things. But let us hope that -there will be no unruly promptings in this family." - -"Quite so, mother--same here; but I suppose, as Longfellow tells us, -'as long as the heart has woes,' all sorts of droll things will happen. -And now suppose we go and look at the stables before afternoon tea; I -want to see the hunters and polo ponies. The garden we can see tomorrow -morning." - - * * * * * - -When Sir Roland, having made final arrangements, concluded to run -down to Massinger for farewell purposes, he declined courteously Mr. -Lexington's invitation to stay with him, and took up his abode at the -Massinger Arms, in the village, where he considered he would be quiet -and more independent. He felt himself obliged to say farewell to the -people he had known all his life, small and great. But he never had -less inclination for conversation and the ordinary society business. -A week at the outside would suffice for such leave-taking as he -considered obligatory. - -As to the emigration matter which had so disturbed his _monde_, -another factor of controlling power entered into the calculation. A -re-valuation of his property made it apparent that when every liability -came to be paid off, the available residue would be much less than -he or his men of business reckoned on. Not more, indeed, than the -ridiculously small sum of thirty or forty thousand pounds. He was not -going to live on the Continent, or any cheap foreign place, on this. -Nor to angle for an heiress. So, having been informed that he could -live like a millionaire in the colonies, and probably make a fortune -out of a grazing estate which half the money would purchase, there was -nothing to keep him in England. Such considerations, reinforced by the -haunting memories of a "lost Lenore" in the guise of Hypatia, drove -him forward on his course _outre mer_ with such feverish force that he -could scarcely bear to await the day of embarkation. - - - - -CHAPTER III - - -He could not well refuse an invitation to dinner from his successor, -who called upon him, in form, the day after his arrival, and again -begged him to make the old hall his home until he left England. - -This request he begged to decline, much to Mr. Lexington's -disappointment, though he agreed to dine. - -"My people were looking forward to having your advice upon all sorts -of matters, which, of course, you would know about better than any one -else. We are not going to make any great changes that I know of," said -Mr. Lexington. "Everything on the estate is in excellent order; your -overseer--I mean bailiff--seems sensible and experienced. I shall give -him his own way chiefly. He knows the place and the people, which of -course I don't. My children, being Australians, are fond of horses; -they are so much pleased with your lot, that you may be sure of their -being well treated--and pensioned, when their time comes. I never sold -an old favourite in my life, and am not going to begin in England, -though you can't turn out a horse here all the year round as you can in -Australia. And now I'll say good afternoon. Sorry you can't stay with -us. We shall see you at dinner--half-past seven; but come any time." - -Upon which Mr. Lexington departed, leaving a pleasant impression with -the former owner. - -"What mistaken prejudices English people have, for the most part!" -he thought. "Sir Giles Weatherly, I heard, was raving at my want of -loyalty to the landed interest because I had left an opening for some -'rough colonist' to break into our sacred county enclosure. This man -is a thorough gentleman, liberal and right-feeling; besides, with pots -of money too, he will be able to do far more for the neighbourhood -than would ever have been in my power. I shouldn't be surprised if the -county considers him an improvement upon an impoverished family like -ours before many months are past." - -With a half-sigh, involuntary, but not without a distinct feeling of -regret, as he thought how soon his place would be filled up, and how -different a position would have been his had one woman's answer been -otherwise, he addressed himself once more to the momentous question of -emigration. He had purchased a quantity of colonial literature, and had -made some headway through the handbooks thoughtfully provided for the -roving Englishman of the period. The difficulty lay in deciding between -the different offshoots of Britain. All apparently possessed limitless -areas of fertile land and rich pasturage, in addition to goldfields, -coal-mines, opal and diamond deposits, silver and copper mines, the -whole vast territory reposing in safety under the world-wide ægis of -the British flag. - -Before he had found anything like a solution of this pressing problem, -the church clock suggested dressing. So, attiring himself suitably, -he made his way to the Court. He rang the hall-door bell somewhat -impatiently, having only partially got over the feeling of strangeness -at being invited to dinner at his own house, so to speak, and being -shown into the drawing-room by his own butler. This official's gravity -relaxed suddenly, after a vain struggle, and ended in a gasping "Oh, -Sir Roland!" as he announced him in due form. - -In the drawing-room, where nothing had been added or altered, he found -three ladies, the son of the house, and his host. "Mrs. Lexington, Miss -Lexington, and my daughter Violet, with my son Frank," comprehended the -introductions. - -All were in evening attire, the ladies very quietly but becomingly -dressed. The dinner was much as usual; his own wines, glass, and table -decorations were in the same order as before. Could he have given a -dinner-party unawares? His position at the right hand of Mrs. Lexington -seemed hardly to decide the question. - -No reference was made by any of the company, which included the rector -of the parish (a few minutes late), to his reasons for expatriating -himself, though expressions of regret occurred that he should be -leaving the country. - -"My daughters are lost in astonishment that you should voluntarily quit -such a paradise, as it appears to us sunburnt Australians," said the -lady of the house. - -"You wouldn't have got _me_ to leave it without a fight," said Miss -Lexington; "but I suppose men get tired of comfort in this dear old -country, where everything goes on by itself apparently, and even the -servants seem 'laid on' like the gas and water. They must want danger -and discomfort as a change." - -"There would not appear to have been much in the country from which you -came," replied Sir Roland, declining the personal question. - -"We have had our share," said Mr. Lexington. "Fortunately one is seldom -the worse for it; perhaps the more fitted to enjoy life's luxuries, -when they come in their turn. Tell Sir Roland something, Frank, about -that dry season when you were travelling with the 'Diamond D' cattle." - -"Rather early in the evening for Queensland stories, isn't it?" replied -the younger man thus invoked, who did not, except in a deeper tint of -bronze, present any point of departure from the home-grown product. -"Tell him one or two after dinner. I'd rather have his advice about the -country sport, if he'll be good enough to enlighten me." - -"A better guide than my old friend the rector here the country doesn't -hold," said the ex-squire. "He knows to a day when 'cock' may be -expected, and though he doesn't hunt now, he used to be in the first -flight; as for fishing, he's Izaak Walton's sworn disciple. I leave you -in good hands. All the same, I'm ready to be of use in any way." - -"The weather feels warm now, even to us. We hardly expected such a -day," remarked Mrs. Lexington; "and as we have none of us been home -before, we don't quite know what to make of it." - -"If it's a trifle warm and close, it never lasts more than a few days, -they tell me," said the eldest daughter; "and the nights are always -cool. That's one comfort. I always feel like putting a new line in -my prayers of thankfulness for there being hardly any flies and no -mosquitoes. And such lovely fresh mornings to wake up in! Such trees, -such grass! No wonder the hymns speak of 'a happy English child!'" - -"All the same, Australia is not a bad country," said Mrs. Lexington, -"though we did have seventeen days once at the Macquarie River when it -was a hundred in the shade every day and ninety every night. On the -other hand, the Riverina winter was superb--such cloudless days and -merely bracing mornings and evenings. I dare say we shall miss _them_ -here in 'chill October.' Sir Roland will give us his impressions when -he returns, perhaps," she continued. "It is hard to find a climate -which is pleasant all the year round. A cool summer is enjoyed at the -expense of a cold winter. And we have extremes even in Australia. I -saw in the paper lately some account of pedestrians being thirty hours -in snow, and much exhausted when they reached their destination after -being out all night." - -"I should hardly have thought that possible," said the guest, genuinely -astonished. - -"English people hear more of the heat of our climate than the cold," -said his host, good-humouredly; "but the mails are carried on -snow-shoes in the winter season of a town I know, and I have seen the -children going to school in them too." - -"Oh, come! dad will soon begin to tell stories about snakes," said -Miss Violet, "if we don't turn the conversation. Do you have much lawn -tennis in the neighbourhood, Sir Roland?" - -"A good deal," he replied, "as the rector will tell you. His daughters -are great performers, and at the last tournament with West Essex Miss -Charlton was the champion." - -"Oh, how delightful! We all play except dad and mother, so we shall be -able to keep up our form." - -"Then it's not too hot in the Australian summer for exercise?" - -"It's never too hot for cricket, or dancing, or tennis in our country. -We couldn't do without them, so the weather must take its chance. After -all, a little heat, more or less, doesn't seem to matter." - -"Apparently not," said Sir Roland, noting the girl's well-developed -figure, regular features, and animated expression. - -In truth, they were both handsome girls, though their complexions -showed a clear but healthy pallor, as distinguished from the rose-bloom -of their British sisters. If Sir Roland had not been dead to all -sympathetic consideration of the great world of woman, it would have -occurred to him that a man might "go farther and fare worse" than -by choosing either of these frank, unspoiled maidens, rich in the -possession of the charm of youth and the crowning glory of the sex--the -tender, faithful heart of a true woman. - -But to his dulled and disturbed senses, not as yet recovered from -the merciless blow dealt him by fate, no such appreciation of their -youthful graces was possible. - -He was courteous to the utmost point of politeness, scrupulously -attentive to their queries about this, to them, unfamiliar land of -their forefathers; careful also to requite the consideration with which -he felt they had regarded him. But they might have been any one's -maiden aunts, or indeed grandmothers, for all the personal interest -which he felt in them. Indeed, when Mrs. Lexington caught her eldest -daughter's eye and proceeded to the drawing-room, he was distinctly -conscious of a feeling of relief. - -Then, as he drew up his chair at the suggestion of his host, he began -to show increased interest, as the question of a desirable colony to -betake himself to was mooted. - -"You are not in the same position as many young men whom Frank and I -have met. You are accustomed to a country life, and have a practical -knowledge of farming. Your cattle and sheep (we went through them this -morning) do the management credit, and the bailiff tells me that you -directed it in a general way. The crops and the grass lands are A 1. -So you won't have so much to learn when you've thought out the climate -in Australia. May I consider that you prefer agriculture to a pastoral -life?" - -"I must say that I do, though I don't limit myself to any particular -pursuit or investment. I should feel grateful for your advice in the -matter." - -"We are all New South Wales people, born there indeed, and probably -prejudiced in its favour. It is the mother colony of Australia, and -until lately the largest, so that there was always plenty of scope. We -have never, like most of the larger pastoralists, had much to do with -farming, preferring to buy our hay, corn, flour, and such trifles from -the small settlers." - -"The squatters, as I suppose they are called," interposed Massinger, -who was beginning to be proud of his colonial knowledge. - -"Well, not exactly," corrected the colonist. "The smaller holders are -called farmers, or 'free-selectors,' having by a late Act of Parliament -acquired the right of free choice over the Crown lands leased in -vast acres to the squatters. They follow farming exclusively as an -occupation, and are chiefly tenants, or men of small capital. The -squatter, on the other hand, is the Australian country gentleman--the -landlord, where he is a free holder. It is therefore the more -fashionable pursuit, so to speak, and as such, has proved attractive -to men like yourself, who commence colonial life with a fair amount of -capital. Perhaps Frank will give you his views." - -"I never could stand farming at any price," said the younger colonist. -"I hardly know a turnip from a potato. My fancy has always been for -the big outside stations. There's something to stir a man's blood in -managing a property fifty miles square, with plain, forest, and river -to match. Then twenty thousand head of cattle, or a hundred thousand -sheep to organize a commissariat for, and an army of men to command! -There's no time to potter about ploughing and harrowing, haymaking or -reaping, in country like that. You might as well dig your own garden." - -"But surely they are necessary occupations?" queried the intending -colonist. - -"Not to men with a million of acres or so in hand. They can't worry -over details. We buy everything we want in that way, and have it -brought to our doors, more cheaply than we could grow it. Our work in -life, so far, is to produce cheap beef, mutton, and wool, to feed your -people and for them to manufacture. That, I take it, is our present -business, and anything that interferes with it is a loss to the empire." - -"That seems a short list of products for a great country like yours. -Couldn't you supply anything more from the land?" - -"All in good time," said the young man, sipping his claret. "By-and-by, -when labour becomes more plentiful and the population denser, we -shall send you butter and bacon, cheese, honey, fruit, flour, sugar, -wine, and oil--even rabbits, confound them!--by the million. These -products, when we have time, and have overtaken the local demand, we -can export by the shipload. A hundred thousand frozen lambs--that kind -of thing--in one steamer." - -"But you have said nothing about horses. Surely I have heard that your -country is very suitable for rearing them?" asked their guest. - -"Suitable!" ejaculated the young Australian, with more animation than -he had previously expressed. "I should think so. Yet up to this day, -though a fascinating pursuit, horses haven't paid so well as sheep -and cattle. But our time is coming. I have always maintained that -we could breed cavalry and artillery horses for all Europe--more -cheaply, too, than any other country in the world; horses possessing -extraordinary courage, stoutness, speed, and constitution. From the -way in which they are reared on the natural grasses in the open air, -they have the best feet and legs in the world. The Indian buyers find -them more suitable for cavalry and artillery than Arabs or their own -stud-breds, but as yet they only take a tenth part of what we could -rear if the markets were more steady and assured. It will be proved -some day that the English horse gains in stoutness in Australia after -a generation, and I look forward even to our sending you back pure -Australian thoroughbreds, equal in speed to their imported grandsires, -but sounder, stronger in constitution, and with more bone." - -As the descendant of Kentish squires spoke with heightened feeling -upon what was evidently a favourite theme, Massinger could not -help admitting that the speaker himself was no bad exemplar of the -favourable conditions of a free, adventurous, roving life upon the -Anglo-Saxon type. Frank Lexington was, indeed, as fine a man as -you could make physically--a description once applied to him by an -enthusiastic admirer at an up-country race meeting. Standing somewhat -over six feet in height, he was admirably proportioned, and not less -for strength than activity. His features were regular, approaching the -Greek ideal in outline, while his steady eye and square jaw denoted -the courage and decision which, young as he seemed, had been tested -full many a time and oft. His hands, though bronzed and sinewy with -occasional experiences of real hard work, were delicately formed, while -his filbert nails, perhaps as true a test as any other of gentle blood -and nurture, had evidently never lacked careful tendance. - -Fairly well read, and soundly if not academically educated, he was -but one of a class of the present generation of Australians who do no -discredit to the imperial race from which they spring. - -Before these reflections had come to a conclusion, however, Mr. -Lexington rose, saying-- - -"Now that Frank has got to the horses of his native country, we had -better adjourn the debate, if you won't take another glass of port, or -his mother and sisters will be scolding us for staying too long over -our wine." - -Soon after their arrival in the drawing-room the opposition found a -speaker. - -"We thought you were never coming, daddy dear," said Miss Violet. -"What in the world do men find to talk about when _we're_ not there? I -suppose, though, that you were giving Sir Roland a lecture on colonial -experience, and Frank had fallen foul of the shooting and fishing -topics, or, worst of all, the great horse question! Ah! I see you look -guilty, so I won't say any more about it." - -"I'm sure it's very natural, my dear," said Mrs. Lexington. "Of course -Sir Roland knows as little of colonial life as your father does about -English farming. Either experience would be valuable, you know." - -"I am not so sure of that," quoth the merry damsel, who appeared to -be of independent mind. "I've rarely known dad take any one's opinion -but his own; and as to advising new--er--that is--new arrivals in -Australia, you remember what Jack Charteris said when somebody asked -him to do so?" - -"Something saucy, no doubt." - -"Oh no; it was only to this effect--that if the young fellow had any -common sense, he would soon find out everything for himself; and if he -hadn't, nothing that you could say would do him any good." - -"I am afraid that you will give Sir Roland a strange idea of Australian -young ladies' manners. For a change, Marion might try this lovely -piano. It's almost new; too good for a bachelor's establishment." - -Massinger winced a little, but did not explain that, as the adored -personage had once been inveigled into joining an afternoon tea at the -Court on the way back from a tennis match, of which he had received -timely notice, he had ordered a new grand piano to be sent down from -London, so that it might be ready for her divinely fair fingers to -essay. - -"The other one," he replied, carelessly, "was rather old--had, indeed, -been sent up to a morning-room; just did for practising on when ladies -were in the house." - -"I should think it did," said Miss Lexington, indignantly. "Why, it's -better now than half the people have in their drawing-rooms. I'm afraid -you won't make much of a fortune in Australia if you're so extravagant. -Three hundred and fifty pounds' worth of pianos in a house with a -family of _one_!" - -"I'm like the man in your sister's story, Miss Lexington," said he, -smiling at the girl's earnestness. "Advice will be thrown away upon me. -But perhaps I may improve after a few months." - -"Months!" said the girl; and a sudden look almost of compassion changed -the lustre of her dark grey eyes. "How little you know of the _years_ -and years before you!--the changes and chances, the bad seasons, the -dull life; and then perhaps nothing at the end--absolutely nothing! And -to come away from this!" And she looked round the noble room, which, -if not magnificently furnished, was yet replete with modern comfort, -and had, in the priceless pieces of carved oaken furniture, the air of -ancient and long-descended possession. "How _could_ you?" - -He turned and faced her with an air of smiling but irrevocable -decision. - -"My resolve was not taken without consideration, I assure you; and I -have yet to learn that an Englishman is likely to find himself at fault -among his countrymen in any of Britain's colonies. But I am anxious to -hear my ecstatic instrument for the last time." - -Marion Lexington, as are many Australian girls, had been extremely -well taught--received, indeed, the instruction of an artist of -European reputation. Her ear was faultless, her taste accurate. She -therefore, after a prelude of Bach's, broke into one of Schubert's -wild, half-mournful "Momens Musicals," which she played with such -feeling and power as rather to surprise her hearer, who, a fair judge, -and something of an amateur, was no mean critic. She did not sing, she -explained, but after she had concluded with a Scherzo, Miss Violet -was prevailed upon to sing a couple of songs, which showed, by the -management of a pure soprano, that she had received the tuition which -had fitly developed its high quality. - -Massinger could hardly refrain from expressing a faint degree of -surprise, as he wondered how systematic training was possible in the -primitive surroundings of a pastoral life. - -"An English judge in a _cause célèbre_ once described the squatter's -occupation as a 'rude wandering life,'" said Mr. Lexington, smiling; -"but for many years my wife and the girls lived in Sydney during -the summer, and only went to our principal station, which is near a -large inland town in the interior, for the winter--a season lovely -beyond description. So my daughters enjoyed educational facilities not -inferior, perhaps, to those of country towns in England." - -"Like most Englishmen, I must confess to having formed incorrect ideas -about our colonial possessions. However, I shall have ample time to -amend them, if Miss Violet's prophecy comes true." - -"Never mind her, Sir Roland," said her mother, stroking the girl's fair -hair. "She is a naughty girl, and always says the first thing that -comes into her head. It is just as likely that we shall see you back -again with a colossal fortune in five years. Mr. Hazelwood that bought -Burrawombie did, you know! You remember him, don't you, Frank? And if a -bank-failure epidemic sets in, as was once threatened, we may just then -be wanting to sell out and go back to Australia to retrench." - -"I give everybody fair warning," said Miss Violet, starting up from -her mother's side, "that _I_ am going to settle permanently in England -before that takes place. I couldn't endure returning under those -circumstances. As a girl with a 'record,' as that American one said who -had danced with the Prince, I might be induced to face George Street -and Katoomba again; but not otherwise!" - - * * * * * - -Farewells had been said, old friends and old haunts revisited. The -whole able-bodied population of Massinger Court, tower and town, had -apparently turned out to do honour to their late landlord and employer, -and when Sir Roland deposited himself in an engaged carriage by -insistence of the veteran stationmaster, and was, as the phrase runs, -"left alone with his thoughts," an involuntary lowering of his animal -spirits occurred. - -He had, as his friends and acquaintances fully believed, cut loose -from all old associations--"turned himself out of house and home," -as some familiarly expressed it--quitted for ever the old hall which -had been in the possession of his family in unbroken line since the -Conquest, and committed his fortunes to the conditions of a rude, -quasi-barbarous country. - -And for what? For a most insufficient reason, as all the world thought. - -What was the abnormal incident which had brought about this dislocation -of his whole life, which had made havoc of all previous aims and -prospects? Merely the too highly wrought imagination of a girl--of a -silly girl, people would doubtless say. - -Well, they could hardly so describe Hypatia Tollemache, who had proved -the possession of one of the finest intellects of the day, and had -taken almost unprecedented academical honours. - -At any rate, she might come under the biting regal deliverance, -_Toujours femme varie, bien fol qui s'y fie_. But _was_ she changeable? -He could not say so with any show of sincerity. - -She had been true--too true--to her ideal. Would that she had not been -so steadfast to a vain imagining, an emotional craze! - -A dream, a vision that she was destined by example, precept, -self-sacrifice, what not, to elevate her sex in particular, the -toiling masses in general, the helpless poor, the forgotten captives, -despairing, tortured, chained to the oar of the blood-stained galley, -"Civilization," falsely so called! Confessedly a lofty ideal. Yet how -needless a devotion of her glorious beauty, her precious, all too -fleeting youth, her divine intellect, to the thankless task of helping -those to whom Providence had denied the power of helping themselves; -of expending these God-given treasures upon feeble or deformed natures, -who, when all had been lavished, were less grateful for the abundant -bounty than envious of the higher life, grudgingly displeased that more -had not been dispensed. - -However, the fiat had gone forth. She must be the arbiter of her own -fate. He disdained to beg for a final reconsideration of his suit. -Only, he could not have borne to remain and continue the daily round -of country life, the rides and drives, the tennis and afternoon teas, -the fishing, the shooting, when he knew the exact number of pheasants -in each spinney, the woodcocks expected in every copse. The hunting was -nearly as bad, except for the advantages of a turn more danger. - -No; a new land, a new world, for him! Complete change and wild -adventure; no ordinary derangement of conditions would medicine the -mind diseased which was ever abiding with the form of Roland Massinger. -His passage was already secured in one of the staunch seaboats which -justify the maritime pride of the Briton; he was pledged to sail for -the uttermost inhabited lands of the South in less than a week's time. -The matter settled, he continued to devote himself assiduously to -acquiring information, and felt partially at ease as to his future. - -The most desirable colony still seemed to be a kind of _ignis fatuus_. - -He read blue-books, compilations, extracts from letters of -correspondents--all and everything which purported to direct in the -right path the undecided emigrant--with the general result of confusing -his mind, and delaying any advance to a purpose which he might have -gained. Finally, he fixed, half by chance, upon Britain's farthest -southern possession--New Zealand--the Britain of the South, as it -had been somewhat pretentiously styled by a Company, more or less -historical, which had essayed to monopolize its fertile lands and -"civilize" its tameless inhabitants. - -In the frame of mind in which Massinger found himself, an account of -the war of 1845, in which a Maori patriot threw down the gage of battle -to the "might, majesty, and dominion" of England, obstinately resisting -her overwhelming power and disciplined troops, aroused his interest, -and came to exercise a species of fascination over him. - -The valour of the Maori people, their chivalry, their eloquence, their -dignity, their delight in war and skill in fortification, impressed him -deeply. The Australian colonies had but an uninteresting aboriginal -population, small in number and scarcely raised above the lowest -races of mankind. They held few attributes valuable to a student in -ethnology--and this was one of his strongest predilections--whereas -among the warrior tribes of New Zealand there would be endless types -available for a philosophical observer. - -The nature of the country also appealed to his British habitudes. -Fertile lands, running rivers, snow-clad mountains, picturesque -scenery, all these chimed in with his earliest predilections, -and finally decided his resolution to adopt New Zealand as his -abiding-place--that wonderland of the Pacific; that region of -everlasting snow, of glaciers, lakes, hot springs, and fathomless -sounds, excelling in grandeur the Norwegian fiords; of terraces, pink -and white--nature's delicatest lace fretwork above fairy lakelets of -vivid blue! - -It was enough. _Facta est alea!_ Henceforth with the land of Maui the -fortunes of Roland Massinger are inextricably mingled. - - * * * * * - -Modern arrangements for changing one's hemisphere are much the same in -the case of the emigrant Briton whom kind fortune has included in "the -classes." For him the sea-change is made delightfully easy. Luxuriously -appointed steamers await his choice, distances are apparently -shortened. Time is certainly economised. Agreeable society, if not -guaranteed, is generally provided. Tradesmen contend for the privilege -of loading the traveller with a superfluous, chiefly unsuitable, -outfit. Letters of introduction are proffered, often to dwellers in -distant colonies, mistaken for adjacent counties. - -Advice is volunteered by friends or acquaintances of every imaginable -shade of experience, diverse as to conditions and contradictory in -tendency. - -Firearms of the period, from duck-guns to pocket-pistols, are suggested -or presented; while the regretful tone of farewell irresistibly -impresses the mind of the wanderer that, unless a miracle is performed -in his favour, he will never revisit the home of his fathers. - -From many of these drawbacks to departure our hero freed himself by -resolutely declining to discuss the subject in any shape. He admitted -the fact, gave no reasons, and assented to many of the opinions as -to the patent disadvantage of living out of England. He resisted the -outfitter successfully, having been warned by Frank Lexington against -taking anything more than he would have required for a visit to an -English country house. - -"Take _all_ you would take there, but nothing more." - -"What! dress clothes, and so on?" - -"Of course! People dress much as they do here in all the colonies. -If you're asked to dinner here, you wouldn't go in a shooting-coat; -neither do they. In the country, in the bush, of course minor -allowances are made." - -"But guns and pistols surely?" - -"Not unless you wish to practise at the sea-birds on the way out, -which few of the captains permit nowadays. You will find that you -can buy every kind of firearm there at half the price you would pay -here--equally good, mostly unused, the property of young men who have -been induced to load themselves with unnecessary accommodation for man -and beast. Saddlery, harness, agricultural implements, are all included -in my list of unnecessaries." - -"Then, what _am_ I to take?" inquired Massinger, appalled at this stern -dismissal of the accepted emigration formula. - -"The clothes on your back, a couple of spare suits, a few books for the -voyage, and what other articles may be contained in a Gladstone bag and -two trunks; all else is vanity, and most assured vexation of spirit." - -"And how about money?" - -"There you touch the great essential--leaving it to the last, as we -often do. Take, say, fifty sovereigns for the voyage--thirty would be -ample, but it is as well to leave a margin. And of course half or a -quarter of your available capital in the shape of a bank draft. You -will find that it is worth much more, so to speak, than here." - -"I mean to invest the greater part of it in land"--with decision. - -"All right; as to that, I won't offer an opinion. I know next to -nothing about New Zealand. Look out when you _do_ buy. Some fellow told -me there was trouble with the native titles; and lawsuits about land -are no joke, as we have reason to know." - -"Good-bye, my dear fellow," said our hero; "I shall always be -grateful for your valuable hints. I hate the word 'advice.'" And as -this happened in London, the two young men had dined together at the -Reform Club, of which Massinger was a member, and gone to the theatre -afterwards, wisely reflecting that such an opportunity might not again -occur for a considerable period. - -Before the day of departure he received, among others, a letter of -feminine form and superscription, which read as follows:-- - - "MY DEAR SIR ROLAND, - - "As you are betaking yourself to the ends of the earth, after the - unreasoning fashion which men affect, you won't be alarmed at my - affectionate mode of address. I really _have_ a strong friendly - interest in your welfare, though the nature of such a feeling on a - girl's part is generally suspected. Perhaps, as you cannot get over - your temporary grief about Hypatia, you are right to do something - desperate. She will respect you all the more for this piece of - foolishness. (Excuse me.) Women mostly do, if they have hearts (some - haven't, of course), but they themselves generally believe - they are not worth any serious sacrifice. A really 'nice' woman is - about the best prize going, if a man can get her; only the mistake - he makes is in not knowing that there are lots of other women in the - world--'fish in the sea,' etc.--who are certain to appreciate him if - they get a chance, so nearly as good, or so alike in essentials, that - he would hardly find any difference after a year or two. - - "So, for the present, you are right to go away and found more - Englands, and chop down trees, and fight with wild beasts--are there - any in New Zealand, or only natives? Doing all this with a view of - knocking all the nonsense, as we girls say, out of your head. Time - will probably cure you, as it has done many another man. With us - women--foolish creatures!--more time is generally needed; why, I'm - sure I don't know. Perhaps because we can't smoke or drink, in our - dark hours, like you men when you are thrown over. - - "I wish you luck, anyhow. Some day when you come back--for I refuse - to believe you will never see Massinger Court again--you will tell me - if I am a true prophet. My tip is this:-- - - "Within the next five years Hypatia will have got tired of slumming, - lecturing, teaching, and generally sacrificing herself for the - heathen, and will hear reason; or you will find a _replica_ of her in - Australia or Kamtschatka, or wherever your wandering steps may lead, - who will do nearly or quite as well to ornament your humble home. - - "And now, after this infliction of genuine friendly counsel, I - will conclude with a little personal item which may explain my - protestations of merely platonic interest in your concerns. I have - been engaged to Harry Merivale for nearly three years. It was a dead - secret, as he was too poor to marry. In those days you once did him - a good turn, he told me. _Now_ he has got his step, and his old aunt - has come round, so we are to be _married next month_. - - "I am sure you will give me joy, and believe me ever, - - "Your sincere friend and elder sister, - - "BESSIE BRANKSOME." - - - - -CHAPTER IV - - -With the exception of certain yachting trips, Mr. Roland Massinger, -as he now called himself, having decided to drop the title for the -present, had no experience of ocean voyaging. A well-found yacht, -presided over by an owner of royal hospitality and fastidious -friendships, with carefully selected companions, and the pick of the -mercantile marine for a crew, leaves little to be desired. Fêted at -every port, and free to stay, or glide onwards as the sea-bird o'er the -foam--such a cruise affords, perhaps, the ideal holiday. - -But this was a far different experience. A shipload of perfect -strangers, many of them not indifferent, like himself, to changing -scene and environment, but unwilling exiles, leaving all they held -dear, and murmuring secretly, if not openly, against Fate, presented no -cheering features. The weather was cold and stormy; while, in crossing -the Bay of Biscay, such a wild outcry of wind and wave greeted them, -that with battened-down hatches, a deeply laden vessel, frightened -passengers and overworked stewards, he had every facility afforded -him for speculation as to whether his Antarctic enterprise would not -be prematurely accounted for by a telegram in the _Times_, headed -"Another shipwreck. All hands supposed to be lost." - -This, and other discouraging thoughts, passed through the mind of -the voyager during the forty-eight hours of supreme discomfort, -not unmingled with danger, while the gale ceased not to menace the -labouring vessel. However, being what is called "a good sailor," and -his present frame of mind rendering him resigned, if not defiant, he -endeared himself to the officers by refraining from useless questions, -and awaiting with composure the change which, as they were not fated to -go to the bottom on that occasion, took place in due course. How the -storm abated, how the weather cleared; how, as the voyage progressed, -the passengers became companionable, has often been narrated in similar -chronicles. - -The mountains of New Zealand were finally sighted, and the good ship -_Arrawatta_ steamed into the lovely harbour of Auckland one fine -morning, presenting to the eager gaze of the wayfarers the charms of a -landscape which in many respects equals, and in others surpasses, the -world-famed haven of Sydney. - -It was early dawn when they floated through the Rangitoto channel -between the island so called--the three-coned peak of which, with -scoria-shattered flanks, denoted volcanic origin--and the North Head. -Passing this guardian headland, "a most living landscape," the more -entrancing from contrast to the endless ocean plain which for so many a -day had limited his vision, was spread out before the voyager's eager -and delighted gaze. Land and water, hill and dale, bold headlands and -undulating verdurous slopes, combined to form a panorama of enchanting -variety. - -The city of Auckland, which he had come so far to see, rose in a -succession of graduated eminences from the waters of a sheltered bay. -Bold headlands alternated with winding creeks and estuaries; low -volcanic hills clothed with dazzling verdure, ferny glens and copses -which reminded him of the last day's "cock" shooting at the Court; -while trim villas and even more pretentious mansions gave assurance -that here the modern Vikings, having wearied of the stormy seas, had -made themselves a settled home and abiding-place. Glen and pine-crested -headland, yellow beach and frowning cliff, wharves and warehouses, -skiffs and coasters, the smoke of steamers, all told of the adjuncts of -the Anglo-Saxon--that absorbing race which has rarely been dislodged -from suitable foothold. - -On the voyage Massinger had noticed a good-looking man, about his own -age, in whom, in spite of studiously plain attire, he recognized, by -various slight marks and tokens, the English aristocrat. Most probably -the stranger had made similar deductions, as he had commenced their -first conversation with an unreserved condemnation of the weather, -after a passing depreciation of the food, concluding by a query in the -guise of a statement. - -"Not been this way before?" - -Massinger admitted the fact. - -"Going to settle--farm--sheep and all that--take up land, eh!" - -"I thought of doing so, unless I change my plans on arrival. I suppose -it's as good as any of the Australian colonies?" - -"Beastly holes, generally speaking, for a man who's lived in the -world. Don't know that New Zealand's worse than the rest of the lot. -Australia--all black fellows--kangaroos--sandy wastes--droughts and -floods. Burnt up first--flood comes and drowns survivors. So they tell -me!" - -"But New Zealand is fertile and well watered; all the books say so." - -"Books d----d rot--lies, end to end; must go yourself to find out. My -third trip." - -"Then you like it?" pursued the emigrant, stimulated by this wholesale -depreciation of a country which all other accounts represented as the -Promised Land. - -"Have to like it," answered the other; "billet in this infernal New -Zealand Company. Wish I'd broke my leg the day I applied. Heard of it, -I suppose?" - -Mr. Massinger had indeed heard of it. Had read blue-books, -correspondence, letters, articles, and reviews, in which the New -Zealand Land Company was alternately represented as a providential -agency for saving the finest country in the world for British -occupation, for finding homes on smiling farms for the crowded -population of Great Britain, for Christianizing the natives as well as -instructing them in the arts of peace; or, as a syndicate of greedy -monopolists, insidiously working for the accumulation of vast estates, -and oppressing a noble and interesting race, whose lands they proposed -to confiscate under a miserable pretence of sale and barter. - -"I _have_ heard and read a good deal of the proceedings of the New -Zealand Land Company; but accounts differ, so that they are perplexing -to a stranger." - -"Naturally; all interested people--one myself," said his new -acquaintance. "But, as we've got so far, permit me?" and extracting -a card from a neat _porte-monnaie_, he handed it to Massinger, who, -glancing at it, perceived the name of - - MR. DUDLEY SLYDE, - - _Secretary to the New Zealand Land Company, - Auckland and Christchurch._ - -"Happy to make your acquaintance," he said. "I am not sure that I have -a card. My name is Massinger." - -"What! Massinger of the Court, Herefordshire? Heard generally you had -sold your place and gone in for colonizing. What the devil--er--excuse -me. Reasons, no doubt; but if I had the luck to be the owner of -Massinger Court--_born_ to it, mind you--I'd have seen all the colonies -swallowed up by an earthquake before I'd have left England. No! not for -all New Zealand, from the 'Three Kings' to Cape Palliser." - -"If all Englishmen felt alike in that respect, we shouldn't have had -an empire, should we?" suggested the other. "Somebody must take the -chances of war and adventure." - -"_Somebody else_ it would have been in my case," promptly replied Mr. -Slyde. "However, matter of taste. Every man manage his own affairs. -Great maxim. And as mine are mixed up in this blessed company, if -you'll look me up in Auckland, I'll put you up to a wrinkle or two -in the matter of land-purchase--of course you'll want to buy land; -otherwise _you_ might get sold--you see? Stock Exchange with a 'boom' -on nothing to it." - -The transfer of Mr. Massinger's trunks in a four-wheeler to a -comfortable-appearing hostelry was effected with no more than average -delay. An appetizing breakfast, wherein a well-cooked mutton chop -was preceded by a grilled flounder, and flanked by eggs and toast, -convinced him that the Briton of the South had no occasion to fear -degeneration as a consequence of unsuitable living. After which he felt -his spirits distinctly improved in tone, and his desire to explore the -surroundings of this distant outpost of the wandering Briton took shape -and motion. - -The town of Auckland, having a few reasonably good buildings and -a large number of cottages, cabins, and other shelters in every -gradation, from the incipient terrace to the Maori "whare," was about -the average size of English country towns. No great difference in the -number of houses. Not much in that of the inhabitants. But there was -an unmistakable departure in the air and bearing of these last. The -recognized orders and classes of British life, hardly distinguishable -from their British types, were all there. Rich and poor, gentle and -simple. The farmer, the country gentleman, the tradesman, the lounger, -the doctor, the banker, the merchant, the peasant, and the navvy, all -were there, with their pursuits and avocations written in large text on -form and face, speech and bearing. But he marked, as before stated, a -certain departure from the home manner. And it was grave and essential. -Whether high or low, each man's features in that heterogeneous crowd -were informed, even illumined, with the glow of hope, the light of -sanguine expectation. - -Once landed on the shores of this magnificent appanage of Britain, so -nearly lost to the empire, dull must he be of soul, narrow of vision, -who did not feel his heart bound within him and each pulse throb at the -thought of the gorgeous possibilities which lay before him. Before the -labourer, who received a fourfold wage, and rejoiced in such plenteous -provision for his family as he had never dreamed of in the mother-land. -Before the farmer, who saw his way to opulence and landed estate, as -he surveyed the transplanted food crops growing and burgeoning as in -a glorified garden which "drank the rains of heaven at will." Before -the professional man, whose high fees and abundant practice would -soon absolve him from the necessity of professional toil. Before the -capitalist, who saw in the steady rise of land-values, whether in town -or country, an illimitable field for judicious investment, ending with -an early retirement and at least _one_ fortune. - -The town sloped upwards from the sea, thus necessitating steep -gradients for the streets. The main street, broad and well laid out, -was more level at its inception, though Massinger saw by the hill -immediately above it that he would not have to go far before his -Alpine experiences would stand him in good stead. This was entirely to -his mind; so, stepping out with determination, he reached the summit -of Mount Eden. Here he paused, and indeed the pace at which he had -breasted the ascent, after the inaction of the voyage, rendered it far -from inexpedient to admire the view. What a prospect it was! He stood -upon an isthmus with an ocean on either hand. Far as eye could range, -the boundless South Pacific lay glowing and shimmering under the -midday sun; on the hither side, the harbour with flags of all nations -and ships from every sea. - -The roadstead by which the _Arrawatta_ had entered, appeared like a -land-locked inlet. The outlines of the Greater and Lesser Barrier -were plainly visible, as also the lofty ridge of Cape Colville; other -islands and headlands loomed faintly in the shadowy horizon. Westward -lay the great harbour of Manukau and the Waitakerei Ranges. - -Weary with scanning the gulfs of the Hauraki and Waitemata, as also -the far-seen ranges of the Upper Thames, holding stores of precious -minerals, he allowed his eye to rest upon the fields and farmhouses, -villages and meadows, overspreading the levels and sheltered beneath -the volcanic hills. Under his feet what marvellous revelations of -fertility met his gaze! The volcanic formation was evidenced by the -shape of the conical eminences by which he was surrounded. He counted -more than a dozen. In all, the extinct craters were perfect in form, -though covered on side and base with richest herbage. In these he -detected most of the British fodder plants, growing in unusual -luxuriance. Observing the flattened summits and remains of graded -terraces, he found on inspection that the hand of man had adapted these -works of nature to his needs. - -Scarped, terraced, and perfect of circumvallation, the remains of -mouldering palisades indicated the abodes of a warlike people, who had -in long-past days converted these hilltops into fortresses, affording -effective means of defence, as well as a wide outlook, in case of -invasion. - -Here for generations, perhaps centuries uncounted, had this vigorous, -agricultural, warlike people--for such by his course of reading he knew -the Maori nation to be--lived and died, fought and feasted, garnered -their simple harvest, and lived contentedly on the products of land and -sea. - -Proud and stubborn, brave to recklessness, they naturally became -jealous of the gradually extending occupation of their land by the -encroaching white race. But why should such a people not be sensitive, -even to the madness of battle, against overwhelming odds? They had won -their country from the deep, traversing wide wastes of waters in canoes -but ill adapted for storm and tempest. They had discovered this fair -region--cultivated, peopled it. Why should they not resist a foreign -occupation to the death? And as he looked around on the magnificent -prospect spread before, around, he could not help recalling the lines -of the immortal bard-- - - "Where's the coward that would not dare - To fight for such a land?" - -Returning to his hotel, he chanced to meet several groups of this -much-exploited people, and was much impressed by the stalwart frames -and bold, independent bearing of the men. - -Many of the women, too, were handsome, and among the half-caste girls -and young men were forms and faces which would have compared favourably -with the finest models of ancient Greece. One young man of that colour -attracted his attention. He had been reading on board ship that -wonderful romance of Michael Scott's, wherein the spacious times of -old, and the planter-life of the West Indian Islands, are limned with -such prodigality of colour, such wealth of humorous perception, such -power of pathos. As this young man came swinging along with a companion -down the street, cigar in mouth, he could not help saying to himself, -"There's the young pirate captain out of 'Tom Cringle's Log.'" He was -taller even than that fascinating Spanish desperado, but there was a -strong family likeness. - -"What a man he is!" thought Massinger. "Six feet three or four, if -an inch, broad-shouldered, deep-chested--a wondrous combination of -strength and activity; supple as a panther, with the muscle of a -Farnese Hercules. As to his features, the eyes and teeth are splendid, -the complexion a clear bronze, hardly darker than that of Southern -Europe." - -Altogether he doubted if he had ever seen such a remarkable masculine -specimen of personal grace and beauty. "This is truly a remarkable -country," he soliloquized. "If the climate and soil can raise men like -this, what may not be hoped from the introduction of a purely British -race, with all the modern advantages of civilization?" - -Thus pondering, he managed to discover his hotel, where he set himself -resolutely to sketch out a plan of future operation, before completing -which, he deemed it advisable to deliver some of the letters of -introduction with which he had been plentifully supplied. One of the -more immediate effects of this action was the outflow of an inordinate -quantity of advice, from the recipients of which, as a newly arrived -Englishman, he was deemed to be in urgent need. - -These exhortations were compendious and exhaustive, but failed in -effect upon him from their very affluence, so much of the suggestive -information being in direct contrast to that which immediately preceded -it. - -Having admitted that he intended to purchase a large block of land for -farm and grazing purposes, it was astonishing how much interest he -excited among the mercantile or pastoral magnates to whom he had been -accredited. - -"Have nothing to do with that infernal New Zealand Company," said one -grizzled colonist, "or you'll never cease to regret it. They're all in -the same boat with certain British members of Parliament and the local -political gang, to rob these poor devils of natives of their tribal -lands. Title? They haven't a rag. Some artful devil of a Maori--and -they are not behindhand in that line--pretends to sell the lands of -his tribe, for a few barrels of gunpowder or cases of Yankee axes--of -course signs a bogus deed." - -"But isn't he their accredited agent?" queried our hero. "They would be -bound by his act." - -"Agent be hanged!" quoth the pioneer impetuously. "This allotment -belongs to me; have I a right therefore to sell the whole town? Though, -between you and me, there are men in business here who would have a -try at it, if they could delude one of you innocent new arrivals into -taking his word and paying over the cash." - -"I trust I'm not quite so innocent," replied Massinger, smiling, "as to -make purchases without due inquiry." - -"Depends upon whom you inquire from," said his experienced friend. -"Advice is cheap, or rather dear enough, when the giver has an axe to -grind." - -"Then how am I to find out, if no one is to be trusted in this Arcadia -of yours?" - -"Devilish few that I know of," rejoined the senior. "The Government -officials and the Land Commissioners are, perhaps, the safest. They -have some character to lose, and are fairly impartial." - -"After what you have said, may I venture to ask counsel from -you?"--instinctively trusting the open countenance and steady eye of -the pioneer. - -"Oh! certainly; you needn't take it, of course. Don't be in a hurry to -invest; that's my first word. The next, _buy from the Government_; they -have a title--that is, nearly always--and are bound to support you in -it." - -"But suppose their title is disputed? What will they do?" - -"Take forcible possession, which means _war_. And Maori war--savages, -as it's the fashion industry call them--is no joke. And mark my word, -if they're not more careful than they have been lately, 'the deil -will gae ower Jock Wabster.'" Here the speaker lapsed into his native -Doric, showing that though half a century had rolled by since he first -anchored in the Bay of Islands, and the Southern tongue had encroached -somewhat, he had not forgotten the hills of bonnie Scotland or the -expressive vernacular of his youth. - -"But surely the tribe, whichever it may happen to be, could not stand -against British regulars?" - -"So you may think. But I was in the thick of Honi Heke's affair in '45, -and I could tell you stories that would surprise you. You must remember -that, as a people, the New Zealanders are among the most warlike races -upon earth, inured for centuries past to every species of bloodshed and -rapine, and bred up in the belief that a man is a warrior or nothing. -Fear, they know not the name of. They are wily strategists, as you will -observe, when you see their 'pahs,' and the nature of their primeval -forests gives them an immense advantage for cover or concealment." - -"Then you think there may be another war?" inquired Massinger, with -some interest. - -"Think! I'm sure of it. Things can't go on as they are. We're in for -it sooner or later, and all because the Governor, who means well, lets -himself be led by half a dozen politicians, in spite of the advice of -the old hands and the friendly chiefs, our allies, who have as much -sense and policy as all the ministry put together." - -"But will not they always naturally lean to their own countrymen?" - -"Far from it--that's the very reason. Most of these chiefs have tribal -feuds and hereditary enemies, as bitter and remorseless as ever my -Hieland ancestors enjoyed themselves with. Others, like Waka Nene, -since they were Christianized by the early missionaries, have cast in -their lot with the whites. They fought shoulder to shoulder with us, -and will again, even if they disapprove of our policy." - -"What an extraordinary people!" said Massinger. "And if war breaks out, -as you think likely, what will become of the colonists?" - -"They will have to fight for it. Murders and every kind of devilry will -result. But we have fought before, and can again, I suppose. These -islands are going to be another Britain; and even if there has been -some folly and injustice, England always means well, and we are not -going to give them up. 'No, sir,' as my American friends say." - -"I rather like the prospect," said Massinger. "A good straightforward -war is a novelty in these too-peaceful days. If I had any notion of -leaving New Zealand, which I have not, this would decide me. Good -morning, and many thanks. I will see you again before I decide on -anything fresh." - -"There's grit in that young yellow," quoth the ex-skipper, as he walked -out. "Bar accidents, he's the sort of man to make his mark in a new -country." - -The man so referred to walked down the street, deeply pondering. - -"I have got into the land of romance," thought he, "without any -manner of doubt. What a pull for a fellow in these degenerate days! -It raises one's spirits awfully. In addition to such a country for -grass and roots as I never dreamt of it, to think of there being -every probability of a war! A real war! It reminds one of the 'Last -of the Mohicans,' and all the joys of youth. We shall have 'Hawkeye,' -'Uncas,' and 'Chingachgook' turning up before we know where we are. Oh! -_fortunati nimium_----Halloa! what have we here?" - -What he saw at that moment was something which had hardly entered -into his calculations as a peaceful colonist. But it was strangely in -accord with the warning tone of Captain Macdonald's last deliverance. -A section of the Ngatiawa tribe, which had visited Auckland on the -matter of a petition to the Governor concerning the violation of a -reserve, the same being _tapu_ under ceremonies of a particularly awful -and sacred nature, were indulging themselves with a war-dance by way -of dissipating the tedium necessitated by official delay. A crowd -of the townspeople had collected at the corner of Shortland Street, -while the tattooed braves were with the utmost gravity going through -the evolutions of their horrific performance. Chiefly unclothed, they -stamped and roared, grimaced and threatened, as in actual preparation -for conflict. Musket in hand, they leaped and yelled like demoniacs; -their countenances distorted, the eyes turned inward, their tongues -protruded as with wolfish longing. Each man was possessed by a -fiend, as it seemed to Massinger, who gazed upon the actors with -intense interest. The performance, hardly new to the majority of the -spectators, failed to impress one of them with due respect. He remarked -upon the pattern tattooed on the thigh of a huge native in front of -him to a comrade, ending with a rude jest in the Maori tongue. It was -a _mauvaise plaisanterie_ in good sooth. Turning like a wild bull upon -the astonished offender, and furious at the insult offered to his -_moko_--sacred as the totem of an Indian chief--the Ngatiawa dashed -the butt-end of his musket against his breast, sending him on to his -back with such violence that he had to be assisted to rise, stunned -and bewildered. The Maoris wheeled like one man, and formed in line, -while the leader shouted _Kapai!_ as they marched through the crowd to -their camp, chanting a refrain which no doubt might have been freely -rendered, "Wha daur meddle wi' me?" - -This incident impressed our Englishman more than weeks of description -could have done, with the peculiar characteristics of the strange race -among whom he had elected to dwell. Pride and sensitiveness, to the -point of frenzy, were evidently among the attributes which had to be -considered at risk of personal damage. - -He was, however, surprised at the cool way in which the crowd had taken -their comrade's discomfiture, and said as much to a respectable-looking -man who was walking down the street with him. - -"We're not afraid of the beggars," returned the townsman, "as we'll -show 'em by-and-by. But it's no good starting before you're ready. That -fellow was half-drunk, and it served him right. There's a big tribe at -the back of these chaps, and they're in a dangerous humour about that -cursed Waitara block. That's why the crowd wouldn't back the white man -up. He's only a wharf-loafer, when all's said and done." - -This explained the affair in great part. Doubtless a _mêlée_ would -have ensued if any hot-blooded individuals in the street had commenced -an attack upon the Maoris. An obstinate and by no means bloodless -fight must have arisen. Doubtless, in the end, the whites would have -conquered. Then the tribe would have murdered outlying settlers, or -attacked the town. The military would have been engaged. The war-torch, -once applied, might have lighted up a conflagration over the whole -island, necessitating an expenditure of blood and treasure which years -of peace would have been insufficient to repay. All, too, occasioned by -the idiotic folly of a worthless member of society. - -Revolving such reflections, which, with other ideas and considerations, -effectually excluded the image of Hypatia, Roland Massinger betook -himself to his hotel, having discovered, as many a gentleman -unfortunate in his love affairs has done before him, that this life of -ours holds sensational interests, which, if not sufficing to assuage -the pangs of unrequited love, yet act as a potent anodyne. - -To such an extent did the subject of the diplomacy urgently required at -such a juncture excite his interest, that he cast about for some means -of visiting the camp of these strange people, and learning more about -their embassy, which had so suddenly acquired importance in his eyes. -Having fully decided upon making New Zealand his home, and becoming -fired with ambition to aid in the development of this wonderland of -the South, he had addressed himself on the voyage with commendable -diligence to the study of the Maori language and traditions. Thus, -though properly diffident as to his colloquial powers, he was in a -position to more easily acquire a practical proficiency than if he had -been without a preparatory course of study. - -He had finished his lunch, and was enjoying his smoke on the balcony, -gazing over the harbour, of which the elevated position of the -Grand Hotel offered a view which he never ceased to admire, when he -recognized the sonorous voice of his marine friend of the morning, -Captain Macdonald. - -"Yes, indeed! Ticklish situation--you may well say so. Jack Maori -sitting on a powder barrel, filling cartridges and smoking his pipe. -I've often seen 'em--nothing to it." - -"I agree with you, Macdonald; you and I have been long enough here -to know how to deal with Maoris. The Government ought to see that -the touchy beggars are not needlessly set up. I lost a dozen -valuable blocks here in 1840 because a young fool of a pakeha didn't -know the difference between taihai-ing (stealing) and mere taking -away--tiaki-ing." - -"Why, how was that?" - -"Well, he said that Te Hira, the young chief of all the coast about -there, was 'taihai-ing the goahore'--instead of tiaki-ing. He felt -affronted--sulked, of course, and just as I fully expected to get all -Shortland Crescent for--well, decidedly cheap--he shut up his mouth -like a vice, and wouldn't sell a yard of his land. It shows what a -queer people they are, when a grammatical error has such far-reaching -consequences." - -"Consequences!" echoed his companion; "I should think so. But I never -heard of that adventure of yours." - -"Well, it made a difference of about five thousand a year to me, -according to the present price of the land. The Government got it -afterwards, and cut it up into town lots. What noble buildings are on -them now!" - -"Look here, Lochiel," said the sea-captain; "suppose we walk over to -the camp and have a _Korǒero_. I know this chief, and we can both -patter Maori. It might do good to explain matters, and none of us want -to see Auckland under martial law." - -"It's just a grand idea!" said the other colonist, a tall -distinguished-looking elderly man, whose spare upright figure suggested -military training; once careless enough of danger, but now for some -years declined to the more peaceful vocation of a merchant--one of the -sea-roving, fearless breed of adventurers peculiar to Britain, whose -wide-reaching mercantile transactions have included the mobilizing of -armies and the levying of taxes; "in whose lumber-rooms," as in those -of the Great Company now merged in Imperial rule, "are the thrones of -ancient kings." - -Here Massinger advanced, and bringing himself within the ken of the -speakers, was at once introduced to "my old friend, Mr. Lochiel," as -"Mr. Massinger, a gentleman who had come to settle among them." - -"Very pleased to make his acquaintance," said the tall man, whose -shrewd, intellectual, kindly face impressed him most favourably. "If -he is of my mind, he will have reason to congratulate himself on his -choice of a colony. I have never regretted my decision, and the greater -part of my life has been spent here." - -"You seem to have a diplomatic difficulty on hand," remarked Massinger, -"if I may judge from an experience this morning." - -"Oh! you witnessed that affair in Shortland Street, did you? My friend -and I were just about to walk over to the Maori camp and get their -notion of it. We're both 'Pakeha Maoris' of long standing, and the -chief, Te Rangitake, has heard our names before. Would you care to -accompany us?" - -"There is nothing I should like better. I begin to wish for a more -intimate acquaintance with our native friends, and trust to be an -authority on their manners and customs by-and-by." - -"It's odds but that we may know a lot more about their ways before -long," said Captain Macdonald; "more than we shall like, if I don't -mistake. In the mean time we had better look them up at the Kiki." - -The newly made friends--for such they were fated to be in the -after-time--walked on a path parallel to the sea, over several deep -ravines crossed by temporary bridges, until they came to a clear space, -in front of which a bold bluff looked out upon the harbour. Here a -collection of huts, made of the _raupo_, or reed-rush, and the smoke of -fires, denoted the presence of the ambassadors of the former lords of -the soil. - -"_Haere Mai! Haere Mai!_" was the cry with which they were greeted, -which Massinger rightly interpreted as a note of welcome. His -companions replied with a phrase which appeared to be the correct -antiphonal rejoinder. As they reached the camp, in which they noted -a number of women and children, it was evident that they were -favourably known to the _hapu_, or family section, of the by no means -inconsiderable Ngatiawa tribe. - -The chief himself, an intelligent and determined-looking man, thus -addressed them-- - -"Welcome! My welcome is to you, captain! You have been a friend to the -Ngatiawa as long ago as when Honii Heke cut down the flagstaff; and my -welcome is to you--Herekino. When your ship was in Kororarika, your -heart was to our tribe." - -"My salutation," said Macdonald, "is to you, O Te Rangitake! My friend -and I, also this Pakeha Rangatira, have come to you for words in this -quarrel of Otakou in Auckland today. It is folly--let it not breed -quarrels between us. It was the act of a nobody, a _tutua_. - -"The heart of Otakou is sore," replied the chief, gravely. "He was -mocked by the pakeha. His _mana_ was injured. He wished for _utu_, but -I told him there were matters to be considered; that the tribe was in -_runanga_ concerning the Waitara land--our land, the land of my people. -After that he can take his musket in his hand. It is his own affair." - -"It was a folly, a child's trick. The pakeha was beaten by him. He fell -on the ground. His countrymen would not defend him. He had done wrong. -Were they afraid of forty or fifty Maoris? No! They knew that the -pakeha had done wrong. They would not lift a finger for him." - -"It is well," said the chief; and advancing a few steps, he spoke -rapidly to the insulted warrior, who sat moodily alone. "The Rangatira -with the white man says the pakeha has done wrong. His people disown -him. The matter is ended." Here he broke a wand which he carried in his -hand in two pieces, in token that the decision was complete. Upon which -the countenance of the insulted Maori cleared visibly; he arose, and -walked to the other side of the camp. - -And now Mr. Lochiel commenced a conversation in Maori with the chief, -which evidently was more important, and, as it proceeded, became deeply -interesting. The flashing eye of the chief, his impetuous words, his -frowning brow, and ever and anon the deep, resonant tones of his voice, -intimated so much. - -Captain Macdonald translated from time to time, for the information -of Massinger, who became anxious to learn more of the subject of -the important conference, for such it evidently was. The colonist -spoke calmly, but with weight and effect, as was shown by the -quick rejoinders and deeply moved expression of countenance of his -interlocutor. - -"It is about this Waitara block which the Government has bought -lately," said Captain Macdonald. "He disputes the right of Teira to -sell it; says that he will _not_ acknowledge any sale or transfer. That -the land belongs, in named and measured portions, to individuals and -families in the tribe. That no single person has the right to dispose -of it. That the whole tribe must unite, and through him, their chief -and _Ariki_, give formal assent to the sale. That he is anxious to be -at peace with the Governor and our people, but that he will shed his -blood rather than part with this land." - -"But surely there must have been official correspondence about the sale -of this important block?" said Massinger. "Land is not handed over -anywhere like a ton of potatoes." - -"To do the Government justice, there has been correspondence enough and -to spare," replied Mr. Lochiel. "The chief says he had a letter from -the Colonial Secretary that Teira's land (as alleged) would be bought -by the Governor. That his rule was that each man was to have the 'word' -about his own land--that the word of a man with no claim would not be -listened to." - -"But that is the whole business, as I understand the matter. The chief -says it is _not_ the seller's land, though he may have a separate -portion." - -"That is what Te Rangitake wrote. 'Friend! Salutation to you! I will -not agree to our bedroom being sold (I mean Waitara here), for this -bed belongs to the whole of us! And do not you be in haste to give -the money. If you give the money in secret, you will get no land. Do -not suppose that this is folly on my part. All I have to say to you, -O Governor! is that none of this land will be given to you--_akore, -akore, akore_ (never, never, never)--while I live.'" - -As these words rang out until they reached a shout of defiance, the -greater part of the assembled warriors started to their feet, and -standing round their chief and the three white men, looked as if but a -very little additional excitement would suffice to lead them to death -or glory, commencing with the slaughtering of any chance pakehas whom -they might meet. - -"This was not by any means intended for a declaration of war," Mr. -Lochiel averred. "The Maoris are very demonstrative in oratory, and -have always been in the habit of using much parliamentary discussion; -even of giving full and official notice before war is actually -declared." - -But as the three Europeans wended their way back to the city, the -countenances of the older men expressed grave doubt--even expectation -of evil. - -"As sure as we stand here," said Mr. Lochiel, coming to a halt, and -looking over the waters of the harbour, lying calm and peaceful in the -rich tints of the setting sun, "and as certainly as that sun will rise -tomorrow, there will be trouble--war to the knife, I believe--if the -Government persists in paying that fellow Teira the cash and claiming -the whole block." - -"I agree with you," said his friend. "How the Governor, who has stood -firm in so many similar cases, should have allowed himself to be -hoodwinked in this, passes my knowledge. These Ngatiawas will refuse -to quit their land; and the moment the surveyors go on it, there will -be the devil to pay." - -"But what can they do?" queried Massinger. "Will they kill the survey -party?" - -"No! certainly not. They rarely act in a hurry. They will probably use -merely passive resistance at first. But resist they will. You may take -their oath of that." - -"And if that has no effect?" - -"Then they will fight in earnest. They are devils incarnate when their -blood is up. I have seen many an inter-tribal raid and battle; I don't -wish to see another. But there will be murder in cold blood--killing -in hot blood, with all the devilry of savage warfare. The blood of the -men, women, and children certain to be sacrificed before the campaign -is over, will be on the heads of those whose folly and greed provoke -the outbreak." - -"And is there no means of arresting this mad action?" said the younger -man. "Will not leading colonists take the initiative in preventing a -flagrant injustice--this removal of landmarks which must be paid for in -blood?" - -"All depends upon whether the peace party in the House is strong enough -to defeat the machinery of the land-jobbers. If not, one thing is -certain. We shall see the beginning of a war of which it will be hard -to predict the end--much more what may happen in the meantime. And -now, if you and my old friend here will dine with me this evening, I -will promise not to sell you any land, or otherwise take advantage of -your presumed inexperience as a newly arrived lamb among us wolves of -colonists." - -Nothing could possibly have been suggested more in accordance with -our hero's tastes and inclinations, and he congratulated himself on -his prospects of gaining real reliable acquaintance with New Zealand -politics. This arrangement was duly carried out, and the three -friends walked together to Mr. Lochiel's house. He had begged them to -dispense with any change of attire, as the dusk was closing in and -Mrs. Lochiel was absent on a visit. When they reached the mansion, -beautifully situated on a headland overlooking the harbour, its size -and appointments were a surprise to Massinger, doubtful of the class of -habitation which they were approaching. - -"Yes," said the venerable pioneer, as they stood in the handsomely -furnished drawing-room, replete with pictures, casts, curios--a most -generous assortment of _objets d'art_, evidently the fruits of a -lengthened continental ramble; "things are much changed since Thornton -and I bought that island you see out under the line of moon-rays, from -the reigning chief, more than thirty years ago. He and I lived there -for many a day, chiefly upon pork, fish, potatoes, and oysters. How -well I remember the good old chief, to whom we 'belonged' as Pakeha -Maoris, and the first night we spent there!" - -"And at that time had none of the land here been sold to the -Government?" asked Massinger. - -"Not one solitary acre, where Auckland now stands--'nor roof, nor -latched door,' to quote the old song. And now, look at it." - -Mr. Massinger did look across the suburb which divided the grounds -of their host's residence from the city of Auckland, with its thirty -thousand inhabitants, its churches, gardens, court-houses, public -libraries, vice-regal mansion, and warehouses. The lights of the city -showed an area even larger than he had at first supposed it to be. The -ships in the well-filled harbour, the steamers with their variously -coloured illuminants, completed the picture of a thriving settlement, -destined to perform its function notably as a component part of the -British Empire. - -"This is hardly progress," he exclaimed. "It is _transformation_!" - - - - -CHAPTER V - - -Fully convinced that it behoved him to walk warily, and to consider -well before he committed himself to a purchase involving the investment -of his capital and the necessity of residence in a district which might -be exposed to the horrors of war, Massinger determined to consult all -available friends and acquaintances, as well as to examine for himself. -He wished to make sure not only of the validity of title, but of all -collateral conditions likely to affect his occupation. Still, an estate -of some sort he was determined to acquire. - -He had taken daily walks in every direction from his headquarters, and -the more he saw of this wonderful country, the more favourably he was -disposed to think of its fertility, salubrity, and general adaptation -to the needs of an Anglo-Saxon race. - -"What an astonishing thing it seems," he told himself, musingly, "that -these marvellous islands should have remained unknown, unoccupied -wastes, and, but for a few tribes of splendid barbarians, unpeopled, -until the early years of the present century! Providence has marked -them out for another home of our restless race. Another England, -beneath the Cross of the South! An outlet, how gracious and timely, -for the 'hardly entreated brother' who so often languishes in older -lands for lack of free scope for his energies! Such soil, such rivers, -such scenery, such a climate! What should we think at home if tens of -thousands of acres of land of this quality were offered to our farmers -at peppercorn rents or nominal purchase-money?" - -Then, not intending to confine himself entirely to one set of advisers, -he decided to look up Mr. Dudley Slyde. He found that gentleman in an -upper chamber of a large building, writing letters which looked like -despatches, with an industry in strong contrast to his _dolce far -niente_ attitude during the voyage. However, he promptly relinquished -his task, and, taking a chair near a press marked "Native Titles," drew -forth a box of cigars, and, lighting one, exhorted his guest to do the -same. - -"Writing home," he said apologetically; "last day of the mail--have to -send all sorts of beastly Reports. Just told my directors country's -going to the devil; wrapped it up decently, of course. Bad business, -this Waitara block--shockingly managed; don't half like the look of -things. Heard of it, I suppose?" - -"Yes, indeed. I witnessed a passage of arms also between one of the -Maori deputation and a drunken white man. It appeared to me significant -of the temper of the native population." - -"D----d bad temper generally. Touchy first, and dangerous, not to say -bloodthirsty, afterwards. Queer people." - -"In some respects, certainly. But is there no way of persuading them to -sell their land? It would be better for them and everybody else not to -lock up this fertile country." - -"Of course there is, if you go the right way about it. But can't be -done by main force. Wants brains and straight going. That's what we're -short of. Governor right enough, if it comes to that, but been 'had' in -this last affair." - -"The Waitara block?" - -"Precisely. I see you're getting colonized. Remember what Bailey Junior -said about Mrs. Todgers' fish?" - -"'Don't eat none of it?' I remember. But how does that apply?" - -"Just this much. Don't you touch an acre of that rich and well-watered -area, if you get it for nothing. There'll be bloodshed over it, take my -word. And carrying on Master Bailey's warning, any eating done on the -premises is more likely than not to be at the expense, literally and -_personally_, of the incautious purchaser." - -"In my--I was going to say, in my opinion--but I refrain, being -unable to form one. But perhaps I may go so far as to quote old -colonists--that there is certain to be trouble if this so-called -purchase is attempted to be carried out. At this stage could it not be -prevented?" - -"Most certainly it could; but when a policy has been weak up to a -certain point, the responsible head is apt to square the account by -being obstinate in the wrong place. That's the matter now." - -"And the end?" - -"God only knows. If the Government persists in pushing through this -bogus sale, against the warnings of Te Rangitake--who, in addition to -his being a high chief, and the largest holder in this said block, is -a deuced ugly customer--I'll lay twenty to one that there'll be the -devil to pay." - -"But the Government surely won't call out the troops in the face of the -reports of Busby and McLean, and the opinion of Maning, anent native -titles?" - -"People of ordinary sense would think so, but they're 'running amok' -just now, and what between the Company, the Provincial Council, the -Ministry, and the Governor, who has been over-persuaded or duped in -the matter, I believe that war, and nothing else, will be the outcome. -The British Government has acquired much territory in different parts -of the world, but this is going to be one of the biggest land-bills in -men and money that Old England ever drew cheque for. That's what I'm -telling my directors at home, and I hope they'll like the news." - -Here Mr. Slyde resumed his pen, and with a brief adieu the chance -friends separated. - - * * * * * - -Discovering from reliable sources that nothing in the way of battle, -murder, and sudden death was likely to take place for a few weeks, Mr. -Massinger decided that he would pay a visit to those wondrous lakes of -which he had heard and read. He had pictured in his mind, how often, -the strange aspect of a country where snow-crowned mountains or active -volcanoes looked down upon Nature's daring colour-effects dashed off -in her most fantastic moods; where the central fires of the globe sent -up their steam in jets, and the angry gnome, "the mid-earth's swarthy -child," still murmured audibly; where boiling fountains hissed and -gurgled, unchilled by the wintry blast; where fairy terraces, lustrous -in lace-like tracery, lay shining, translucent, under summer moon or -winter dawn; where the unsophisticated inhabitants of this weird and -magical region, all ignorant of the clothes philosophy, revelled from -morn to eve in the luxurious warmth of medicated baths, curative of all -the ills that flesh is heir to. - -When he communicated his intentions as to visiting the far-famed land -of the geyser and the fumarole to his friends, they all advised him to -make the journey without delay. - -"It is one of the wonders of the world, and by no means the least," -said Mr. Lochiel. "I thank God that I have seen it; and though I have -travelled much in other lands, I have never beheld the place that -equals that strange and grand landscape, terrible even in its beauty. -The delicate loveliness of the pink and white terraces 'beggars all -description.' I shall not attempt it. They alone are well worth coming -from the other end of the world to see." - -"And I wouldn't delay either," said Captain Macdonald. "This Waitara -business may bring on war at any time, and then no white man, except a -missionary, is safe--hardly he, indeed." - -"I will start next week," said Massinger, "if I can get a horse and -guide. I should never forgive myself if I lost the chance by delay." - -"Horses of any kind you can pick up at the bazaar within an hour," said -Mr. Lochiel; "and I will send you a guide who could find his way to -Taupo in the dark. It is scarcely a road to travel alone just now, and -the forest tracks are neither easy to keep nor to find again when lost. -The rivers, too, are of a violent nature, and dangerous unless you know -the fords." - -Acting upon this information and the advice so freely tendered, -Mr. Massinger at once bought himself a horse. The roads being -rough--indeed, mostly in a state of nature, as he was informed--and -a certain amount of wearing apparel and provisions being absolutely -necessary, he looked less to the paces and appearance of the animal -than to its strength and substance. A guide, too, was essential, as in -a country where the primeval forest was almost impracticable in places, -where the ice-cold rivers were without fords often, without bridges -always, local knowledge was indispensable. He was fortunate in one -respect, as he fell across a stout half-bred grey mare at a moderate -price. - -Something was said to him about the danger of travelling among the -wilder tribes of the north without protection, or even a comrade of his -own race; to which he made answer that he had not come all that way to -lead a feather-bed life. Whatever risk other men encountered, he felt -equal to. So, with the good wishes of all whom he had met since his -landing, he prepared to depart. - -Mr. Slyde's parting injunction was, "Stand up to these Maori beggars, -and talk as if you owned the island. They know a gentleman when they -see one, and they hate anything like distrust or double-dealing. Unless -war is declared while you are away, you will be as safe as in town -here; in some respects perhaps safer. _Au revoir._" - -In New Zealand at that time, and, indeed, long afterwards, people -were so accustomed to the sight of the emigrant Briton, with his -thick boots, his rough tweeds, Crimean shirt, and brand-new valise or -saddlebags, that such an apparition hardly excited more surprise than -in the Australian colonies. There, a hundred years of colonization have -settled the race in personal habitudes descriptive of every shade of -road travel, town dwelling, ordinary wayfaring or desert exploration. -One glance there is sufficient to determine, not only the station in -life, but the immediate business or occupation of the stranger. And -so full and continuous had been the stream of emigration poured into -New Zealand of late years, that the ultra-British rig excited no more -remark than that of the tweed-clad tourist in the Highlands. Even the -"garb of old Gaul," which the clansmen from Aberfoil or Glengarry -not infrequently sported, as useful, dignified, and ornamental, only -received a passing glance, or gave rise to a transient observation from -a native as to the peculiar description of lunacy to which the pakehas -were subject. - -When, therefore, Roland Massinger left Auckland one fine morning, -riding his gallant grey, with the trusty double-barrel on his shoulder, -a navy revolver in his belt, and a miscellaneous assortment of useful -articles dispersed about himself and his charger, no one seemed -disposed to remark unnecessarily, or to make jeering remarks upon his -outfit. - -A day or two before starting, Massinger received a note in a strange -handwriting, which ran as follows:-- - - "Auckland, 14, Shortland Street, - - "Wednesday. - - "DEAR SIR, - - "My old friend Dr. Lochiel has, I believe, recommended me to you as a - guide for the trip to Rotorua and Rotomahana. - - "I know the country well, and shall be glad to act, if we can - arrange. I don't say that it is too safe in the present state of - native feeling, but that is for you to judge. I shall have the - pleasure of calling upon you tomorrow morning. - - "Yours truly, - - "ALBERT WARWICK. - - "R. Massinger, Esq." - -"Why, I thought Dr. Lochiel told me that the guide was a half-caste," -said he to himself. "Very well written and expressed. Some men I know, -from English public schools, too, could not have written such a note to -save their lives. However, I suppose he got some one to write it for -him." - -He had finished his breakfast, and was digesting it and the contents -of the _New Zealand Herald_, besides trying to reconcile conflicting -statements as to the Native Lands Policy, when a visitor was announced. - -"Mr. Massinger, I believe," said the stranger, bowing. "My name is -Warwick; I presume you received my note yesterday?" - -For one moment that gentleman's self-possession almost failed him, but -he recovered himself in time to murmur an assent and ask the stranger -to take a chair. There was some reason for his surprise. - -He saw before him a very good-looking, well-dressed man of about his -own age, turned out much as he had often been himself for a day's -shooting. A Norfolk jacket, with knickerbockers and worsted stockings, -these last exhibiting a volume of muscular calf, above laced-up -shooting-boots of great strength and thickness of sole. A wide-brimmed -felt hat, and a Crimean shirt, completed attire which was eminently -appropriate and serviceable. - -"You know the people and the country, as well as the route to these -far-famed lakes?" he inquired. - -"From my boyhood," answered this perplexing personage, with a perfectly -correct, even finished accent, "I have been familiar with both. We have -relatives in the Ngapuhi tribe, and I am always glad of an excuse to -see some wild life among them. I have occasionally acted as guide to -parties of tourists, and not so long ago to His Excellency the Governor -and his staff." - -"And your remuneration?" queried the tourist, thinking it wise to -settle that important question off-hand. - -"Oh, say a guinea a day and expenses paid," replied the stranger, in -airy, off-hand fashion, as if the trifling amount was hardly worth -mentioning. "That is my usual fee. I am fond of these expeditions -myself, and in pleasant company; but that one must live, I should be -quite willing to go with you for nothing." - -"That, of course, is not to be thought of. But it will be an added -pleasure to have a companion from whom I can gain information and share -a novel experience." - -"Thanks very much," said Mr. Warwick, bowing; "and for the baggage, if -I might advise, the least possible quantity that you can do with. All -beyond will encumber you in the sort of trail before us. I should like -to superintend the packing." - -"Very grateful, if you will," said Massinger. "Perhaps you would -not mind breakfasting with me tomorrow; we could start directly -afterwards." - -"Most happy. In that case, I shall be here at sunrise, which will give -time to arrange the pack, and we need lose none of the best part of the -day." - -So much being understood, Mr. Warwick bowed himself out, leaving his -employer in a state of suppressed astonishment. - -"The land of wonders, indeed!" he soliloquized. "The people, as well -as the land, seem mysteries and enigmas. Only to look at this man is a -revelation. What a handsome fellow he is!--no darker than a Spaniard, -with regular features and a splendid figure. He would throw into -the shade many of the curled darlings of the old land. One of his -descendants, having taken high honours at Christ Church University, is -obviously the man Macaulay had in his mind when he created the immortal -New Zealander on London Bridge. His accent, his manner, his whole -bearing, quiet, dignified, easy. Why, he has quite English club form! -And where can he have got it? At any rate, there will be some one to -talk to on the way, and as he is a master of Maori as well as English, -he will be invaluable as an interpreter." - -Preliminaries are hateful things at best, but after the usual -hindrances a start was made tolerably early in the day, and ere long -our hero was inducted into the peculiarities of forest wayfaring, as at -that time practised in New Zealand. - -He had scorned the idea of performing any part of it by sea or coach, -having heard that all the pioneers, aristocratic or otherwise, had been -noted for their pedestrian prowess. - -So, with Warwick leading the way with the packhorse, and he himself -doughtily surmounting rock or log, or thrusting between brambles and -climbers, he realized that he was at length actively engaged in the -adventurous experiences he had come so far to seek. - -They did not always keep to the rude highways, or accepted tracks of -ordinary travellers; Warwick seemed, without bestowing thought or care -upon the matter, to journey upon a line of his own. It invariably -turned out to be the correct one, as it cut off angles and shortened -the distances, always striking points on the main trail which he had -previously described. All the available stopping-places on the road -were thoroughly well known to him, and between the more desirable -inns and accommodation houses, at all of which Warwick was evidently -the _bienvenu_, and the historical localities near which Massinger -was prone to linger, no great progress was made. However, time being -no object, they wandered along in a leisurely and satisfactory way, -Massinger congratulating himself again and again on his good fortune in -having secured such a guide and companion. - -At Mercer, on their third day out, Mr. Massinger was gladdened with -his first sight of the Waikato, that noble river around which so many -legends have been woven, on whose banks so much blood has been shed, on -whose broad bosom the whale-boat has succeeded the canoe, the steamer -the whale-boat. His spirits rose to enthusiasm as they traversed the -country between the river and the lakes of Waikare and Rangarui. While -at Taupiri, he marked the groves--actual groves, as he exclaimed--of -peach and cherry trees planted by the missionaries in past days. Then -leaving the river, they entered on the great Waikato plain. - -"All this is very pleasant," he said one morning; "though, but for -the absence of red-tiled farmhouses and smock-wearing yokels, I -might as well be back in Herefordshire. What I am dying to see, is a -decent-sized village--_kainga_, don't you call it?--where I may see the -noble Maori with his _meremere_, his _pah_, and his _wharepuni_, in -all his pristine glory unsullied by pakeha companionship." - -"I think I can manage that for you," replied Warwick, with an amused -smile, "between here and Oxford." - -"What, more England?" said Massinger. "Why not Clapham and Paddington -at once?" - -"Well, you must bear with Lichfield," continued Warwick. "We can turn -off there and make for Taupo. Before we get there, I can promise you -one real Maori settlement, as well as another rather more important, at -Taupo on the lake." - -"And a chief?" queried the wayfarer. "I must have chiefs. A real -Rangatira." - -"I believe Waka Nene, warrior, high chief, and ally of England, is on -a visit at the first one we come to," said the guide, "and he should -satisfy your taste for Maori life." - -Their pathway was narrow, chiefly bordered by high ferns, various kinds -of low-growing bushes, and when the forest was reached, occasionally -blocked by fallen timber, which necessitated a considerable detour, -not always accomplished without difficulty, and obstacles which seemed -to multiply the fatigues of the journey. Still, the wondrous beauty of -the primeval forest had fully repaid him for all difficulties which -nature placed in their way. Hundreds of feet overhead, almost hiding -the rays of the autumnal sun, and causing Massinger to throw back his -head to gaze at their lofty coronets of foliage, rose the royal ranks -of the Kauri, the Totara, the Rimu, and the Kahikatea. Unlike the less -o'er-shadowed forests in Australia described in his premigratory course -of reading, there was but little herbage to be seen between the giants -of that unconquered woodland. Ferns, trailers, thorn bushes, often -breast-high, more or less aggressive, climbers and parasites, filled up -all space beneath the columnar trunks which stretched so far and wide. - -It could easily be imagined how great an advantage the native warrior, -but little encumbered with clothes, and active as the panther, had -over the heavily armed, heavily clothed soldier of the regular forces. -A fair, though not accurate shot at short range, practically almost -invisible, the native is trained to take advantage of every description -of covert. What chance, then, Massinger thought, would British regulars -have against the guerilla tactics of this stubborn, fearless, yet -crafty race? - -As happened to many a gallant British soldier in the American -revolutionary war, it might be a brave man's lot to be shot by a boy -of fourteen, safely bestowed behind a fallen tree, or protected by a -thicket whence he could empty his rifle at the fully exposed ranks of -the pakeha. Though active, and fond of strong exercise of all kinds, -Massinger was by no means sorry when his guide halted by the side -of a gurgling stream, and intimated that they would here halt for -refreshment. Rows of that magnificent fern, _Dicksonia_, fully thirty -feet in height, towered over the banks of the rushing streamlet; a -level patch of verdure near the bank provided a tempting lounge, as -well as a table on which to arrange their humble meal. There reclining, -the wayfarer from a far land reflected approvingly on the first stages -of a journey which already promised a world of novel and mysterious -experiences. And now a new experience awaited him. - -Rested and refreshed, they moved on till towards evening, when Warwick, -after following the path which led to the brow of a steep hill, -stopped and invited his companion to look around. Far in the distance -loomed the curved shoulder of a snow-crowned mountain. The ocean again -rose to view. A winding river threaded the fields and pastures of a -broad meadow. Tiny columns of smoke ascended from a collection of -reed-constructed cabins. And with a distinct relaxation of feature, the -guide pronounced the word _Kainga_--"Here is our stage for the night." - -It was, indeed, a native village, or more strictly speaking, a -"township." For there were, besides a considerable population, -distinctive and representative features which in ancient Britain would -have entitled it to the appellation of a _castrum_--witness Doncaster, -Colchester, Winchester, and the like. - -Above the alluvial flat, on the scarped and terraced hill, rose the -_pah_, or fortress proper--now in good working, that is, warlike order. - -"Why, it's a castle!" exclaimed Massinger. "I had no idea that the -natives did things in this style. I doubt whether the ancient Britons -had one like this to check the Roman advance. Certainly they had no -rifle-pits. Fancy climbing up these precipices to find a double line of -desperate warriors at the top!" - -"All the same, it was taken once, after a fairly long siege; and a -fine, bloodthirsty affair it was, by all accounts," said Warwick. "But -the garrison had been weakened." - -"In what way?" - -"The water gave out; food was short also. That they could have borne, -but they had nothing to drink for days before they gave in." - -"This great fortress, for such it was" (wrote an eye-witness), "was -constructed by this singular people with due attention to the canons of -strategic fortification. It stood on a peak two thousand feet high, on -the summit of a tortuous forest range, girt on each side by precipitous -gorges and rugged intervening eminences. - -"Triple lines of palisading guarded the front, while the crest of the -ridge was narrowed in wedge-like form to the rear of the _pah_. The -outer parapet, seven feet high, extended on each side to the edge of -the range, but was formed with angles near its junction with the cliff, -in order to cover completely an attacking party. The inner parapet, -more than twelve feet high, was guarded by sandbag loopholes to enable -the garrison to fire in safety. Covered ways, from parapet to parapet, -and pit to pit, protected the garrison in their movements." - -This was one of the sights which he had "come out into the wilderness -for to see"--specially and in spite of its being a tolerably large -and important _hapu_, or section of the great Ngatiawa tribe, with -whom relations were certainly strained. His adventurous soul was -stirred within him, as he marked the position of the _wharepuni_, or -council-hall, imposing in size and ornamentation, elaborate though -rude; the clustering _whares_ or wigwams, each containing the family -unit complete; with men, women, and children, dogs and ponies, straying -about in careless intermixture; the warriors of the tribe holding aloof -in haughty independence, the "grave and reverend seigneurs" sitting in -a circle, indulging in converse--doubtless as to matters of state. It -became increasingly apparent to his mind that the affairs of such a -race deserved all the consideration which the most experienced, just, -and intelligent legislators could bestow. - -As they approached, the stranger could observe that a certain degree -of excitement had already commenced to make itself visible. The men -who had been sitting arose, and those who were already standing, -relinquished their attitudes of dignified ease for those of watchful -attention, not unmingled with suspicion. The women left their work or -play (for among the younger ones several games of skill or address were -evidently in progress) and joined the expectant crowd. - -Male and female, young and old, there could hardly have been less than -three hundred people gathered together on the comparatively small -plateau. From their point of view it had exceptional advantages, and -had doubtless been selected with foresight and judgment. Overlooking -the river, winding through a fertile meadow, which showed by its -careful and intense cultivation how the principal food-supply of the -tribe was furnished, it was protected by the almost perpendicular -river-bank, of great height, from sudden assault. An undulating stretch -of open or timbered country filled in the foreground, while in the dim -distance rose the giant form of Tongariro, cloud-capped, menacing, -in dread majesty and sublimity, and but a few miles to the eastward, -calm in the fading light, lay the placid waters of a lake. Strangely -beautiful as was the whole landscape, wanting no element which in other -lands excites wonder or arouses admiration, there was yet a feeling -of undefined doubt, amounting to suspicion of evil, as his eye roved -over the unfamiliar scene. This was confirmed, even deepened, as a -geyser between them and the lake suddenly shot to a height of fifty or -sixty feet in the air, while a hitherto unsuspected fumarole sent its -smoke-columns towards the firmament. Yet not a head was turned, not a -movement made by the group, "native and to the manner born." Geysers -and fumaroles were part of their daily life, it would appear. - -"There may be differences of opinion as to the advantages of their -proximity," thought the white stranger, as he scanned the grand and -majestic features of the wide landscape before him, "but none can deny -their sublimity." He could scarce refrain from exclaiming aloud-- - - "Lives there the man with soul so dead, - Who never to himself hath said," etc. - -If he had carried out the unspoken thought he would have raised -himself in the estimation of his newly found acquaintances, as no -nation has had a higher appreciation of elocutionary effort; and a -free translation by his guide would have doubtless confirmed the -_entente cordiale_. As it was, however, the few sentences uttered by -his companion, in which, among others, he recognized the words Pakeha, -Rangatira, and Mata Kawana, were sufficiently satisfactory. This -was, of course, after the formal greeting of "_Haere mai!_" had been -pronounced by the elders and principal personages of the assembly, as -well as by all the women, and the rank and file. - -A venerable and imposing-looking personage, apparently of great -age, approached to greet the strangers, and, after exchanging a few -sentences of an interrogatory nature, pointed the way to an unoccupied -_whare_ of larger dimensions than the others. In this, Mr. Massinger -was told, through the interpreter, to place his possessions, and to -consider himself at home for the present. An adjoining tenement was -indicated, in a less formal way, as provided for his companion, the -difference of their positions being accurately understood. Indeed, -the socialists of the day would be rather scandalized at the gulf -which separates the Maori aristocrat, or _rangatira_, from the "common -people" (if one may use such an expression) of the tribe. - -The _rangatira_ was, indeed, a personage of no ordinary distinction. -Served from his childhood by his "inferiors," in the most true and -literal sense of the word; waited upon with deference, mingled with -apprehension, by the women, the slaves and the rank and file of the -tribal section, or _hapu_, to which he was born, no wonder that he grew -up with the traditional qualities imputed to the mediæval aristocrat. - -He was the robber-baron of the Rhine; he was the untrammelled seigneur -of the time of Louis Quatorze; he was the piratical Viking of the -Norse legends. - -He raided his weaker neighbours; he descended upon defenceless coast -settlements; he organized carefully thought-out plans of invasion, -alliance, or reprisal. He was comprehensively merciless in war, slaying -and enslaving at will. But he possessed, by the strongest contemporary -evidence, the corresponding virtues. He was brave to recklessness, -chivalrous to a degree unknown in modern warfare, sending notice of -attack, in ordinary cases, before the commencement of hostilities; and, -in well-authenticated instances, even forwarding ammunition to the -enemy who had run short of powder, invariably choosing death before -dishonour. And he was religious after his own fashion, recognizing -superior as well as inferior deities and supernatural personages, whom -it was important to honour and conciliate. He was at all times ready to -die for his principles, or in vindication of his dignity and hereditary -position. - -Roland Massinger, when he found himself in full possession of the -_whare_, which had been floored with clean fern, and even adorned with -several bunches of the beautiful crimson rata and pohutukawa blossoms, -began to revolve the strange chain of circumstances which had led to -his finding himself the honoured guest of this sub-section of a more -or less ferocious tribe. Nothing imaginable could be more romantic; -at the same time, the situation was, at the best, only comparatively -satisfactory. The smouldering blood-feud between the races, already -dangerously fanned by the mistaken action already referred to, might -blaze up at any moment. Then, the war-spirit once aroused, and the -boding scream of the _Hokioi_ thrilling all hearts, the position of an -isolated European would be doubtful, if not desperate. - -Of the risks and chances thus involved, however, our adventurer made -but little account. He had not come so far to abstain from exploration -of this wonderful country. It was not worse than Africa, whence many an -Englishman had returned rich and distinguished. Whatever happened, he -was embarked in the enterprise; would go through with it at all hazards. - -With the addition of a small contribution from his store of provisions -to the _kumera_, pork and potatoes, together with a great dish of -_peppis_, or cockles, supplied in clean flat baskets, he made a -satisfactory meal, concluding, of course, with a pannikin of tea. He -had arranged his rug and blankets at one side of his rude chamber, and, -being reasonably tired with the day's journey, looked forward to a -night's rest of a superior description. - -He walked a few steps from the door, and, lighting his pipe, gazed -upon the scene before him. The moon, nearly full, lighted up the -river, the meadow, the distant mountain, the dark-hued forest. No -civilized habitation was visible. No sound broke the stillness of -the night, save the murmuring voices of the dwellers in this strange -settlement of primitive humanity. Habitudes common to all societies, -rude or civilized, were not wanting. Women talked and laughed, children -prattled or lamented, as the case might be. There was the narrator of -events, the wandering minstrel, the troubadour or "jongleur" of this -later Arcadia, with his circle of interested listeners. The boys and -girls played at games, or walked in friendly converse, much as those -of their age do in all countries. The men were grave or gay, earnest -or indifferent, as elsewhere. Occasionally he caught the word _pakeha_ -strongly accented, from which he gathered that his appearance and -movements had aroused curiosity, perhaps suspicion. - -After a while he observed a small party or group of mixed sexes, which, -breaking up, moved in the direction of his abode. As they came closer, -he observed the guide walking among them. Coming to the front, as he -advanced to meet them, he inquired of him what it meant. - -"They want you to go tomorrow and see the famous lakes and terraces. -I told them you were in a hurry, and must go back to the Governor -at Auckland." Upon this, the leaders of the party, among whom were -several young girls, raised a cry of dissent, making angry gestures and -sportively threatening the guide, while they pointed towards the east, -intimating that the proposed expedition was _kapai_ ("very good"). - -By the time the explanation had reached that stage, Roland found -himself encircled by these dusky maidens, who, with flashing eyes, -animated gestures, and caressing tones, sought to make the _pakeha -rangatira_ understand that the arrangement would be much to his -advantage. - -The guide spoke to them in the native tongue, extolling the importance -and wealth of his patron, and rather deprecating the expedition, as -inconsistent with the responsible duties which were his peculiar -province. However, such was the persistency with which they urged their -argument, that, after asking for a literal translation of the several -inducements held out, Roland pretended to waver. - -"How long will it take," he inquired of his guide, "to go and return?" - -"Not more than two or three weeks," he returned answer. - -"And are the natives much the same as these?" - -"No great difference, except that they are more expert in getting money -out of travellers." - -"Will any of these young people go with us?" - -"Oh yes, if you ask them, and give them a small keepsake, or something -in the way of pay, for their services." - -"Then, I think I will----" - -How the pakeha was about to end this speech may never be accurately -known, for at that moment a loud cry of "Erena, Erena!" arose from the -rear, and a girl, differing in several important respects from the -young women around him, moved quietly through the crowd and stood among -the foremost speakers. - -Roland at once recognized in the new-comer a personality altogether -different from any which he had previously encountered in New Zealand. -It was not alone that she was fairer than her dusky sisters; such -complexions had he seen before, due to the intermixture of the races, -by no means uncommon in the coast towns. Many of the young people of -that blood were distinctly handsome in face and striking in figure. But -there was something regal and statuesque in the bearing of this damsel -which he had scarcely realized as of possibility in a Maori tribe. - -Her dress consisted of a more ornate and elaborate upper garment than -the ordinary flax mat, or _puriri_, worn by the other women of the -tribe. Later on, Massinger learned to know it as a _kaitaka_, or shawl, -made of the finest flax, laboriously prepared, till it almost resembled -silk in texture and appearance; a portion of it was dyed black, and -worked in small diamond-shaped patterns, surmounted by long white -fringes. - -It might almost have been woven in a loom, such was the precision -with which the fine twisted flax threads crossed each other at -intervals. The making of such a garment, chiefly worn by women of -rank or distinction, required both skill and patience; a whole winter -was not considered an unreasonable time to devote to its manufacture. -Gracefully draped over one rounded shoulder, it fell in folds over -a striped woollen undergarment reaching below the knees, permitting -the free, graceful, and unstudied movements so characteristic of the -untrammelled races of the earth. - -As this girl walked slowly forward, the Englishman thought she -might have stood for a sculptor's model of a woodland nymph, as yet -unconscious of the admiring glances of Phɶbus Apollo. - -"Who is this young woman?" said Roland to the guide. "What is her name, -and how does she come to be with the natives?" - -"Her name is Erena Mannering," said he. "She belongs to the tribe, -though she is a half-caste. Her father was a sea-captain, and her -mother a chief's daughter. I have told her about you, and she wishes to -speak." - -"But I cannot talk Maori. You will have to interpret what she says and -what I say." - -The guide smiled. "She can speak English as well as we can. She was -educated at a college in Wanganui, endowed for the teaching of Maoris -and half-castes." - -Thus emboldened, Roland advanced, and begged to be favoured with her -advice as to his making the journey to Rotomahana. - -"I hear," he said, "that there are difficulties in the way. My good -friend Warwick thinks that if the country is not in a disturbed state -now, it soon may be, in which case there might be risks. They tell me, -however, that it is a charming place, and well worth a trial." - -"It is the most beautiful place I ever saw or dreamed of," answered the -strange maiden, in a low rich voice, and with perfect intonation. "For -the danger, I cannot speak. There may be, if war breaks out; but Maoris -do not kill white strangers unless they have a motive. Do you care very -much to go?" - -The expedition was now, in Roland's chivalrous mind, rapidly assuming -the form of an adventure. War, danger, and a _belle sauvage_! He -thought of "The Burial of Atala" which he had seen in the gallery of -the Louvre, and answered with decision-- - -"Always with your permission, I have made up my mind to see Rotomahana -or die." - -The girl smiled, as she looked fixedly at the white stranger with -half-compassionate eyes. - -"You are like all your countrymen. Only say there is a chance of being -killed, and you cannot stop them. I will speak to the chief. He may -write you a pass, and then none can harm you." - -Whereupon she glided forward, and, threading the group, stood before -the chief, with whom she conversed earnestly for some minutes, after -which she reappeared. - -"The chief says that you must go at your own peril. There might be -danger if war is declared. But he does not think you will be interfered -with. He will send people with you." - -"Wonders will never cease," thought Roland. "Fancy this majestic chief -writing a note, 'Please don't eat the bearer till I come,' or something -to that effect!" But he only said that he was astonished at his -kindness, and would gratefully accept his written passport. - -"I dare say you are surprised at a Maori chief writing at all; but Waka -Nene is a baptized Christian. He was converted by one of the early -missionaries, and taught to read and write. He has been a firm friend -of the English ever since. He fought for them in Honii Heke's war, and -will fight for them in this one, if your people are foolish enough to -bring it on." - -"My eyes are being opened; by-and-by I shall be enlightened as to Maori -matters. At present I know little. But my friends in England will never -believe me if I tell them of a Maori chief writing notes, and a Maori -young lady talking excellent English." - -"I am not a young lady--I am only a half-caste Maori girl; but I can -help your people now and then. Is there anything else that I can do for -you?" - -"There is one thing more which would add so much to my pleasure in this -journey," said Roland, emboldened by the strange, unreal aspect of all -things--the flowing river, murmuring in the stillness of the night; -the savage people in groups, lying or standing around; the dramatic -scene with this half-wild maiden, with flashing eyes and mobile face, -a figure like the huntress Diana, and a rich low-toned voice that was -like the murmur of a love-song. "There is one thing which would make -the journey perfect." - -"What is that?" asked the damsel, looking him full in the face with the -clear unabashed eyes of youth and innocence. - -"That you would accompany us." - -He felt, as he uttered the words, that he had presumed too far on such -a slight acquaintance, and that she might resent the proposal. - -Much to his relief, however, she smiled like a pleased child, and -looking at him with much earnestness, said-- - -"Would you really like me to go?" - -"Like you to go! Why, I should be charmed. Think of the advantage to me -of a companion familiar with all the points of the landscape, as well -as every legend and historic locality. But it is too great a favour to -ask." - -The girl's eyes glowed, as with animated countenance Roland proceeded -to detail the amazing benefits of this arrangement. But, true to her -sex, she appeared to hesitate, and finally said she must consult the -chief; if he offered no objection, they would start early on the -following morning. - -Nothing could be more promising or more in accordance with Roland's -feelings. His guide, who had contented himself with putting in a -word or two now and then, had a short conversation in Maori with the -new-found goddess. Then bidding him good-night, she passed on with -swift steps towards the group of elders, where the chief still stood. -There she apparently entered upon the affair of the expedition, for -question and answer were quickly interchanged, and the earnest tones -of the speakers--several of the surrounding elders having joined -in--showed that the question was being fully debated. Lastly, at a few -sentences uttered by the youngest man of the party, she laughingly -shook her hand threateningly at him, and ran lightly back to the part -of the _kainga_ from which she had first emerged. - -"It is all right," said Warwick; "the chief has consented. Erena will -go with us tomorrow. She is better than any man on a journey, and knows -every step of the way. We had better make an early start." - -This Mr. Massinger had every inclination to do; so, after smoking a -couple of pipes in front of their temporary castle, producing tobacco, -and distributing largesse of the same in free fashion, which conduced -to his instant popularity, he lay down in his _whare_ enveloped in rugs -and coverings, where the rippling river lulled him into sleep so sound -that the chatter of the village gossips, and even the baying of the -dogs, which occasionally broke into chorus, had no power to disturb it. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - - -The dawn light awoke Massinger, who, since his arrival in New Zealand, -had cultivated the virtuous habit of early rising, considering it to be -one of the necessary attributes of a hardy colonist. Like others who -have been educated by circumstances to the practice, he found so many -advantages accruing from it, that he resolved to continue it. Hence, -though a sufficient sleeper in the early watches of the night, he began -to be automatically awakened at daybreak. - -A glance around revealed the unfamiliar circumstances of his -environment. Of the various groups which had constituted the village -community on the previous night, by far the greater number were silent, -or slumbering in the _whares_. An occasional figure raising itself from -the recumbent position showed that he was not the only wakeful one in -the _kainga_. Half-forgotten tales of Indian warfare, recurred to his -memory, where the hero, desiring to escape from captivity, looks upon -much the same scene as that which lay before him. He could not but -feel that he and Warwick were entirely at the mercy of the warriors -who composed the greater part of the _hapu_ there assembled. The turn -of a straw, in the electrical condition of the political atmosphere, -might lead to bloodshed, involving a declaration of war. The first -reverse would doubtless throw the Maori people into such a state of -wrath and exasperation, that, even against the policy of their chiefs, -irresponsible members of the tribe might be tempted to sacrifice -isolated parties of the invading race. - -The prospect of a journey by unknown paths through a trackless -wilderness, with however fair a goal, did not look so alluring as when -associated overnight with the witchery of Erena Mannering's eyes and -wonderfully expressive countenance, which hardly needed the translation -of her thoughts into words. - -However, the die was cast. He had given his sanction to the affair; and -Roland Massinger was not the man under such circumstances to go back an -inch from his word. Before dressing for the day, he took advantage of -the proximity of the river for a bath, a preliminary step which, when -circumstances permitted, he never omitted. While descending the slope -which led to the river bank, he was joined by Warwick, who came leaping -along the steep descent like a mountain deer. Arrayed in a pyjama suit -only, which indicated the symmetry of his magnificent figure, his -employer could not avoid admiration at his grand and striking presence. -Taller by several inches than himself, his muscular development was -exceptionally fine, while his activity, as evidenced by the constancy -of his pace, and the ease with which he mounted and descended the most -precipitous hills, clearing the smaller running streams with hardly an -apparent effort, was truly abnormal. - -A sure and deadly shot, he made excellent practice with the navy -revolver which he carried in his belt. So that, in addition to his -general knowledge of the people and the country, Massinger rightly -judged that he might have searched far before finding so perfect a -pathfinder; at the same time, a comrade of courage and resource, on -whom he might rely in the hour of need. - -By the time they had fully refreshed themselves in the rushing tide -of the Huka, they discovered that a considerable body of spectators -had gathered on the higher terrace which commanded the spot which they -had chosen for their ablutions. As they passed through the crowd now -collected between them and their _whares_, from time to time such words -were heard as, "_Kapai te Pakeha, kapai!_" "_Kapai te Rangatira!_" -but all was in the nature of compliment to the travellers, and more -particularly the pakeha, or white stranger. Warwick they appeared to -regard as akin to them, and therefore not possessing the charm of -mystery. Food was then brought, more than sufficient in quantity, and -by no means to be despised by men whose appetite had been sharpened by -a toilsome day's journey and the eager air of this antarctic wilderness. - -The traveller had bread, and even butter, in his packs. With these -aids, and, of course, quart-pot tea, the repast, if wanting in -delicacy, was yet ample and satisfactory. After its completion, and -the lighting of the after-breakfast pipe, he felt fully equal to the -inauguration of the expedition, and awaited somewhat impatiently the -appearance of the tutelar divinity. - -"How about the maiden fair? Do you think she has changed her mind, -Warwick?" - -"Another woman might, but not Erena," said the guide, with an air of -conviction. "Before long she will come round the corner of that hill. I -dare say she'll have some of her people with her. She's an aristocrat -in her way." - -"I should think she was," said the other, with an air of entire -conviction. "She should be a most interesting study. Are there many -more of the intellectual daughter of the soil sort, in these woods and -forests? She is like Rosalind in the forest of Arden, but there does -not appear to be an Orlando so far. I shall be anxious to see the other -damsels." - -"There will be two, if not three, with her today. One of her male -cousins is a fellow whose company I'd rather not have now, or at any -time; said to be an admirer of hers, which makes him more objectionable -still. Here they come, however, with Erena marching ahead like a queen! -Three girls, and a young fellow who's been educated at sea, with this -sulky brute Ngarara--confound _him_ very particularly!--bringing up the -rear." - -As Warwick had foretold, the little party came round the corner of the -mount and made straight for the centre of the village. By this time the -grey mare had been brought up and saddled. Upon her the various packs -were placed, to the great interest and excitement of the youth of the -community, who gathered round and commented freely upon the _personnel_ -and otherwise of the expedition. Discovering by experience that, with -some additions, the mare was sufficiently weighted, and that riding in -such a country was more trouble than it was worth, her owner elected -to travel on foot, like the rest of the party. This would leave him -more at liberty to examine the botanical and geological features of -the strange region upon which they were entering. The position, too, -would be more dignified than riding at a foot pace, pushing his way -through entangling thickets. Besides all this, he would, in right of -his position as head and paymaster of the expedition, be entitled to -take his place alongside of the most interesting personage. Thus, in -the daily march, he would enjoy the original converse of an unspoiled -daughter of Eve, fresh from Nature's bosom, unhackneyed by the -artifices and conventional deceits of the children of the world. - -He walked forward and greeted the forest maiden, who smiled frankly and -held out her hand, which he took with becoming _empressement_. In one -comprehensive glance at her, before he relinquished it, he noted the -details of her dress and equipment. Her figure, statuesque in every -curve and line as the Venus of Milo, was scarcely concealed by the robe -which, thrown across the chest and upper arm, revealed in part the -outline of her classic bust, while affording full play to every motion -of the arms and hands. A species of kirtle, coming below the knee, left -her lower limbs free and unconfined. Her feet were bare, the smallness -of which, as well as the delicate moulding of the limbs, betrayed her -British ancestry. - -Perfectly attired for travel through the steep ascents, the treacherous -morasses and dense woodland of her native land, as with sparkling eyes -and gladsome expression she walked forth at the head of the little -party, Massinger thought he had never before seen a more perfect -presentment of the nymph of the legends of Hellas. - -"We must say good-bye to the chief," she said; "it is _tika_--due and -proper respect. Besides, if we leave without the paper he promised me -we may have trouble." - -They accordingly marched up to the chief's abode, upon which the -venerable warrior walked forward to meet them. He spoke a few words to -Warwick, who replied in his own tongue. - -"Is the pakeha's heart strong to journey to the hot lakes and the -burning earth, and does he not fear the warriors of Te Heu Heu who will -be in his path?" - -"The pakeha is a _toa_," replied the guide. "He fears no man. With his -_tuparra_ he can shoot men as far as he can see them, and he has a -pocket-gun, which carries six men's lives, in his belt. So have I." - -"No doubt the pakeha will fight," said the chief, "but bullets come -from the bush sometimes. The hearts of my people are not sore, and I -pray that peace may be kept. Here is the paper which I promised to the -white rangatira. It will show Te Heu Heu and his people that he is not -a man to be treated like a runaway sailor; and if they have doubts, -Erena must speak to them. Her voice is like the flute of Tutekane, and -they cannot but listen." - -So the expedition departed on its way, Roland and Erena walking ahead. -One of the younger Maoris, at a word from Warwick, took the bridle of -the grey, and followed in the rear; while the others of the party, -including the surly Ngarara, who regarded Roland with a fixed and -sinister gaze, took up the trail and plunged into the forest. - -Their path led for some miles along the course of a narrow but swift -and deep rivulet, until at length it became necessary to cross it at -a gravelly ford. Then he saw the advantage which Erena possessed in -being without shoes and stockings. She calmly waded in without damage -to her attire, and tripped up the opposite bank. While Massinger was -speculating as to whether he should unlace his boots, and so save the -necessity of going in wet ones for the remainder of the day, Warwick -made a sign to one of the men, who without further ado "made a back," -as in schoolboy days, taking him up thereon and across the stream, as -if he had been one in good earnest. This feat accomplished, the party -proceeded as before, through the primeval forest. It began now to be -apparent that the difficulties of the way were likely to increase -rather than to diminish. - -The flax swamps appeared to become deeper and more treacherous, the -hills to be higher, the path less easy to distinguish, the thickets -more dense, and the thorn bushes more clinging and obstructive. Through -all these obstacles and hindrances the Maori maiden seemed to glide -like a disembodied spirit, keeping up a pace the while which taxed -Massinger's powers more shrewdly than he would have believed possible. -He was a good pedestrian, proud of his speed and stamina, but he had to -confess to himself that this damsel and her attendants made the pace -considerably better than he would have believed possible through such -a country. Uphill or down made no difference, apparently, to them. -Warwick marched in the rear, and kept an eye on the man who was leading -the packhorse, any accident to which, in flood or marsh, would have -made a serious difference in the comfort of the party. - -Massinger was not, therefore, displeased when, after scaling a higher -hill than they had as yet encountered, Erena pointed to a wide expanse -of champaign--more extensive, indeed, than he was beginning to think he -was likely to see again--and said-- - -"Here we stop for an hour. I dare say you will like a rest." - -He did not care to acknowledge that he had been nearly outpaced by -this young woman and her wildwood friends, but looking at her before -he answered, he noticed a mirthful twinkle in her dark eyes, which -convinced him that she comprehended fully the humour of the situation. - -"I am afraid you have been trying whether this pakeha can walk," -he said, as she smiled archly. "Your country is not easy, and I am -scarcely in training. But in a few days I will match myself against any -of your people to run, jump, or walk for a wager." - -"You must not do that with these natives," said she, gravely. "You -would lose your _mana_, as we say, if you, a _rangatira_ of the -pakehas, engaged in contests of sport with the common people. However, -some day you may have a chance of trying your speed against them. -Warwick will tell you the same thing." - -"Between your instructions and his, I shall soon know everything that -is necessary for my good." - -"Oh! he is very clever, and a _toa_ as well--that is, a known athlete -or warrior. There has been no fighting since Heki's war in 1845, or he -would have distinguished himself in that way, I feel sure." - -"And now, tell me, do _you_ think there is any danger of war breaking -out, as some people think?" - -"There _will_ be war," replied the girl, fixing her eyes upon him with -a sad and boding expression, "if the Governor takes the Waitara block -by force. The chief thinks so too. He has remonstrated against it, -though he will fight for your Queen to the death, and lead his tribe, -the great tribe of the Ngapuhi, against her enemies." - -"It is a pity it cannot be avoided; but, after all, there are worse -things than war." - -"If there are, I do not know them," said this Egeria of the South. "I -have not seen a Maori war, but if you had heard the things I have heard -you would never speak lightly of one of the most awful things in the -world." - -"Then I hope there will _not_ be war," said Massinger, with a smile. -"Personally, I suppose the sooner I get over to Rotorua and back to -Auckland the better it will be. But whatever happens, I shall always -thank the fates that sent me on this particular journey." - -"Then you are pleased, even now," she said. "Oh, I am so glad!" and -coming nearer to him, she took both his hands in hers, and, with a -gesture of childish simplicity, pressed them warmly, gazing into his -face with a look of frank delight, as might a sister thanking a brother -for a birthday gift. - -He had never met this type of womanhood before, and might have well -been pardoned if he had misunderstood the feelings which appeared to -actuate this woodland sylph. But possessing, as he did, a sympathetic -insight into the higher nature of women, he judged correctly that she -was merely pleased with his approval of her presence and companionship. - -As she withdrew her hands in a natural and instinctive fashion, while -the blush which mantled under her clear brown skin showed that she felt -herself to have overpassed the conventional line of courtesy, he half -turned towards their attendants, who in Indian file were following up -their footsteps. The Maori Ngarara was foremost on the trail, and must -have noticed their attitude. For one brief moment his countenance wore -the impress of all the darker passions, then relapsed into its usual -expression of sullen dissatisfaction. - -"We must descend now," said she, after their meal was ended. "I will -promise not to go so fast for a while; you will find the evening walk -quite a saunter after this morning." - -"And why, may I ask, did you make the pace so good then?" - -"I had a reason, a good one," she replied; "I did not hear about it -till we were half way, or I should most certainly never have come this -route at all. Did you observe a Maori woman come up for a few minutes, -speak to Warwick, and go away?" - -"Yes. I thought she might have some connection with the bearers. I -hardly knew whether she stayed with them or disappeared. Did she bring -a message?" - -"Yes, and a most important one, too. That's why I pushed on at such -a rate. If we had been nearer home, I should have returned; but the -retreat would have been more dangerous than an advance." - -"How can that be?" - -"That woman ran twenty miles to warn me that Taratoa was out with a -_taua_--a war expedition. She said the natives believed that the war -was all but declared. Now, as Warwick will tell you, this Taratoa is -one of the most turbulent and bloodthirsty chiefs of his ruthless -tribe; and that is saying a good deal. He might--I don't say that he -would, but it is quite possible--think it a fine chance of increasing -his _mana_ by killing the first pakeha, which would mean the _mataika_ -in the war--a most coveted distinction." - -"What a ruffian! But 'dans la guerre c'est la guerre.' Pardon me for -quoting the French proverb." - -"Mais, monsieur, je le comprend parfaitement," she returned for answer, -with a mock obeisance. "You must remember that there are here French as -well as English colonists. And besides, I spent a year at Akaroa long -ago, which, as all the world knows--the New Zealand world, I mean--was -at one time a French settlement." - -Massinger bowed with all the grace he could muster, and apologized -for thinking it impossible that a New Zealand girl was conversant -with French. "You remind me," he said, "of the Admiral in 'Singleton -Fontenoy,' a naval novel of a later day than good old Captain Marryat. -He asks one of the middies, when before Acre, if he spoke Turkish. - -"'No, sir. Oh no! what made you think so?'" - -"'Well, you youngsters seem to have learned everything nowadays. I -thought you might know that among other languages.'" - -She laughed at this with the unreserved merriment which characterized -her when not serious or mournful, which, indeed, was the ordinary -expression of her features when in repose. - -"You had better ask Warwick if _he_ understands Turkish. He knows most -things. We must consult with him as to what is best to be done, when we -camp. But I think we had better push on to the Lakes, where we shall be -in the territory of Te Heu Heu. He will protect us." - -So they fared on. Through flax swamps, where the sodden soil was often -midleg deep; anon through rushing ice-cold streams, where there was -difficulty in keeping footing, even when in no great depth of water; -up the rugged sides of mountains, where the narrow path lay between -the century-old pines, knee-high in bracken, and was occasionally -obstructed by the fallen mass of some patriarch of the forest, which -forbade direct progress. - -Meanwhile, this wood-nymph and her attendants, the latter of whom -carried burdens of no mean weight, tripped onward swiftly, as if -the ordinary difficulties of such a journey were hardly worthy of -notice. Erena sped along like a votary of the huntress Diana. Few -obstacles made any noticeable difference to her pace, as she glided, -at the head of the party, with serene self-confidence--a marvel of -grace, swiftness, and endurance. Scarcely less was he stricken with -admiration at the courage and activity of the humbler members of the -party, particularly the women. They carried their burdens over the -difficulties of the road with unflinching perseverance, following in -Indian file the footsteps of Warwick, who occasionally made a detour, -when he thought it advantageous. - -"What astonishing infantry a race like this would furnish!" thought -Massinger. "Amid these forests, reasonably drilled and armed, in a -guerilla war they could stand against the best troops in the world! -Sheltered by these ancient woods, the breast-high bracken, these -thickets impervious to all men but themselves, what chance would -disciplined troops have against them? I hope to Heaven that we may -never have to war with them _à l'outrance_. A succession of skirmishes -would not matter so much, but a prolonged war would be one of the most -expensive, and in some respects disastrous, on record." - -He was recalled from these reflections by the voice of the guide, -who had fallen back, and stood at some short distance, awaiting an -opportunity to speak. - -"I have halted the party," he said, "for we have no great distance to -go, and may travel in a leisurely manner. We shall soon have our first -sight of Taupo and commence to open out the hot lake country, with all -the wonders of which you have heard." - -"I am not sorry," said Massinger; "for though nothing could be more -to my taste than our present form of journeying, yet I must confess -to feeling impatient to behold these marvels that are in every one's -mouth. I hope I shall not be disappointed." - -"If so, you will be the first to confess it," said Warwick. "I have -seen them many times, but they always fill me with fresh wonder and -admiration. Nothing, in some respects, is equal to them in the world, I -believe. 'See Rotomahana and die,' may well be said." - -"When I do see it, it will be well described. Between Erena and -yourself, I shall lose no part of legend or tradition." - -"She is far better at the legendary business than I am," said Warwick. -"She has such a wonderful memory, and knows all the old tales and -_waiatas_ by heart. I tell her she should write a _pukapuka_ about -the place and the people. One is just as strange as the other." - -"I think I must," said the subject of their conversation, who had -now approached, after concluding a colloquy with the women of the -expedition. "It seems hard that so many of these legends should be -lost. When I was a child, they used to be sung and repeated at every -camp fire. Now they are on the way to be forgotten. My father was -always promising to make a collection of them, but they strayed into -'By-and-by Street, which leads to the House of Never.'" - -Massinger smiled. "I know that street myself, I must confess; but -while I live in your country it shall be _tapu_. The land of _Maui_ is -the place, and this year of grace the appointed time, for my work and -adventure." - -"And if there should be war?" said she, regarding him with a searching -look, not wholly, as he thought, without a shade of doubt. - -"All the more reason," he replied. "There is such a scarcity of honest -fighting nowadays, that it will be a treat to face the real thing in -one's own person." - -For one instant an answering smile lit up her face as she gazed at -Massinger, who unconsciously drew himself up and raised his head, as -though fronting an advancing column. She sighed, as she came forward, -and lightly touching his shoulder, looked wistfully into his face. -"You love war; it is in your blood. So do my people; it is the breath -of their nostrils. My father, too, is a war-chief of the Ngapuhi, and -fought with them in the old wars. But if you had ever seen Maoris in or -after a battle, you would think you were in a land of demons, not men." - -"A man can only die once. Your tribe, too, is on our side, is it not? I -can't think the hostile natives will stand long before regular troops." - -"Look at that bush," she said, pointing to a dense thicket of _Koreao_, -where all sorts of horizontal climbers and clingers seemed struggling -for the mastery, and into which the van of the little _cortége_ had -cast themselves, and gliding through, apparently without effort, had in -part disappeared. "How do you think that a company of a regiment would -advance or retreat, with Ngarara" (that amiable savage had just passed -from view) "and a few hundreds of his tribe firing at you from behind -it?" - -"To tell truth, I think Ngarara would rather like it now, if he could -get the chance; but I am a fair snapshot, and would try for first pull. -However, we won't anticipate disagreeables. How far is Rotomahana? I am -dying to see the terraces." - -"You pakehas are always gay," she said. "Perhaps it is better to -enjoy while we may. I wish I could do so. But our _Tohunga_ has been -prophesying, and his words have cast a shadow over my mind, which I -vainly try to resist." - -"But surely your education has taught you to despise superstitious -fears?" - -"My reason does so; but the senses revolt, strange as it may seem. I -cannot get away from a dread of impending evil. My father, who has -Highland blood in his veins, calls it the 'second sight.'" - -"I have heard of it; and what did the seer foretell? Is he known to be -a true prophet?" queried her companion. - -"Wonderful as it may appear, he has been seldom wrong. This time -he predicts war--bloody and doubtful. Our tribe, though sometimes -defeated, is to be victorious. He counsels them to keep a straight -path." - -The next day's journey was over a different route. The forest, with -its over-arching tree-tops and deep cool glades, lay behind them. They -had entered upon a region of barren and desolate sand wastes, of which -the neutral-tinted surface was varied by scarped over-hanging bluffs. -In these, a red-ochreous conglomerate gave a weird and fantastic -appearance to the landscape. - -Halting towards evening, where the winding road by which they had been -ascending appeared to decline towards a wide valley, Erena silently -directed Massinger's attention to the far-stretching and varied view, -adding, "You are about to descend into the land of wonders, and the -kingdom of mysterious sights and sounds, with heaven above. As to -below, what shall I say?" - -He smiled as he answered, "It is only to look around, to convince -one's self that we are on the border of a dread and unreal region. -Look at that volcanic cone, splashed with shades of red, emitting -steam from every point of its scarred sides and summit. And those -snow-capped mountains, grand and awful in their loneliness, gazing, as -one would dream over a ruined world, themselves awaiting only the final -conflagration." - -"Very awful, terrible--infernal even, it seems to me sometimes," said -Erena. "I cannot help wondering how long it will be before these -imprisoned fires burst through, and, in rending their way to upper air, -destroy the heedless people who live so cheerfully on a mere crust. But -we must get down into this valley of Waiotapu, where we camp for the -night. There will be such a sight-seeing tomorrow in store for us, that -we shall hardly be able to move in the evening. Blue lakes and green -lakes will be the least of the marvels. When I was a child, I used to -think there would be talking fish in them, like those of the 'Arabian -Nights,' which stood on their tails in the frying-pan." - -"What a dear old book that is!" exclaimed he; "how I used to delight -in it as a boy! Now I think of it, this region has a good deal of the -Sindbad the Sailor business about it. I shouldn't wonder if we came to -a loadstone mountain, which would draw all our steel and iron articles -into it, like the nails in Sindbad's ship! It would be lovely to see -everything take flight through the air, from the axes and revolvers to -the old mare's shoes." - -The girl smiled at this extravagance, but relapsed into her expression -of habitual seriousness as she answered, "Who knows but that we may -want the revolvers? At any moment war may break out. We are like the -Rotorua natives, I am afraid, walking on thin crust." - -"I have skated on thin ice before now," he said, "but water and -fire are different things. It seems uncanny to be on land where your -walking-stick smokes if you poke it more than an inch into the soil. So -this is the famous and sacred valley!" - -"Here we are," said Warwick, who now joined them, "and I am not sorry. -This sandy road takes it out of one ever so much more than the forest -country. Our autumn sun, too, is fairly hot at midday. The _Wahines_ -felt it, carrying their loads up some of the hills." - -"They seem to me to be given the heaviest packs," said Massinger, -rather indignantly. "Why doesn't that hulking fellow Ngarara carry part -of one at any rate?" - -"Well, you see, he is a chief and has 'no back'--that is to say, he is -absolved from bearing burdens. His person is sacred to that extent. I -don't like him personally, but he is within his rights." - -"I should like to kick him," said the Englishman; "he wants some of the -nonsense taken out of him." - -"I shouldn't advise any hasty act," said Warwick, looking grave. "He -is a person of some consequence, and you would bring the whole tribe -down upon us, as they would consider themselves insulted in his person; -particularly now, as no one knows what may happen within a week or two. -As for the women, poor things, they are used to it. They do much of the -work of the tribe, and don't object to fighting on occasion." - -"It is too true," said Erena. "I am always ashamed to see the -tremendous loads they carry in the _kumera_ season; and in the -planting, digging, and weeding of those plantations that look so neat -near the _kaingas_, they do far more than their share. I suppose women -in Europe don't work in the fields?" - -"Well," returned Massinger, rather taken aback, "I am afraid I must own -that _they do_, now I come to think of it. They hoe turnip and potato -fields, reap and bind in harvest time; and, yes, the fishermen's wives -and the colliers' daughters work--pretty hard, too. In France and -Germany I have often thought they worked harder than the men." - -"Ah! I see," said Erena, with a flash of her large dark eyes, illumined -with a sudden fire, which completely altered the expression of her -countenance. "Men are alike in all countries. They take the easy work, -under pretence of responsibility, and leave the drudgery to the poor -women. In one respect, however, we have the advantage. We can speak and -vote in the councils of the tribe." - -"You don't say so! I should like to hear you speak in public, above all -things. Have you ever done so?" - -"Sometimes," said she, relapsing into seriousness; "and if certain -events come to pass, you may hear me make more than one speech in the -_runanga_ before the year is out." - -"How interesting!" he said, gazing at her with admiration, as she stood -in classic pose, with fixed gaze, and every graceful outline denoting -arrested motion. - - * * * * * - -"I thought it better to strike across to this valley of Waiotapu -first," said Warwick, "though Erena was in favour of going straight to -Rotorua. However, she now agrees with me, that you can have a foretaste -of volcanic action here, and take the main Taupo road to the terraces, -returning by Rotorua, which is the home of the _hapu_, or section of -her tribe." - -"It is, after all, the best route, perhaps," said she, smiling frankly. -"You can reach the terraces easily now, and afterwards rest at Rotorua -before returning to Auckland. There is also another reason." - -"What is that?" inquired Massinger, as he saw the girl's face change, -and her eyes once more become clouded over with the mysterious sadness -which from time to time dimmed her brightest expression. - -"I am nearly certain that there will be an outbreak--perhaps even war -declared--before we return. In that case----" - -"In that case I should join the first body of volunteers I could come -at, or your own loyal tribe, if it remains so." - -"I have every belief that Waka Nene will remain as true to your people -as he was in the old war, when he fought against Heke, and did such -good work in beating back Kawiti. My mother's brother, a noted chief, -died fighting for your people. But this will bring the tribes nearer -together; they may make common cause against the pakeha. It will be -a fight to the death. Some of the friendly tribes may waver. I would -advise your going to your own people without delay from Rotorua." - -"And how about a guide? Warwick may not care to undertake the task in -the face of--what may happen." - -"In that case"--and as she spoke, her inmost soul seemed to look forth -in high resolve through the lustrous eyes, now informed with the mystic -fire of the sybil--"I will ensure you a guide who knows the secret -paths even better than Warwick." - -Massinger said no more. The countenance of Warwick wore a look of -mingled doubt and admiration, after which he ordered the attendant -natives to make the usual arrangements for a camp. - -"We shall need no fire, that is one thing," he said, turning to the -Englishman. - -"How is that?" he inquired. - -"Nature is good enough to contract for the cooking here, which is the -least she can do before she blows them all up some fine day. Just watch -these people directly." - -As indeed he did, much marvelling. - -First of all, two of the women cleared a space, about three feet long -and two wide, in the warm earth; into this they placed a layer of -stones, which they covered with leaves. Upon this were placed the pork, -the _kumeras_, and some pigeons shot on the way, all of which were -rapidly and satisfactorily cooked. The evening meal, so miraculously -prepared, as it seemed, having been concluded, Erena retired with her -female attendants, pleading the necessity for a night's rest to prepare -them for the opening day of the Great Exhibition. The two men walked up -and down, smoking the meditative pipe. But long after his companion had -retired to rest, Massinger lay awake, unable to sleep amid the strange, -almost preternatural, features of the locality, while the anticipation -of a war between his countrymen and this stubborn and revengeful people -taxed his brain with incessantly recurring thoughts. - -What would be the first act in the drama? He thought of isolated -families of the settlers, now living in apparent peace and security, -abandoned to the cruelty of a remorseless enemy. Would the horrors of -Indian warfare be repeated? Would a partial success, which, from their -advantageous position, and the absence of any large body of regular -troops, the natives were likely to gain, be avenged by merciless -slaughter? In either case, what bloodshed, agony, wrongs irrevocable -and unspeakable, were certain to ensue! What would be the outcome? -He thought of the farmsteadings he had seen, with neat homesteads, -garnered grain, contented hardy workers, their rosy-cheeked children -playing amidst the orchards. Were these to be left desolate, burned, -ravaged, as would be inevitable with all outside the line of defence? -Then, again, the populous _kaingas_, with grave _rangatiras_ and -stalwart warriors; the merry chattering _wahines_, sitting amid their -children when the day was over, much like other people's wives and -children, enjoying far more natural comfort than the British labourers' -families--were they also to be driven from their pleasant homes, -starved, harried, pursued night and day by the avenger of blood? Like -the heathen of old, dislodged by the chosen people with so little -mercy? The carefully kept _kumera_ plantations, so promising for -another season, were they to be plundered or destroyed? The lines from -Keble returned to his memory-- - - "It was a piteous sight, I ween, to mark the heathen's toil-- - The limpid wells, the orchards green, left ready for the spoil." - -Was all this murder and misery to take place because the -representatives of a great nation differed with a quasi-barbarous, but -distinctly dignified, lord of the manor about the title to an area of -comparatively small value when compared with the millions of acres of -arable and pasture still for sale, undisputed? - -A contention as to title by English law ousted the jurisdiction of -magistrates in an assault case. Why should not this paltry squabble -about an insignificant portion await an authoritative legal decision? -No people apparently understood the deliberate verdict of a Court -better than these Maoris. Delay, even protracted delay, would have been -truly wise and merciful in view of the grisly alternative of war. Such -a war, too, as it was likely to be! - -However, though Erena and Warwick were confident of a fight, no -official notice had yet reached them. It might yet be avoided, and -so hoping, after hearing with increasing distinctness all manner of -strange and fearful sounds, above, around, beneath, our traveller fell -asleep. - -The morning proved fine. As Massinger left his couch, the half-arisen -sun was reluming a landscape neither picturesque nor alluring. Wild -and wondrous it certainly was; upon such the eyes of the pakeha had -never before rested. The elements had apparently been at play above and -below the earth's surface, which showed signs of no common derangement. -Rugged defiles, strangely assorted hillocks of differing size, colour, -and elevation. A scarred volcanic cone poured out steam from its base -upward, while, between the whirling mists, igneous rocks glinted, like -red-hot boulders, in the morning sun. Near this strange mountain was -a lake, the glittering green of which contrasted with the darkly red -incrustations heaped upon its margin. Looking southward, a sense of -Titanic grandeur was added to the landscape by a vast snow-covered -range, on the hither side of which, he had been told, lay the waters of -the historic Taupo--Taupo Moana, "The Moaning Sea." - - - - -CHAPTER VII - - -Strolling back to camp, his movements were quickened by observing that -the rest of the party had finished the morning meal, and were only -awaiting his arrival to commence the first day's sight-seeing. After a -council of war, it was finally decided to remain in the valley for the -rest of the day, making for Taupo and Rotomahana on the morrow. - -"In this valley of Waiotapu," said Warwick, "you have a good idea, on -a small scale, of Rotomahana and the terraces. The same sorts of pools -are on view; you have also the feeling of being on the lid of a boiling -cauldron, and can realize most of the sensations belonging to a place -where you may be boiled alive or burnt to death at any moment." - -"A romantic ending," replied Massinger; "but I don't wish to end my New -Zealand career in such a strictly Maori fashion. What is one to do, to -avoid incensing the _Atua_ of this very queer region?" - -"Be sure to follow me or Erena most carefully, and do not step away -from the path, or into any water that you have not tried. One traveller -did so, and, as it was at boiling heat, died next day, poor fellow! -So now, let us begin. Do you see this yellow waterbasin? This is the -champagne pool. For the champagne, watch this effect." Here a couple of -handfuls of earth were thrown in. Thereupon the strange water commenced -to effervesce angrily, the circles spreading until the outermost edges -of the pool were reached. "The outlet, you see, is over that slope, and -is known as the Primrose Falls. But we must not linger. Beyond that -boiling lake, with the steam clouds hanging over it, lies a terrace, -gradually sloping, with ripples in the siliceous deposit, finally -ending in miniature marble cascades." - -"All this is wonderful and astonishing, but it is only the beginning -of the play. I shall reserve my applause until the last act. I have -been in strange places abroad, but never saw so many different sorts -of miracles in one collection. What are those cliffs, for instance, so -white and glistening?" - -"The Alum Cliffs, sparkling with incrustations of alum. You notice that -they rise almost perpendicularly from the hot-water pools? In contrast, -the colour of the surrounding earth varies from pale yellow to Indian -red and crimson. Some of the crystals you see around are strongly acid. -The pools are all sorts of colours: some like pots of red paint, others -green, blue, pink, orange, and cream." - -"Evidently Nature's laboratories. What she will evolve is as yet -unknown to us. Let us hope it will be more or less beneficial." - -"It is hard to say," replied Warwick, musingly. "There is a legend -among the Maoris that, many generations since, this valley, now so -desolate, was covered with villages, the soil being very productive; -that the inhabitants displeased the local Atua, upon which he ordered -a volcano in the neighbourhood to pour forth its fiery flood. An -eruption followed, which covered the village many feet deep with the -scoria and mud which, in a hardened state, you now see." - -"Highly probable. I can believe anything of this sulphur-laden Valley -of the Shadow. And did the mountain disappear also?" - -"No! there he stands, three thousand feet high, quite ready, if one may -judge from appearances, for another fiery shower. Let us hope he will -not do it in our time. In the mean time, look at this Boiling Lake. Is -not the water beautifully blue? And what clouds of steam! It is much -the same, except in size, as the one above the Pink Terrace." - -The day wore on as they rambled from one spot to another of the magical -region. - -"It is a city of the genii," said Massinger, as he watched the guide -apply a match to one of a number of metallic-looking mounds, which -promptly caught fire, and blazed until quenched. "Where in the world, -except a naphtha lake, could one find such an inflammable rest for the -sole of one's foot? I believe the place is one-half sulphur, and the -other imprisoned fire, which will some day break forth and light up -such a conflagration of earth, sky, and water, as the world has not -seen for centuries. See here"--as, driving the end of his walking-stick -into the crumbling earth, it began to smoke--"it is too hot to hold -already." - -The sun was low, as the little party, having lunched at a bungalow -specially erected for tourists, took the homeward route. - -"There is one more sight, and not the least of the series," said -Warwick, as they approached a curious soot-coloured cone, from which, -of course, steam ascended, and strange sounds, with intermittent -groanings, made themselves heard. - -"The powers be merciful to us mortals, who can but believe and -tremble!" ejaculated Massinger. "What demon's kitchen is this?" - -"Only a mud volcano," answered Warwick. "Let us climb to the top and -look in." - -The mound, formed by the deposit of dried mud, some ten or twelve -feet high, was easily ascended. Open at the top, it was filled with -a boiling, opaque mass of seething, bubbling mud. Ever and anon were -thrown up fountain-like spurts, which turned into grotesque shapes as -they fell on the rim of the strange cauldron. A tiny dab fell upon -Erena's _kaitaka_. She laughed. - -"It will do this no harm; but it might have been my face. A mud scald -is long of healing." - -"What an awful place to fall into alive!" said Massinger, as he gazed -at the steaming, impure liquid. "Is it known that any one ever slipped -over the edge?" - -"More than one, if old tales are true," said Warwick; "but they were -_thrown in_, with bound hands, after battle. It was a choice way of -disposing of a favourite enemy. He did not always sink at once; but -none ever came out, dead or alive." - -"Let us go on!" said Erena, impatiently. "I cannot bear to think of -such horrors. I suppose all nations did dreadful things in war." - -"And may again," interposed Warwick. "These people were not worse -than others long ago. The Druids, with their wicker cages filled with -roasting victims, were as well up to date as my Maori ancestors. -Luckily, such things have passed away for ever." - -"Let us trust so," said Massinger, feelingly. - -Erena made no answer, but walked forward musingly on the track which -led in the direction of the camp. - -"Though narrow, it appears to have been much used," he remarked. - -"It is an old war-path," replied the guide. "When the Ngapuhi came -down from Maketu on their raids, they mostly used this route. I am -not old enough to have seen anything of Heke's war in '45. It was the -first real protest against the pakeha. The natives were beginning to -be afraid, very reasonably, that the white man would take the whole -country. If the tribes had been united, they could have defied any -force then brought against them, and driven your people into the sea." - -"And why did they not make common cause?" - -"The old story. Blood-feuds had embittered one tribe against another. -Chiefs of ability and forecast, like Waka Nene and Patuone, his -brother, saw that they must be beaten in the long run. They allied -themselves with the British. They had embraced Christianity, and -remained faithful to the end, fighting against the men of their own -blood without the least regard to their common origin." - -"I need not ask you," said Massinger, "on which side your sympathies -are enlisted." - -"No! it goes without saying," answered the guide. "I have had a fair -education; I have been about the world, and I cannot help recognizing -the resistless power of England, against which it would be madness to -contend. I should never think of joining the natives in case of war. A -war which is coming, from all I hear. At the same time, I cannot help -feeling for them. Amid these woods, lakes, and through these mountains -and valleys, their ancestors roamed for centuries. No people in the -world are more deeply attached to their native land. Think how hard for -them to be dispossessed." - -"And have you an alternative to offer?" - -"None whatever, if war breaks out. It is idle to expect that New -Zealand, able to support millions of civilized people, should be -abandoned to less than a hundred thousand savages; for such, with -exceptions, I am afraid I must call them. As for justice and mercy in -dealing with conquered races, these are mere words. _Force_ is the -only law, as it has ever been. What mercy did the Maoris show to their -conquered enemies? They slew, enslaved, tortured--and worse! They -exterminated weak tribes, and took their lands. They have little ground -for complaint if a nation stronger in war applies the same measure to -them." - -"I congratulate you," said Massinger, "upon the logical view which you -take of the question. But is there no way of reconciling the interests -of the colonists and the children of the soil?" - -"Certainly. If they are cool enough on both sides to adjourn this -paltry dispute about the Waitara block until it can be settled by legal -authority or arbitration, war might be avoided. No people are more -obedient to law, when they properly understand it. They are naturally -litigious, and enjoy a good long-winded lawsuit. If they were convinced -that they were getting fair play in an arbitration, which I should -recommend--and there are available men, like Mannering or Waterton, -who understand thoroughly the people and their customs, and are trusted -by both sides--I believe they would cheerfully abide by an award." - -"Then as to the sale of lands, disputed titles, upset price, and so on?" - -"I believe that they are getting justice from the present land -tribunals apart from political pressure, which would weaken in time; -and if they do not get it from England, I do not know, speaking from -experience and reading, from what other nation to expect it. There must -be delay and litigation, but they will be satisfied in the end." - -"And if not, and war breaks out?" - -"Then there will be bloodshed to begin with, murder, outrage; all -things which lead to unpardonable crimes on both sides; blood-feuds -which will last for generations." - -"A man like you might do much good in the legislature. Why do you not -come forward, when inferior people of my own nation, from what I hear, -degrade our parliamentary system?" - -"The time is not yet," he answered. "We shall soon have other matters -to think of. When we get back to Auckland there will be very little -political business for some time to come." - - * * * * * - -Onward, and still onward. Fresh marvels of scenery seemed hourly -opening before them. In pride of place, Tongariro, fire-breathing -Titan, with volcanic cone, encircled by his stupendous mountain range. -As they gazed, the ceaseless steam-clouds, now enveloping the summit, -now wind-driven sportively, as if by a giant's breath, exposed to view -the darkened rim of the crater. - -To the right of Tongariro, more than five thousand feet in height, they -saw the heaven-piercing bulk of Ruapehu (eight thousand nine hundred -feet), cloud-crowned, lava-built, but girdled with ice-fields at a -lower altitude; and at the base, arising from gloomy forests, valleys -seamed and fissured, precipices, ravines, and outlined terraces. - -"What a land of contrasts!" said the Englishman. "The sublime, the -dread and awful, the idyllic and peaceful rural, seem mingled together -in the wildest profusion; fire and water conflicting furiously in -the same landscape. Nature appears to have thrown her properties and -elements about without plan or method." - -"A strange country!--a strange people!" exclaimed Erena. "Is that what -you are thinking of? Surely you cannot expect an ordinary population -amid scenes like these. I fear that we resemble our country in being -calm as the sleeping sea, until the storm of passion is aroused." - -"And then?" queried he. - -"Then, if we feel injured, cruel as the grave, merciless, remorseless. -So beware of us! We make bad enemies, I confess; but, then, we are -always ready to die for our friends." - -"I am numbered, I trust, among that favoured class, am I not?" he -continued, as he gazed at the girl's face, wearing as it did a sudden -look of high-souled resolve. - -So might have looked, so posed, the daughter of Jephthah; so, scorning -fate and the dark death, stood Iphigenia as she awaited the blow of -doom. - -The expression of her face changed; a wistful, half-pleading look came -into her eyes. - -"Why ask?" she said softly. "You know that you are; that you always -will be." - - * * * * * - -And now, after a passage across the pumice-strewn levels, lo! Taupo the -sacred, Taupo-Moana, the moaning sea. - -There was no thought of unsatisfied expectation as Massinger gazed upon -the glorious sheet of water, over which the eye wandered until the -darksome shadows of Kaimanawa and Tankaru dimmed its azure surface--the -vast mountain range, from which, on Tongariro, a mathematically correct -cinder-cone sprang upwards, like the spire of a gigantic minster. - -On the other side, the peak of Tauhara, 3600 feet in height, stood out -in lone majesty. The twin Titan, Ruapehu, bared his enormous shoulder -to the unclouded sky. The day was wonderfully fine, having the softened -atmospheric tone peculiar to the later summer months of the northern -island. Then gradually a delicate haze crept over the horizon, shading -the stern outlines of the dark-browed Alp. The foot-hills seemed to -have approached through the clear yet tinted lights of the fading day. - -"When have I seen such a panorama before?" thought Massinger. "What -vastness, what sublimity, in all its component parts! Then, as columns -of steam rose in the far distance, completing the weird and abnormal -effects of the unfamiliar vision, speech, even exclamation, appeared to -fail him. - -"Yonder stands the _pah_ of his Majesty, King Te Heu Heu, the head -chief of all this district," interposed Warwick. "We must send forward -a herald and pay our respects, or our visit may not be so successful. -He has a queer temper, and is as proud as if he had been sent from -heaven. There is his castle." - -"Warwick is right," said Erena, coming up at this juncture and arousing -herself from the reverie into which she, too, appeared to have fallen. -"This is his kingdom, and we must do _tika_. We can rest for to-night, -however, and give Te Heu Heu the second proper warning, so that he can -receive us in state. I wish you could have seen the _real_ Te Heu Heu, -however." - -"Why so? and what was his special distinction?" - -"Something truly uncommon, personally. You would then have carried -away an idea of a Maori Rangatira--one of the olden time. A giant in -stature, he must have resembled old Archibald Douglas in 'Marmion'--'So -stern of look, so huge of limb.' He lived in a valley some distance -from here, among the hills you see yonder. But life in these regions -has always been uncertain. One fine night--or perhaps it was a stormy -one, for there had been a deluge of rain--the soil about here in the -valley, even the rocks, they say, became loosened and came down in -a kind of avalanche. It filled the whole valley, covering up Te Heu -Heu, his people, his wives and children, numbering in all some seventy -souls. They were never seen alive or heard of any more. There was a -lament composed by his brother to his memory. I remember a verse or -two. - -'LAMENT FOR TE HEU HEU. - - 'See o'er the heights of dark Tauhara's peak - The infant morning wakes. Perchance my friend - Returns to me clad in that lightsome cloud. - Alas! I toil alone in this cold world; for thou art gone. - - 'Go, thou mighty one! Go, thou hero! - Go, thou that wert a spreading tree to shelter - Thy people, when evil hovered round. - Ah! what strange god has caused so dread a death - To thee and thy companions? - - 'The mount of Tongariro rises lonely in the South, - While the rich feathers that adorned thy great canoe, Arawa, - Float on the wave. And women from the West look on and weep. - Why hast thou left behind the valued treasures - Of thy famed ancestor Rongo-maihua, - And wrapped thyself in night?' - -There are as many more verses," said Erena, "but I have forgotten them. -They all express the deepest feeling of grief--almost despair--as, -indeed, do most of the Maori love-songs and laments. The grief was by -no means simulated in the case of relations. I know myself of several -suicides which took place immediately after funerals or disappointments -in love." - -"There is strong poetic feeling, with a high degree of imagination, -in the native poems and orations," said Massinger. "It is a pity that -these recitations should die out." - -"The Te Heu Heu we refer to was a remarkable man," said Warwick. -"Standing as near seven feet as six, he looked, I have heard people -say, the complete embodiment of the Maori chief of old days--terrible -in peace or war; and, arrayed in his cloak of ceremony, with the -_huia_ feathers in his hair, and his _merepounamou_ in his right hand, -was enough to strike terror into the heart of the bravest." - -"Didn't he refuse to sign the Treaty of Waitangi?" said Massinger. - -"Of course he did. It was just like his pride and disdain of a -superior. 'You may choose to be slaves to the pakeha,' he said -scornfully to the assembled chiefs, as he turned away; 'I am Te Heu -Heu!'" - -The _pah_, or fortress, of the present chieftain was one of -considerable strength and pretension, covering an area of nearly -five acres. Reared upon a promontory which prevented assault, except -by water, on three sides, it was well calculated to defy all manner -of enemies in the good old days before breechloaders and artillery. -The whole area was walled in, so to speak, with excessively strong -palisades, the only entrance being by heavy sliding gates. This -historic keep possessed all the natural advantages of the sites -selected for the purpose, with the important addition of unlimited -water-supply. Scarcity of the indispensable requisite, rarely possible -to secure on the summit of a hill, often led to the surrender -of the castle when besieged for sufficient time to exhaust the -water-store. One of the ancient Maori romances, indeed, describes -the dramatic incident of a beleaguered garrison, including the aged -chief, at the point of death from thirst. The youthful leader of the -besieging force, touched by the beauty of his daughter, the far-famed -Ranmahora, relieves the veteran's suffering, and naturally receives -the hand of the maiden, after which peace is ratified, amid general -congratulations. - -Te Heu Heu's _pah_ might be considered to be almost impregnable, having -in addition to the trenches and galleries, double and treble lines of -defence, which in other days proved so formidable to regular troops. -Besides these were lines of pits, lightly covered over and thus used -to entrap enemies. Also, another series used for storing provisions. -When understood that these well-planned and scientific strongholds were -constructed by a barbaric race with but stone and wooden implements, -one can but wonder at the patient industry, joined to a high order of -intelligence, displayed in their formation. - - * * * * * - -Sunrise all goldenly reluming a wonder-world! The calm waters of the -lake stretching beyond the limit of vision as they gazed upon the -sea-like expanse; the dread mountain kings crowned with eternal snow, -girt with fire, ringed with ice-fields, based on primeval forests! -Mortal man surely never looked upon so strange a scene--so crowded with -all the elements of beauty, terror, and sublimity. - -"Well worth the voyage," thought Massinger--"the dissevering of -familiar ties and associations--but to have enjoyed this intoxicating -experience!" How poor, how narrow the life which contented his -compatriots!--which contented _him_ before the Great Disaster, when -his flight to this Ultima Thule appeared the welcome resort of a -man careless of the future, if only relief might be gained from the -intolerable anguish of the present. - -Now how different were his feelings! The hard fare, the toilsome march, -the hourly novelty, the certainty of adventure, and the approach of -danger, seemed to have changed not only his habits of thought, but his -very nature. As he reflected upon the exhaustless field of enterprise -which seemed opening around him, he almost shouted aloud with the joy -of living and the anticipation of triumph. - -Warwick had made an early visit to the potentate, who was, as he -well knew, monarch of all he surveyed in the region of Taupo Moano. -He had enlarged upon the rank and wealth of Massinger until a cloud -was cleared from the mind of the chief, not unreasonably disposed -to connect the arrival of an unknown pakeha with designs upon his -hereditary lands. - -When assured that his visitor was only moved by curiosity to behold -the wonders of which all the world had heard, as well as to pay a -visit of ceremony to the great chief Te Heu Heu, he became mollified, -and expressed his desire to converse with the Rangatira Pakeha, -who had come across the sea to behold the great lake Taupo and the -wonder-mountains. Tongariro and Ruapehu. - -At the hour of midday, therefore, Massinger, accompanied by Warwick and -Erena, presented himself before the chief, who, standing in front of a -_wharepuni_ of unusual size, with elaborate carvings upon its massive -doorposts, received him with perfect dignity and self-possession. -The remainder of the party had been left with the camp-stores and -belongings, it not having been thought necessary to include them in the -interview. - -The chief relaxed his stern features as Erena approached, and said a -few words in his native tongue to her, which she answered with quiet -composure. He then turned to Warwick, who appeared anxious to explain -their position, and mentioned the name of Waka Nene, which produced a -distinct effect upon the chief's manner and demeanour. - -"You are on the path to Rotomahana," said he. "It is a far journey to -see the boiling fountain and the white steps of Te Tarata." - -Massinger, through the guide: "I have heard much of these strange -things. I have seen pictures of them. We have no hot lakes or burning -mountains in my country." - -"Then you will see them and go away; you are a strange people. You do -not want to buy the land? No? I would sell you some if you would live -here." - -It was explained to the chief that the pakeha desired land that would -grow corn. The land around Taupo was good to look at, but not for -farmers. He thought he would buy land near Auckland. - -"Does the pakeha know that there is much talk of war in the land? The -Mata Kawana at Waitemata is deceived by bad men. He is paying Teira for -land which is not his to sell. If the Mata Kawana takes it by force, -there will be blood--much blood. Te Rangituke will not suffer the land -of his people to be taken. _Akore, akore!_" - -"This pakeha does not come to fight; he wishes to live on land near the -Maoris. He will pay them money and buy the land." - -"The pakeha is good; his word is strong. I should much like him to live -here. Let him ask Erena in marriage from her father, and his days will -be many." - -"The pakeha does not desire to marry just at present, even if Erena -would accept him. His heart is in his own land. He wishes to see all -the country before he settles down." - -"That is well. The bird flies all round before he perches. But if -the tribes dance the war-dance, on account of this trouble about the -Waitara, what will he do then? The first _taua_ of the Ngatiawa that he -meets will kill him." - -"The pakeha is brave. He can shoot a man afar off. He will go back to -Waitemata or die. He has also a letter from Waka Nene." - -"That is good for the Arawa and the Ngapuhi, but the Waikato will not -regard it. It may be that the white man's Atua will keep him from harm." - -With which sentiment the audience terminated. - -With the exception of the world-famed terraces, no spot on earth was -so rich in strange and wondrous surroundings as this great lake of -unfathomable depth, a thousand feet above the sea, sleeping amidst its -volcanic blocks of quartzose lava and huge masses of pumice-stone. To -the north-west they gazed at the wooded ridges of Rangitoto and Tuhua, -and, three thousand feet above the sea, the bare turreted pyramids -of Titerau, towering in pride, as might, on the castled Rhine, the -ruined fortress of a forgotten robber-baron. White pumice-stone cliffs -gleaming in the sun bordered the eastern shore. Behind the sombre -forest ranges, pyramidal monoliths, piercing the heavens at yet greater -altitudes, gave to this amazing landscape the fantastic aspect of a -dream-world. - -"When shall we awaken?" said Massinger, as he and Erena, lingering -behind their guide as they strolled towards the camp, became conscious -that the day was declining. "This is the newest land of enchantment. -I feel like a lotus-eater, removed from the world of everyday life. I -could almost be tempted to cast in my lot with this careless-living -race, wandering here till life grew dim, and the distinctions between -what our fathers used to call right and wrong faded into uncertainty. I -can imagine some men doing it." - -"But not you. Oh! do not talk in that reckless fashion. Another might -waste his life among these poor ignorant people; but you have a man's -work yet to do in the world--a name to make, a family to remember. -But"--as he smiled at her vehemence--"you are only joking; you are -laughing at the poor Maori girl, who thought for a moment that you were -in earnest. Let us walk faster; it will soon be dark, and we have some -distance still to go." - -A change seemed suddenly to have come over the spirit of the girl. From -being carelessly playful in manner, as she had been in their rambles -all the day, she became silent and reserved till they reached the camp. -There she retired at once to where the other women had fixed their -quarters, merely remarking that they would have to leave early if they -hoped to reach the terraces. - -The night was strangely, magically lovely. Massinger had no great -desire to sleep. He felt, indeed, that one might easily watch till -dawn amid this region of magic and sorcery. Brightly burned the stars -in the dark blue heavens. There was no moon, but the constellations, -to his excited fancy, seemed strangely lustrous and of intense, almost -unreal, brilliancy. Warwick and he stood near their camp fire, only -occasionally speaking, when all suddenly there arose a wild shout, -then a succession of cries, from the direction of Te Heu Heu's _pah_, -which pointed to some unusual occurrence. A wailing cry came, too, from -the natives of their own encampment, whom they observed to have left -their _whares_ and gathered in a group. - -"What is the meaning of all this?" said Massinger, who had been gazing -over the lake, and listening to the low calls and whispering notes of -the water-fowl which sailed in flocks amid its sedges and reeds. "What -do they mean by that long-drawn sound? And now there is a shout--a sort -of herald's proclamation." - -"You are right," said Warwick. "The Tohunga calls aloud, 'Behold the -sacred fire on Tongariro! The Atua commands war. Listen, O men of the -Arawa. - -"'The pakeha desires to take the country of the _nga iwi_ (the tribes). -He will take the forests and the kumera plantations, the valleys and -the mountains, the rivers and the shores of the sea. The Maori canoe -will no longer be paddled on the broad bosom of the Waikato, on lakes -which have been our fathers since they came from Hawaiki. The steamboat -will drive away the Maori canoe; the sheep and cattle of the pakeha -will feed on our plantations; the white magistrates will put our young -men in prison; our old men will break stones for the pakeha roads. We -shall all be slaves, working for a pakeha conqueror. - -"'Shall we be slaves, or shall we unite and march against the pakeha?'" - -A thousand voices shouted till the echoes by the lake shore rang again -with cries as of one man-- - -"_Akore, akore, akore!_" - -"If we are not willing to be slaves, shall the tribes, the Waikato -and the Ngatiawa, join together and drive the pakeha into the sea from -whence he came?" - -Then one more deep-drawn shout of assent resounded through the still -night-air. - -"You see what the feeling is," said Warwick, turning as he spoke. "Look -yonder, and behold the fire on Tongariro!" - -Massinger swung round, and, to his great surprise, saw amidst a cloud -of steam, high up on the mountain, a red band of fire, which seemed -to encircle the upper portion of the cinder-cone which formed so -remarkable an addition to the summit. A fresh volume of steam rose -pillar-like from the crater, while from time to time angry bursts of -flame issued from the top and sides of the cone. - -"A very grand sight," he said; "but what is there to create such a -disturbance? It is surely not an unusual occurrence in this land of -imprisoned fires? Is that the meaning of all this outcry?" - -"That, and nothing else," replied the guide; "but it is by no means an -ordinary occurrence. It is now many years since such a thing has taken -place. But all the excitement arises out of an old superstition." - -"And what may that be?" - -"In olden times the appearance of fire upon Tongariro was regarded -as a mandate from their Atua to wage war--which they invariably did. -Occasions were not far to seek, as there was always a weaker tribe -to attack or a strong one to measure forces with. But now it means -more--much more. And that is why these natives are so excited." - -"But why should it mean more now?" - -"For this reason. Every tribe in the North Island knows that this -Waitara land trouble is likely to cause a break-out at any moment. They -look upon this fire on Tongariro as a call to arms against the whites; -and if there has been serious dispute at Waitara there will be a war, -and a bloody one, as sure as we stand here." - -"And with what result?" - -"Of course, they will be beaten in the end. But it will be a longer -business than people would think. The tribes are armed, and, having -made money for some years past, these Waikato and Ngatihaua have -invested in firearms. They have the advantage of knowing every foot of -the country, and your troops will fight at a disadvantage. However, I -see Te Heu Heu's people are quiet again, and our party have returned to -their _whares_; so we may as well turn in." - -Next morning Massinger was surprised at Erena's altered expression. Her -usually bright and mirthful manner had given way to one of brooding -depression; he in vain attempted to rally her. - -"Surely you do not accept this natural occurrence as a command from -Heaven? What possible connection can it have with the war, which I -think unlikely to take place, in spite of Warwick's opinion." - -"He knows more than you do," she answered--"possibly more than I -myself, though of course the natives talk to me freely. But something -tells me, in a manner that I cannot describe, that there will be war. -And what the end of it may be for you, for me, for all of us, no mortal -can tell." - -"But surely it must be short," he answered. "Troops and ships will come -from the other colonies--from England, even--if war is once declared. -Then what chance will these misguided natives have?" - -"You will see--you will see," she said. "Pray God it may not be so; -and, indeed, my father's daughter ought to fear nothing. It is not for -myself. No!" she said, raising her head proudly, "if I could die, like -the women of old, for my country, for my people, all would be easy. But -I see worse things in the future--burning houses, women and children -lying dead, the young and old; the settlers driven from their farms, -after all their hard work and care; among our people the slaughter of -warriors, the chiefs lying dead, the women and children starving! Oh, -it is a terrible picture! I dreamed that blood had been shed, that more -was to come." - -"Why, you must be a prophetess!" said he, still striving to lead her -from such dark forebodings. "You have been over-excited. I would not -ridicule your ideas for a moment, but, as we can hear and do nothing -till we get to Rotorua, suppose we agree to put off the mention of -terrible things which may never come to pass, and enjoy what time we -have among these lovely terraces." - -"After all," she said, as a smile rippled over her expressive -countenance, effacing for the moment every trace of depression, -"perhaps it is the better way. Life is short at the best, and we need -not cloud it more than we can help. We are now close to Tarawera, in -some respects the most wonderful place of the whole collection. Isn't -there a peculiar grandeur about it? The name means 'burnt cliffs.' -Look at the rocky bluffs, shaded by those beautiful _pohutus_! That is -Tarawera Mountain, with a crown of trees. And see, that is our path -that leads to Rotomahana, by the south shore of the lake." - -"We have now," said Warwick, "about ten miles to travel before we reach -Rotomahana. The path is well marked but steep, and a fair climb." - -The famous lake, when reached, was to Massinger somewhat disappointing. -It owed nothing to mere extent or picturesque surroundings--a -verdant-appearing sheet of water, with marshy shores, surrounded -by treeless hills, covered with low-growing fern. But its marvels -were strongly in evidence. Its title to distinction rests upon its -high temperature and intense, incessant thermal activity. Boiling -water on either shore issues from the soil. Pools of hot mud were -frequent in the marshes; gas-bubbles in the open lake indicated a -higher temperature near certain parts. There it was dangerous to -bathe (according to Warwick), though at no great distance the water -was merely lukewarm. Springs of various characters abounded, totally -different from each other--alkaline, saline, arsenical, sulphurous. -The feathered tribes of swimmers and waders, protected by the tribe -until the appointed season, were in flocks innumerable, various of -size, hue, and habit. The splendid _pukeha_ (_Porphyrio melanotus_), the -graceful _torea_, or oyster-eater (_Hæmatopus picatus_), the beautiful -white-necked "paradise" duck, with countless congeners, held high -revel, after the manner of their kind. - -Here might one fancy that one of great Nature's laboratories had been -arrested until its beneficent purpose was fulfilled; that, until the -missing cycle of centuries had rolled by, some high and glorious -development of the Almighty Hand had been delayed; that vain man had -intruded upon the scene, with his accustomed assurance, before the -creative scheme had been declared complete. - -As the little group stood on _Te Terata_, or "tattooed rock," -projecting with terraced marble steps into the lake, Massinger held his -breath in wonder and admiration while the glories of this unequalled -pageantry of the elements broke upon his senses. Earth and air, fire -and water, were here represented in strange propinquity and hitherto -unknown combinations. - -A hundred feet above them, on the slope of the fern-clad hill, they -came to a huge boiling caldron, enclosed in a crater with walls forty -feet high, open only on the lake side. The basin, spring-fed, is nearly -a hundred feet long, and more than half as wide. Brimful was it with -translucent water, which, in that snow-white incrustated basin, was of -an intense turquoise blue. Cloud-masses of steam, reflecting the lovely -colour and confining the view, while enhancing the effect, were pierced -with the ceaseless sounds, which are almost cries, of the tormented -water. The silicious deposit presented the appearance of a cataract, -which, dashing itself over a succession of gradually lowered platforms, -has been suddenly turned into stone. The effect has been deliciously -rendered by Mr. Domett in his glorious poem, "Ranulph and Amohia"-- - - "A cataract, carved in Parian stone, - Or any purer substance known, - Agate or milk-white chalcedon, - Its showering snow cascades appear. - Long ranges bright of stalactite, - And sparry frets and fringes white, - Thick falling plenteous, tier on tier, - Its crowding stairs." - -The silicates deposited from the ever-flowing water had formed on the -slope a succession of terraces of purest white imaginable, such as no -Parian marble could surpass--delicate, pure, polished as of glass, the -lines of tracery like the finest lace, the colouring of a lustre and -variety unique and unparalleled. - -The system of terraces and basins covered several acres. Centuries, -nay æons, must have been required for the slow accumulation of these -exquisite formations. Commencing at the lake with shallow basins, -while farther up, the higher terraces, from three to six feet high, -are formed by a number of semicircular stages varying in height. Each -has a raised margin, from which the slender stalactites hang down upon -the lower stage, encircling one or more basins, filled with water of -the purest, most resplendent blue. The smaller cups represent so many -natural baths, which connoisseurs of the most refined luxury could -scarce have equalled--of different size and depth, too, with every -degree of temperature. - -On reaching the highest terrace, they arrived at an extensive platform, -upon which were other basins of temperature equally high. - -A rocky island, covered with ferns and lycopodiums, enabled them -to view at ease the steaming water of the caldron, and to mark the -varying colours and strong effects--the virgin white, the turquoise -blue, the vivid green of the surrounding vegetation, the crude red of -the bare walls of the crater, with the whirling clouds of steam, the -delicate shapes of the pure marble-seeming stalactites, the incrustated -branches, with every leaf and twig snow white, all combined in -phantasmal, unearthly beauty. - -"What do you think of my country now?" said Erena, as they stood side -by side, gazing at this enchanted scene. - -"The most marvellous play of light and colour that my eyes ever rested -on," said he. "I shall recall it to my dying day. It is a privilege to -have lived through such an experience. Our old friend of the Arabian -Nights uses the only forms of description that can approach it." - -"I have been here more than once," said Erena, "but I never felt its -charm so keenly as on this occasion. My father has a poetic soul and -much scientific knowledge; he carefully explained to me its various -beauties. But he was of opinion that some day a tremendous convulsion -would take place and ruin all these glories for ever." - -"What a dreadful idea! I am afraid you must have inherited a turn -for prophesying evil. I must confess, however, that these imprisoned -fire-spirits, whatever they are, must have very little of the Maori -nature in them, if they let us off without a burst up. And now, I -suppose, it is 'Hey for Rotorua!'" - -"I fear so," said the girl, with a half-sigh. "This fairylike wayfaring -is too pleasant to last. We may hear news at Rotorua which will alter -your plans." - -"My plans are quite unfixed at present; but if war breaks out it is -hard to say what one may have to do. I dare say I shall be in the thick -of it." - -"We must not forget that the pink terrace is yet to be seen, and we may -never have another opportunity of seeing it together." - -"I feel as if my mind would not contain any more of wonder and -admiration, but we dare not leave any of the wonders of this unearthly -region unexplored." - -Together, then, leaving Warwick to arrange for an early morning -departure, they watched the great fountain of "Otuka-puarangi," on the -west side of the lake, discharge his azure overflow into a series of -terraces and basins. The fountain sprang from a platform sixty feet -above the lake and a hundred yards long. The flooring on the terraces -was of a delicate pink hue; hence their name. In the background was -the great hot spring, a caldron of forty to fifty feet in diameter, -its naked walls, like the first seen, coloured red, white, and yellow. -At the foot of the terraces they saw the great _solfa-terra_ Te -Whaka-tara-tara. - -The three principal personages remained in converse long after the -usual time of separation. The night was fine, and the surroundings were -foreign to the idea of early repose. The sounds of the fire-breathing -agencies, above and below, grew more distinct in the hush of night. An -occasional steam jet shooting into the air appeared like an emissary -sent to warn of approaching danger. - -"I should like to have seen the terraces by night," said Massinger, -"but it is not a country for late travelling." - -"No, indeed," said Warwick; "a false step, a stumble into the wrong -pool, has before now cost a man his life. I once saw a poor dog scalded -to death in a moment. I think you will find Rotorua and the Valley of -Geysers sufficiently interesting. If you care for Maori legends, you -should ask Erena to tell you the tale of her ancestress, the beautiful -Hinemoa." - -"What a pretty name! And was she an ancestress of yours? What did she -do to acquire immortality?--for I have heard her name, as a heroine, -without being told the legend." - -"When we reach Rotorua, I will show you Mokoia, the island to which -she swam," said Erena, with a smile. "Also the point Wai-rere-wai on -the mainland, from which she started; besides the hot spring which she -reached, close to her lover's village. It is a long swim, but I suppose -the girls of her day were more accustomed to the water than we are now." - - * * * * * - -The third day was nearing its close when the little party, having -skirted the three-cornered deep blue lake of Taka-tapu, threaded the -tangled forests over the Waipa plain, and ascended the bare hills of -the range which looks on Rotorua. The lake, gleaming in the sunlight, -lay beneath them, with the fumaroles, steam-hammers, and geysers of -Whakarewarewa in full blast. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - - -It was decided to camp on the border of the lake between the village of -Ohinemutu, where the old historic _pah_, with its grim carven giants -of the Wharepuni, looks frowningly down upon the little Roman Catholic -chapel. Clouds of steam arose in all directions above them, while the -scattered pools exhibited the pervading warmth combined with sulphur -fumes. - -"We are now on historic ground," said Warwick; "for, without counting -Hinemoa--there is her island--all manner of legends abound; some of -them horrible enough in all conscience, ghastly to a degree," he -continued, gazing across the lake. "Mokoia looks peaceful enough now, -with scarcely a hundred people on it all told. Yet what tales those -rocks could tell! The island was a grand resort for the tribe in -the days before gunpowder. In war-time they could paddle over from -this side, and defy any enemy that had arrived on foot. There was no -waterway to Rotorua. However, Hongi-ika-kai-tangata taught them a -lesson." - -"What was that?" - -"When the tribe retired there, as usual, they did not reckon on an -unexpected move of the fiercest and most crafty chief of his day, and -that is saying a good deal if all tales be true." - -"How did he get over without boats; for I take it they didn't leave any -canoes on the hither side?" - -"Of course not. But he had plenty of man-power; so, after sacking the -Arawa stronghold (in 1823) on the east coast, he dragged his fleet of -canoes across by a road which he made to Lake Rotoiti, and, entering -Rotorua, appeared with his fleet before the astonished lake tribes. He -made straight for Mokoia, fell upon them with his customary ferocity, -and, carrying all before him, put to death all who escaped the first -assault. Of the whole seven hundred of the Arawa, not one is said to -have escaped." - -"What a tragedy! But, of course, such stratagems belonged to the -accepted method of warfare of the period?" - -"Yes," assented Warwick. "Almost where we stand now a chief's widow -killed in cold blood (with the tribe and the mission school children -looking on) a woman taken in war, as an offering to the memory of her -husband. The missionary in vain attempted to prevent the sacrifice, -the poor victim appealing piteously to some relative to help her. But -the good man only endangered his own life, and did not succeed in -saving hers. At Matamata, Te Waharoa's great fortress, when he was -besieged by the Ngapuhi under Tareha, he made an unexpected sortie, -and, capturing several prisoners, _crucified them_ on the tall posts of -the _pah_--just like those you see there--in the very sight of their -friends, who retired in confusion. But I see Erena coming this way, so -I must stop these bloodcurdling stories; she has a strong dislike to -them." - -While their appointed camp was being made ready, they were taken by -Warwick to the site of the Lost Village, the scene of the extinction of -a _hapu_ of the tribe as sudden and complete as the destruction of that -of Te Heu Heu. - -They stood on a point of land running into the lake. It was floored -with masses of pumice-stone, which the waves had worn into strange -and fantastic shapes. Here had been the encampment. The sites of -the dwellings, by no means unsubstantial, were marked by walls, of -which the lower stones only remained. The apertures showed where the -entrances had been. On one fatal night the whole promontory sank -downwards, drowning the sleepers, and submerging for ever the homes -where generations had lived and died. - -Arrived at the camp, all things wore a most cheerful aspect. The chief, -according to Maori custom with distinguished visitors, had sent down -cooked food, mats, and other gifts, intimating through a messenger that -he would be pleased to receive a visit from the pakeha rangatira at his -convenience on the morrow. - -Erena arranged to abide with her friends or relations until the morrow. -The humbler natives asked leave of Warwick to bestow themselves in the -village, while the sullen Ngarara, who had of late remained among the -rank and file, announced his intention of coming for his pay in the -morning, and terminating his engagement there and then. - -Warwick displayed no surprise at this announcement, but told him that -he might have his pay at once. This offer he accepted, and departed -with ill-concealed satisfaction. - -"I am not sorry to get clear of him," he said; "he is a dangerous -brute, and for some reason has taken a dislike to both of us. I can see -it in his face. I had a hint, too, from one of the women not to trust -him." - -"What earthly reason can he have? He has been treated fairly all the -way." - -"It's hard to say. Maoris are like other people, good and bad. I hope -there will be no war-scare till we get to Auckland, at any rate. He -might take the occasion to do you a bad turn; so it will be well to be -on your guard." - -"Perhaps he will get as good as he brings," said Massinger, with the -careless confidence of youth. "I shall keep my powder dry, at any rate." - -It was late before the two men separated for the night. Warwick was led -into legendary lore, of which he had a prodigious quantity. He told so -many tales of battle, murder, and sudden death, that the Englishman -dreamed of cannibal feasts, sieges, and pitched battles, with all -manner of disquieting incidents, so that the sun had risen when he -awakened after a broken night's rest. - -His attendants were already in waiting, and before he had finished -breakfast Erena arrived, looking fresh and animated. She had made some -slight alteration in her dress, and had placed some of the beautiful -feathers of the _huia_ in her hair. Altogether, there was a change in -her mien, a sparkle in her expressive eyes, a lightness in her step, an -added tone of cheerfulness, which Massinger could hardly account for. - -He could not avoid remarking upon it. "You are surely not pleased at -our parting, Erena?" he said. "Warwick and I must start for Auckland -almost at once." - -"So soon?" she said. "I hoped you might find something to interest -you here for a few days. There's nothing so beautiful as Te Terata or -Rotomahana; still, there are strange things here too." - -"It must all depend upon our news of the war. It would be unwise to -linger here after real fighting has commenced." - -"I would not have you do it for the world," said she. "But I have a -reason for not wishing you to return before Monday which I cannot tell -you now. You will trust me, will you not?" - -The girl's deep eyes seemed to glow with unusual lustre as she made -this appeal, stretching forth her hands pleadingly, while her lip -quivered as she looked at him with a wistful expression he had never -noticed before. - -"I dare say you know best," he said; "and after all your kindness -I could not refuse you anything. But really this life is too -pleasant--too much in the way of holiday-making. I must begin to do -some of the work for which I came so far." - -"You need not fret yourself over that part of it," she said. "You will -have plenty of time to do all that is necessary. Many Englishmen come -out to buy land, but they all wish they had waited before investing -their money." - -"You only tell me what my friends said in Auckland," he answered. "I am -sure your advice is good. And now for our friend the Ariki of the lake -tribes." - -Being joined by Warwick, they walked forward to the spot where the -chief had located himself. He was surrounded by the elders of the -tribe, as well as by a considerable body of natives, among whom -Massinger noticed the ill-omened countenance of Ngarara. - -"That fellow has been talking to the natives," said Warwick, "and -whatever he has said, it is against us; I can see by the chief's face. -I am glad that Erena is with us; she has great weight with the tribe." - -The chief received them with a show of civility, but was evidently on -his guard, as having had his suspicions aroused. He was anxious to know -for what reason Massinger had travelled to Taupo and Rotorua after -having come so far over the great sea. - -"The pakeha is fond of strange sights. He has never seen anything like -Te Terata before, and was most anxious to visit Rotorua, of which he -had heard much; also to pay his respects to the chief Hika-iro, of whom -he was told before he left Auckland." - -"A word has been brought to me that the pakeha has come to see the _nga -iwi_ (the tribes), and to bring back to the man who rides at the head -of the soldiers and to the Mata Kawana the names of the men that can be -found for war in Rotorua." - -"All untrue. This pakeha dislikes war, and only fights when men insult -him. He desires to return to Auckland now that he has seen Te Terata, -where he will buy land from the Maoris--perhaps set up a _whare-koko_." - -"The pakeha's words are good, but who will say that they are straight? -He may return to Waitemata, and tell the man who rides in front of the -soldiers with red clothes that the _pah_ at Rotorua is old and has -rotten timbers, so that it would be easy for the men with red coats and -the men with blue ones to take it. Why is the daughter of Mannering -among the women who are bearing burdens for the pakeha? Will she follow -him, and plant kumeras in his fields?" - -"She will speak for herself," said Erena, stepping forward with -flashing eyes and scornful mien. "If my father were here he would teach -that evil-minded man"--pointing to Ngarara--"to speak with respect -of his daughter. What can he say? Have I not a right to walk in the -same company as this pakeha, or any other? Is not the daughter of a -war-chief free to choose her friends? Has not that always been the law -and the custom of the Arawa?" - -Here there was a murmur of assent among the spectators, particularly -from the side where the women of the tribe were assembled, while -contemptuous looks were directed at Ngarara, who stood with lowering -countenance, unable to face the withering scorn with which the -indignant maiden regarded him. - -Here Warwick took up the argument, not unreasonably considering that -the just anger of the girl might carry her beyond the limits of -prudence, as she stood, with burning eyes and heaving bosom, ready -to invoke the wrath of the gods upon the head of the traitor who had -dared to misinterpret her motives. He pointed out that she had joined -the party with the express sanction of the great chief of the Ngapuhi, -whose written authority and safe conduct she held; that the other -natives, male and female, had been hired for the expedition on liberal -terms; that they had been already paid in part (here he pointed to -certain articles of apparel and ornament which they had lost no time in -purchasing in Ohinemutu); that Ngarara, also, who had proved ungrateful -and mischievous--"slave-like" and "a liar" were the Maori terms--had -benefited by the pakeha's liberality: he had been paid in full. Here -he named the sum, and pointed to a new hat, which the disloyal one -had incautiously bought for himself. Upon him the eyes of the whole -assembly were at once turned, and his countenance changed as a murmur -of disapproval arose. Finally, the pakeha had assured him that he would -send his friends from beyond the sea to see the wonders of Te Terata -and Rotorua; they would bring trade and spend money like water for the -benefit of the Arawa and the Ngapuhi. - -Having thus spoken, using no mean quality of the oratorical power which -is a natural gift of the Maori race, he produced Waka Nene's passport. -This the chief (fortunately one of those who, like that veteran, had -been taught to read and write by the early missionaries) perused with -attention, while the whole tribe gazed with awe and reverence at the -mysterious paper--the written word; the magic scroll! How often the -herald of fate! - -In this case, however, a triumphant success followed the perusal of the -few lines in the handwriting, and signed with the name, of the great -chief of the Ngapuhi, who, with more than a thousand warriors at his -back, had formerly raided the Waikato and the Ngatimaru, carrying war -and devastation through the length of the land. - -"It is enough," he said, handing back the paper to Warwick. "The pakeha -is a great rangatira. He is the friend of Waka Nene, who sent Erena to -show him the great fountain and the hot breath of Ruapehu; he is now -the friend of Hika-iro and all the lake tribes. As for you"--turning to -Ngarara--"you are a bad man, a _kuri_, a _tutæ_. Go!" - -The discomfited Ngarara slunk away, pursued by groans and hisses from -the converted crowd, who, as is usual in such cases, were more vehement -in their anger in proportion to the feeling of distrust which had -marked their first impressions. - -Peace having been restored, and the enemy routed with loss and -dishonour, there remained no reason why Massinger should not devote the -few days that remained to the exploration of this fascinating province -of the wonderland. Rarely did the weather in that portion of the island -remain steadfast to "set fair" for so many successive days as in this -halcyon time. - -Whether it was the excitement of the coming strife, which he could see -by the manner of Warwick and Erena that they expected, the physical -exhilaration produced by the medicated atmosphere, the association -with the half-savage race, who now seemed ready to bow down before him -almost with adoration,--one of these causes, or the whole combined, -certainly found him in a condition of spiritual exaltation such as he -had never before experienced, and in vain essayed to comprehend. - -"After all," he told himself, "it will be my last holiday for months, -possibly for years. I shall never, perhaps, have such another ideal -wandering through a 'londe of faerye,' certainly never again have 'so -fair a spirit to be my minister.' A region of marvels and magic, a -tribe of simple children of nature, ready to do my bidding! In this -life of ours, so sad and mysterious at times, such conditions cannot -last; why, then, should not one frankly accept a fragment of Arcadia?" - -He lost no time in communicating his change of plan to Erena, whose -features wore so radiant a smile at the announcement that he saw in it -the fullest confirmation of the wisdom of his decision. - -"I am so glad," she said, "that you are going to honour _my_ country, -_my_ tribe, by your last visit among them. I was born here, have swum -and paddled in the lake since I could walk; and though my father -changed our abode to Hokianga, and dwelt there latterly, I have always -loved Rotorua best in my heart." - -For the next few days they roamed over the lakes and woods, the hills -and dales, of this enchanted ground in unfettered companionship and -joyous converse. They went in a canoe to Hinemoa's Isle, rowed by two -Maori girls, and beheld the bath which bears her name to this day. They -saw the beach on which stood the doomed Arawas, confident in the power -of their hitherto inviolate wave. Here had they fallen; here had the -cannibal feast, with all its horrid accompaniments, been held; here, -where the grass grew thick and wild flowers waved to the very margin of -the peaceful lake, had assailants and defenders waded in blood amid the -dead and the dying. - -And yet now how calm, how peaceful, was the historic water, how -tranquil were all things, how happily flowed on the village life! -Who could have believed that such horrors were transacted in this -fairy isle, where now the voices of children at play, the crooning, -low-voiced song of the girls, as they plaited the flax mats or made -with deft fingers the neat provision-baskets, were the only sounds that -met the ear? - -Together they climbed the rocky summit of the island, and viewed the -strangely compounded landscape, heard the dire sounds as of groans -and murmurings of imprisoned fire-spirits, while from time to time an -impatient geyser in the haunted valley of Whakarewarewa would fling -itself in cloud and steam heavenwards with wildest fury. - -Together they stood before the curious stone image, sacred under -penalty of awful doom in the minds of the simple people, as having -been brought in an ancestral canoe from the half-mythical Hawaiki in -the dim traditionary exodus of the race. Together they forced their -canoes up the glittering channel of Hamurama, and held their hands in -the ice-cold fountain at its source, where it flows bubbling out of the -breast of the fern-clad hill. - -The moon was slowly rising over the dark range of Matawhaura as they -left the further shore to return to Ohinemutu. The air was delicious, -the lake a mirrored water-plain, across which the moonbeams showed -silver-gleaming pathways, as if leading to other happy isles. The -paddles of the Maori girls dipped softly into the placid water as the -canoe stole silently across the lake's broad bosom. - -"On such a night as this," said Massinger, "it would be most -appropriate for you to tell, and for me to listen to, the legend of -Hinemoa." - -"It is a silly tale at best," answered Erena, with a tone half of -sadness, half of playfulness, in her voice--"a tale of woman's love and -man's fidelity. They had better fortune in those old days." - -"And, of course, nowadays," said Massinger, "there can be almost no -love and less fidelity." - -"The pakeha is wrong," said one of the girls, as they rested on their -paddles, evidently anxious not to miss Erena's version of the legend -(like that of Antar among the Arabs), ever new and deepening in -interest with every generation--"the pakeha is wrong; girls' love is -just the same as ever it was. It is always fresh, like the foliage of -the _pohutu kawa_, with its beautiful red flowers. It does not fade and -fall off, like the leaves of the trees the pakeha brought to the land." - -"Hush, Torea!" said Erena; "you must not talk so to this pakeha. He is -a great rangatira. And besides, you cannot know." - -"Do I not?" answered the forest maiden. "If he is a rangatira, he will -know too. But are you going to tell us the _Taihia_?" - -"To stop your mouth, perhaps I had better; so I will begin. You must -know that there was a young chief called Tutanekai, who resided with -his family on this island of Mokoia. He was handsome and brave, but -because of certain circumstances, and being a younger son, he was -neither of high rank nor consideration in his tribe. He was, however, -gifted in various ways, which made the young women of the tribe look -favourably upon him. He was fond of music. On account of this, he and -his friend Tiki constructed a stage or balcony on the slope of the -hill there, which he called Kaiweka. There they used to sit in the -evenings, while Tutanekai played on a trumpet and his friend upon a -flute, the soft notes of which were wafted across the lake to the -village of O-whata, where dwelt Hinemoa. - -"Now, Hinemoa was the most beautiful maiden in the tribe, and her -reputation had travelled far. All the young men had paid court to -her, but could get no mark or sign of favour. Among her admirers was -Tutanekai, but he was not certain of his feelings being returned, and -had not dared to pay her attention openly. So he used, lover-like, to -breathe his woes into his melodious instrument; and night after night, -as he and his friend sat on their balcony, the tender melancholy notes -of the lover's trumpet floated over the lake, and were audible amid the -sighs of the evening breeze and the plashing of the waves on the shore. - -"After many moons, and when the summer was advanced, he found means -to send a message to her by a woman of her _hapu_, to whom Hinemoa -answered, 'Have we both, then, had such thoughts of each other?' And -from that time she began to think daily of the love which had sprung up -in her heart for Tutanekai, and to wander about by herself, and refuse -food and company, after the manner of lovesick maidens. All her friends -and relations began to say, 'What has happened to Hinemoa--she who was -formerly so gay?' They also noticed that Tutanekai shunned the company -of the young men, save only of his heart's brother, Tiki. Her feelings -at length became so uncontrollable, that if there had been a canoe she -would have paddled over to the point where her lover's trumpet, like -the voice of the sea Atua which none may disobey and live, seemed -to draw her very heartstrings towards his abode on Mokoia. But her -friends, thinking of this, had secured all the canoes. - -"So it happened that on one warm night, when the moon was nearly full, -she resolved in her heart what to do. She tied together six empty -gourds to float around her, lest she might become faint before she -reached the island, and softly slid into the lake near this very point, -Wai-rerekai, which we are now approaching, and as often as she felt -tired she floated with the help of the gourds. At last, when nearly -exhausted, she reached the rock near the warm spring, which is still -known by her name. Here she bathed and rested, also warmed herself, as -she was trembling all over, partly from cold, and partly at the thought -of meeting Tutanekai. - -"While the maiden was thus warming herself in the hot spring, Tutanekai -felt thirsty, and sent a slave to bring him water. So this slave went -to the lake close to where Hinemoa was, and dipped in a calabash. The -maiden, being frightened, called out to him in a gruff voice like a -man's, 'Who is that water for?' He replied, 'It is for Tutanekai.' -'Give it to me, then,' said Hinemoa. Having finished drinking, she -purposely threw down the calabash and broke it. The slave went back, -and told Tutanekai that a man in the bath had broken it. This occurred -more than once. Then Tutanekai in a rage went down to the bath, and -searching about, caught hold of a hand. 'Who is this?' said he. 'It -is I, Hinemoa.' So they were married, and lived happily," said Erena, -concluding rather abruptly. "Oh, the next trouble which occurred was -that Tiki, the friend of Tutanekai's heart, grew ill and like to die -because he had no wife, after being deprived of his friend and heart's -brother. However, he was consoled with the hand of Tupe, the young -sister of Tutanekai, and all was joy and peace." - -At this happy ending the two Maori girls clapped their hands and -shouted, "_Kapai, Kapai!_" till the lake-shore echoed again. Then -dashing in their paddles, they rowed with such power and pace that -they were soon landed at the legendary point of rock whence Hinemoa, -love-guided, tempted the night, the darkness, and the unknown deeps. - - * * * * * - -The allotted days passed all too quickly. They had wandered through the -forest aisles and silent over-arching glades of Tikitapu; had stood -on the saffron-hued flooring of Sulphur Point; had revelled in the -life-renewing waters of the "Rachel" and the "Priest's" hot springs, -whence all who bathe in faith issue cured of earthly ailments. The Oil -Bath, the Blue Bath, the Spout Bath were successively tested, until, as -it seemed to Massinger, he had acquired a new skin, almost a new soul -and body, so exalted seemed every motion of sense and spirit. - -At Whakarewarewa the great Pohutu Geyser, with its eruptive column of -steam and water, nearly eighty feet in height, had been visited; also -the grim and terrible Brain Pot, unknowing of the tragedy of which it -was to be the scene, concluding with the dread and noisome Dantean -valley redolent of the sights and sounds of the Inferno, even Tikitere. - -But one more day remained, and the trio were engaged in debate as -to the manner in which it should be spent, so as to compress the -greatest possible enjoyment into the "grudging hours," when a party -of natives was observed to come through the fern-covered flat between -Whakarewarewa and the lake, and at once proceed to the carved house. -Here a number of the tribe, including the chief and certain elders, at -once assembled. - -"News of importance," said Warwick. "Something is in the wind; I must -go over and see." - -There was no doubting the fact that highly important intelligence had -been received. The whole tribe was astir, and buzzing like a swarm of -angry bees. When Warwick returned his face was grave and anxious. - -"As I feared," he said. "The Governor has been obstinate in the wrong -place; he would not give way in the case of the Waitara block. Blood -has been shed. The Waikato tribes are massing their men, and threaten -to attack Taranaki. _War is declared._ Outlying settlers have been -killed. There is no going back now." - -"This looks serious indeed," said Massinger, not, however, without a -certain alertness of manner which showed that the romance of war was -uppermost in his mind. "What is to be done? or where must we go?" - -"It has come at last; I was certain that it would," said Erena. "What -a terrible thing it is that men should be so foolish, so selfish! But -we must do something, and not talk about it. I am for making across to -Hokianga, and must go and prepare at once." - -"Her idea is a good one," said Warwick, as the girl ran down to her -end of the camp and called up her women. "We can get over to Horaki -and go down the river by boat. The neighbourhood will be quiet as yet. -We can trust the Ngapuhi, with Waka Nene to keep them steady, to be -loyal to England. He never wavered in Heke's war, and is not likely to -do so now. We must take leave of this chief, and get away without loss -of time. But who comes now--with a following, too? This looks like a -_taua_." - -Here a fresh excitement arose, while shouts of "_Haere mai!_" and -other words of welcome, more strongly emphasized than usual, denoted -the arrival of a personage of importance. A comparatively large -body of men, well armed, and superior to the ordinary natives of -the district in height and warlike appearance, had come in sight. -They marched regularly, and as they came up, all carrying muskets -and cartridge-pouches, they presented a highly effective and martial -appearance. Their leader was a white man. - -At this moment Erena, who had been busied with her female attendants, -reappeared. The moment she caught sight of the contingent she uttered a -cry of joy, and, turning to Massinger, said-- - -"This is indeed most fortunate. We shall have no more trouble about -routes. Yonder is my father. Let us go to meet him." - -As she spoke Massinger noticed that the leader of the party, after a -few words of greeting to the chief, had turned in their direction, and -commenced to walk slowly towards them. As they approached one another, -Erena seemed anxious to explain to him the fact of her father's -appearance at Rotorua at this particular time. - -"He has, no doubt, had news of the likelihood of war, and has been to -some portion of the tribe at a distance on some message for Waka Nene. -He ranks as a war chief in the tribe since the old war, and has much -influence." - -By the time the explanation was concluded they were almost face to -face, and Massinger was enabled to note the appearance and bearing of -Allister Mannering, perhaps the most remarkable man among the by no -means inconsiderable number of distinguished persons who from time to -time had elected to cast in their lot with the children of Maui. - -Massinger, in later years, always asserted that never in his whole life -had he been so much impressed by the personality of any living man as -by the remarkable individual who now stood before him. Tall beyond the -ordinary stature of manhood, but of matchless symmetry, and moulded not -less for activity than strength, there was a compelling air of command -in his eye which every motion confirmed. His expression was grave and -stern, but as he approached Erena, who ran to meet him, a wave of -tenderness crossed his features like the ripple on a slumbering sea. -Then he folded his daughter in his arms with every token of paternal -fondness. - -Whatever somewhat belated explanation of the position Massinger was -arranging in his mind, was arrested by the meeting between father and -child. After a short colloquy Mr. Mannering advanced, and with perfect -courtesy expressed his pleasure in welcoming him to Rotorua. - -"I see that Erena has, with the help of Warwick here, done her part in -showing you some of our wonders. Like her historic ancestress, she has -a strong will of her own, but had I not the most thorough confidence -in her prudence, as well as in the honour of an English gentleman, you -will acknowledge that I might have cause for disapproval." - -Here his steady, searching gaze was fixed full upon Massinger, who felt -how poor a chance an unworthy adventurer would have, standing thus -before him. But he met his accost frankly. - -"I am indeed gratified to have met you, Mr. Mannering," he made answer. -"I owe much of the charm of this month's travel and adventure to your -daughter's companionship. It will be a lifelong memory, I assure you." - -"You are neither of you to say any more about it," interposed Erena, -with a playful air of command, hanging on her father's arm and menacing -Massinger. "I am sure _I_ enjoyed myself very much; so we are all -pleased,--which ends that part of the story. But oh! father, is it -true that the war has commenced? If so, what are we to do, and how is -Mr. Massinger to get back to Auckland? I thought of going straight to -Hokianga." - -"Exactly what we are to do, not later than tomorrow morning. That is, -I am going, you are going, also my _taua_, whose only prayer is to -fall in with some of the Waikatos, not more than double their number, -and have a good old-fashioned bloodthirsty battle. They are all men -who have grown up since Heke's war, and are spoiling for a fight. As -for this gentleman's and Warwick's movements, they can settle them -independently. I suggest that they avail themselves of my escort to -Hokianga, whence they can easily find a passage to Auckland." - -"Nothing could suit my purpose better," said Massinger. "I shall feel -honoured by your company. Warwick will probably return with me." - -Here the guide nodded assent. - -"That is settled. You will find a hearty welcome from our chief, who -has returned. I am proud to call him my earliest and best friend. So, -as you are interested in Maori life and customs, you will never have a -better opportunity of studying them under their natural conditions--I -mean in time of war." - -"In the land and the people I take an interest so deep that it will -fade only with my life. Deeds, however, are more in my line, and by -them I trust to be judged." - -"There is a time coming for all of us," said Mr. Mannering, gravely, -"when the valour and wisdom of both races will be put to the test. I -have no doubt of the first. I only hope that the second may not be -found wanting in the day of trial. And now, if you will excuse me, I -must go back and hold diplomatic palaver with Hiki-aro, the chief here, -and his most potent, grave, and reverend seigneurs. My men will be off -duty, and will amuse themselves with games--most probably a war-dance, -which you may like to see." - -"I have seen one already in Auckland, but I will look on." - -"And I will _not_," said Erena. "It is an abominable heathen custom, -making these ignorant natives worse than they are, and recalling the -bad old times which every one should be ashamed to speak about. I shall -pack up and get ready for an early start." - -"You won't change 'Tangata Maori' just yet, my dear Erena," said -Mannering. "This war will throw him back a few years. But I agree -with you that these old customs should be suffered to die out, and as -we shall have ample time to discuss the war on the road home, I will -reserve mention of it till tomorrow." - -So saying, he departed to his _taua_, who, not until he dismissed them, -piled their muskets, over which, in despite of their friendly relations -with Rotorua, they set an adequate guard. They were soon observed to -join their compatriots in a copious and hospitable meal provided by the -women of the tribe. - -"How relieved I am!" said Warwick, when father and daughter had -departed on their respective errands. "Nothing could have been more -fortunate than meeting Mr. Mannering here. Even in travelling to -Hokianga, a friendly route, we might have met a skirmishing _taua_ -like his own, and, in spite of Waka Nene's passport, would have stood -but little show of escaping. Maori blood has been shed, as well as -white, and any murder of stray Europeans or hostile natives would be -justifiable, according to inter-tribal law." - -"Then we are safe as far as Hokianga?" - -"I should say perfectly so. Mr. Mannering is a tower of strength; no -single _taua_ dares tackle his. His bodyguard are picked men, known to -be equal to almost double their number. Then, of course, he has the -whole Ngapuhi tribe, five thousand strong, at his back." - -"And when we get to this Hokianga, as it is called? Is it a township?" - -"It's a noble river, miles wide near the sea, with towns and villages -on it. In the grand forests of Kauri Totara and other pine woods -within reach, a great timber trade has flourished for many years past. -Sailing-vessels ply between Horaki, Rawini, and Auckland, so there will -be no difficulty in getting back." - -The ceremonies proper to leave-taking having been transacted, the -reinforced party set out for the Hokianga, through what are mostly -described as pathless woods interspersed with morasses. - -When the march was less difficult, and there was leisure for -conversation, Mannering beguiled the way with tales and reminiscences -which caused Massinger to wonder unceasingly that a man so variously -gifted, possessed of such social charm, so wide an experience of -men and books, should have elected to wear out his life amid a -barbaric race. "Doubtless," thought he, "this man belongs to the true -Viking breed, a born leader of men, impatient of the restraints of -civilization, not to be contented without the quickening presence of -danger, 'the dust of desperate battle,' the savour of blood, even. Such -men have always been thrown off, from time to time, by our sea-roving -race; have nobly done their parts in subduing for the empire the waste -places of the earth. His hair is tinged with grey, but how springy his -long elastic strides, how youthful are all his movements, how joyous -his laugh, how keen his sense of humour! An _Anax andrōn_--a king of -men, without doubt. No wonder that his daughter should have inherited, -along with her glorious physical perfection, which she owes in part -to her mother's race, the higher intelligence and lofty ideals which -ennoble 'the heirs of all the ages, and the foremost files of Time!'" - - - - -CHAPTER IX - - -"You can inform me, then," said Massinger, "as to the exact manner in -which the war commenced." - -"I fancy I can. This Waitara block which you have heard about has been -the _causa belli_, in every sense of the word. The Governor, egged on -by the Provincial Council of Auckland and the land-buying party in the -General Assembly, at length consented to purchase it from Teira." - -"I was told in Auckland that the Governor said if a satisfactory title -could be given, he would accept the offer which Teira made. That seemed -fair enough." - -"Nothing less so. First of all, because Teira knew--no one better--that -no living native had a right to sell an area of tribal land. There are -always scores of claimants to such blocks, the consent of all of whom -was necessary. And after and above all this, Te Rangitake, as the Ariki -(High Priest and spiritual head) of the tribe, had an unquestioned -right to forbid the sale." - -"How, then, did Teira come to sell the land?" - -"Because he was certain of payment of so much ready money down, and had -an old grudge against Te Rangitake. With the Government behind him, he -argued, they would be able to force through the bargain. He either did -not count on the stubborn resistance of the tribe, or, more likely, did -not care. - -"He seems to have acted treacherously to his own people and dishonestly -towards us." - -"Precisely. But no people on earth are more reckless of consequences -than these. Still, Colonel Browne was distinctly wrong in accepting a -disputed title. His former opinion, from which he unluckily receded, -was (as he wrote to Lord Caernarvon), 'That the immediate consequences -of any attempt to acquire Maori lands without previously extinguishing -the native title to the satisfaction of all having an interest in them -would be a universal outbreak, in which many innocent Europeans would -perish, and colonization be indefinitely retarded.' Of course, the -Europeans coveted these lands, and were determined to get them by hook -or by crook." - -"Then what would you have advised?" - -"The mischief is done now. The rebellion must be put down or the tribes -pacified. No easy task, as you will see. Still, a public trial and -full examination of the title of Teira would have satisfied Rangitake -and the tribes. Teira's title was _bad_, as every Maori in the island -knows, and every Englishman must confess, who is not interested in land -or politics." - -"But a war would have been certain to come at some time between the -races." - -"Possibly; but it should not have been entered upon to bolster up a -wrong and an injustice." - -"Will it spread, do you think?" - -"I fully believe that it will. The Waikatos will join, unless I am -misinformed--a powerful tribe, well armed, and with numbers of young -men who have not been able to indulge in tribal fighting lately, and -are naturally eager for battle." - -"Are they, then, so devoted to war? This tribe has been exceptionally -prosperous, I have heard." - -"All the more reason. They have 'waxed fat,' etc., and long to try -conclusions with the white man. As for liking war as an amusement, -read the record of the last century. It is one long list of stubborn -and bloody engagements--wars for conquest; wars in satisfaction -of long-past feuds; wars in defence; wars of aggression; wars for -ill-timed pleasantries; for all conceivable reasons; last, not least, -for no reason at all. Of the Maoris it may be said most truly, as Sir -Walter Scott of the borderer-- - - 'Let nobles fight for fame; - Let vassals follow where they lead. - Burghers, to guard their townships bleed; - But _war's_ the Borderer's game.' - -So most truly is it the Maori's. Next to the chance of killing his -enemy, the chance of being killed himself is the most delightful -excitement known to him. So, you may judge that a force of this -character, used to gliding through woods like these, unhampered by -clothing, yet well armed, must be a dangerous foe." - -"So I should think," said Massinger. "And if these Waikatos join the -Ngatiawa and other tribes, they will have a considerable force? What, -for instance, is about the number of adult whites in this North -Island?" - -"In 1849 about six thousand, including nearly half as many soldiers; -and of natives, say one hundred and five thousand." - -"Then if they choose to combine, they could drive us into the sea." - -"If a really well-organized attack by the whole Maori nation was made -before the Government could get help from abroad, the whites would be -something in the same position as they were in Hayti when the negroes -revolted. But it will never come off." - -"Why should it not?" - -"Because, as in the Great Indian Mutiny, the tribes are divided. Some -of the older chiefs, men of ability and forecast, have always been true -to the whites, and will remain so--Waka Nene and Patuone, with others. -Their tribes are powerful, and are, like most savage races, ready to -join the whites against their hereditary enemies--such, by many a -bitter blood-feud, that time has not weakened." - -"I understood from your daughter--you will pardon me for referring to -it--that you had personally assisted the British Government in the time -of Heke's rebellion." - -"Yes; I was the first and only white man who raised men, and held him -and his force in check after he had sacked and burned the town of -Kororareka. We were fighting almost every day for a month till the -troops arrived. When I proposed to the chief, Waka Nene, to oppose -Heke, he said he had not men enough, but that if I would join him with -all I could raise, he would turn out. I saw that the fate of the -North depended on my answer; Heke was then on the march to Hokianga. -I agreed. In twenty-four hours I had joined the chief, with twice as -many men as he had, and, as I said before, we found the enemy in full -employment till the troops came." - -"What a glorious opportunity! And yet it is not every one who could -have taken prompt advantage of it. I should have been delighted to have -been in it." - -Mannering looked with approval at the animated countenance of the -speaker as he said-- - -"Waka Nene and I would have been only too glad to recruit you and a few -more of the same stamp. It was very good fun while it lasted. My friend -Waterton came on as soon as he could get across from Hokianga, and was -in the thick of it. His right-hand man was shot dead within a foot of -him." - - * * * * * - -Though ordinarily reserved, Massinger, when abroad, made a point -of conversing with strangers of all callings and both sexes, in an -unstudied fashion, which often produced unexpected gains. - -He was wont to tell himself that this careless comradeship was like -turning over the leaves of a new book. For is not the mind of any human -creature, could one but catch sight of certain cabalistic characters, -traced deep in the tablets of the inner soul, more exciting, more -amazing, more comic, more terrible, more instructive than any book -that ever left printer's hands? Yet never, at home or abroad, had he -encountered a companion like to this one. A wonderful admixture of the -heroic and social attributes! The reckless courage of a Berserker; -the air of born command which showed itself in every instinctive -motion; the love of danger for its own sake, as yet unslaked by time, -by dangerous adventures over land and sea; the iron constitution which -could endure, even enjoy, the privations of savage life, joined to an -intellect of the highest order; speculative, daring, fully instructed -in the latest results of science and sociology, yet capable of -presenting every subject upon which he touched in a new and original -light; while around the most grave issues and important questions -played a vein of humour, comic or cynical, but irresistibly attractive. - -Massinger had heard of such personages, but had assuredly never met -one in the flesh before. What might such a man not have become, with -the favouring conditions which encircle some men's lives? A great -general, an admiral, for he was equally at home on land or sea; a -prime minister; an explorer; a pastoral magnate in the wide areas and -desolate waste kingdoms of Australia, where a thousand square miles -wave with luxuriant vegetation during one year, and in the second -following are dust and ashes! To any eminence in the wide realms of -Greater Britain might he not have ascended, surrounded by staunch -friends and devoted admirers, had he chosen to select a career and -follow it up with the unflinching determination for which he was -proverbial! And, thought this Englishman, what had he done? what was -he? A leader of men, certainly--a chief in a savage tribe in a scarce -known island, at the very end of the world, content to live and die far -from the centres of civilization, the home of his race, the refinements -of art, and intellectual contact with his peers. What an existence, -what an end, for one who had doubtless started in life with high hopes -of success and distinction in the full acceptation of the word, of -honourable command and acknowledged eminence! - -And what had been the clog upon the wheel, the fateful temptation, -the enthralling lure potent to sway so strong, so swift a champion -from the path sacred to his race, leaving him towards the close of -life among shallows and quicksands? What, indeed? mused he, looking -up. And, even as he turned, Erena, fresh from an exploration to -the fords of a flooded stream which barred their path, presented a -living answer to the query. As she stood in the uncertain light which -struggled through the forest glades, her eyes bright with triumph and -her form transfigured with the momentary gleam of the sun-rays, he -could have imagined her a naiad of old Arcadian days, prompt to warn -the hero of the approach of danger. Such must have been her mother -in the springtime of her beauty, in the year when her father, a -youthful Ulysses, appeared as a god newly arisen from the sea before -the Nausicaa of the tribe. It was not given to man to resist the -o'ermastering spell of such a maiden's love. "The oracle has spoken," -he thought. "Is it a warning, or the knell of fate?" - -"I have found the bridge," she said, her clear tones ringing out -through the silent woods, joyous with girlish triumph. "It was made in -the old wars, but is still strong. Westward lies the Hokianga." - -She led the way by a well-worn path which turned at an angle from the -ordinary track. - -"Here is the bridge!" she said at length, pausing at the bank of a -rushing stream, which, swollen by rain in the mountain ranges, had in -twenty-four hours risen many feet above the ordinary ford. "It is old, -as you can see, but strong and unbroken still. Over this passed the -great tribe of the Ngatimaru when they were fleeing with their women -and children in Hougi's time. I could almost fancy that I see traces of -blood on these great beams still. But it will serve us as well as it -served them. And now we have but to cross these wooded hills and we are -at Maru-noki, my father's home. I welcome you to it in advance." - -Here they were joined by Mr. Mannering and Warwick, who had been -talking earnestly for some time, probably about the war, and the more -pressing and now inevitable consequences. - -"I could wish that you had made your appearance last year," said the -former, "when I could have acted as cicerone with leisure and effect. -After being a foe to hurry and bustle all my life, I think it most -unkind of fate to let me in for what I plainly foresee will be a period -of disturbance most unsatisfactory to all concerned." - -"There is nothing which I should have enjoyed so much," replied -Massinger; "but you will agree with me that this is no time for -_dilettante_ work. I shall always be thankful for the experience I have -had so far, with its unfading memories." - -"And may I ask what you propose to do when you reach Auckland?" - -"They were talking of raising a volunteer corps when I left, and----" - -"They have already raised one," interposed Mannering. "More than that, -the militia have been called out, and proclamation of martial law -made. Te Rangitake's pah was burnt on the 6th; the boundaries of the -Waitara block were surveyed the week after under military protection. -Te Rangitake built another pah on the disputed land, and pulled up -the surveyors' pegs. On the 17th, Colonel Gold attacked the pah with -howitzers, after sending a note by Parris, which the Maoris refused to -read. They returned fire, and wounded three men. Next morning a breach -was made, by which the troops entered, to find the pah empty. They were -two days destroying a fortification put up in one night, and garrisoned -by seventy Maoris!" - -"A bad start, surely?" - -"Yes, as tending to give the tribes confidence in their ability to -fight white troops--a dangerous lesson, as the Governor and his -advisers will find out." - -"Has further fighting followed?" - -"Unfortunately, yes. Two pahs have been built at Omata, and three -settlers killed south of Taranaki. Te Rangitaka, to do him justice, -warned his men not to make war on unarmed people. A combined force of -militia volunteers, soldiers, and sailors stormed the pah at Omatu. So -it is a very pretty quarrel as it stands." - -"You have heard this 'from a sure hand,' as they used to say before -post-offices were invented?" - -"My tidings are only too true, I am sorry to say. And, in spite of the -success of the troops, my opinion is that the war has only commenced. -If the Waikato tribes join, others will be drawn in. It will take -years to subdue them thoroughly--years of vast expenditure of blood -and treasure." - -"Speaking from your experience of both sides, what would you suggest as -an alternative policy?" - -"Withdrawing from Waitara promptly. Justice would be done, and a -lasting peace might be secured. The Maoris are now the Queen's -subjects, and should be treated as such. Just now each side has -secured a temporary advantage. With a consistent and impartial policy, -disaffection would cease. By-and-by the natives will sell their land -readily enough; with a minimum price established by the Crown and -proper titles decided by a Land Court, all things would find their -level. No one will object except land speculators and their allies." - -"Would not the Government act even now upon your representations?" - -"Hardly. I am afraid that I am in the position of Wisdom crying in the -streets. But, to quit 'the arts of war and peace,' wildly exciting -as the subject is becoming, here is Maru-noki, our lodge in the -wilderness, to which I beg to welcome you heartily." - -They had been pursuing a winding woodland path, which at last conducted -them to an eminence below which the view, opening out, disclosed a -noble river. Immediately below where they stood, and near a rude but -massive wharf, was a cottage, built bungalow-fashion, with broad -verandahs, surrounded by a palisaded garden, and shaded by those -typically British trees, the "oak, the ash, and the bonny elm tree." -Leafy memorials of the fatherland, they are rarely absent from the -humblest cottage, the lordliest mansion, in Britain's colonies, and -in none do they flourish more luxuriantly than in these isles of the -farthest South. - -The present home of the Hokianga tribe was on the lower levels, -which, since the cessation of the chronic warfare which desolated -each district from time to time, they had adopted as more convenient. -None the less, however, on a lofty hill-top within easy reach was the -primeval fortress, to which for generations they had been wont nightly -to repair for security, and from which issued to their daily duties the -long trains of chiefs, warriors, women, and slaves. On the opposite -bank of the river were low hills and dunes of drifted sand, while to -the eastward rose two promontories, cloud-like in the misty azure, -between which rose and fell the tides of the unbounded main. - -Warwick and Erena had gone forward to the cottage, whence a hospitable -smoke presently ascended. Willing handmaids from the kainga were also -in evidence. No time was wasted. The keen air, the day's march, all -tended to superior appetites. In half an hour after Massinger had -been refreshed with a glass of excellent Hollands, and inducted into -a bedroom, furnished chiefly with books, he found himself in the -dining-room before a luncheon-table exceedingly well appointed. The -fish and game, with vegetables and corned pork, were truly excellent. -The bread was extemporized, but, in the shape of hot griddle cakes, was -only too appetizing. Tea, of course, concluded the repast, than which, -Massinger confessed, he never remembered enjoying one more heartily. - -"In an hour or so," said Mr. Mannering, "we will stroll down to the -kainga. The head chief of our tribe, the celebrated Waka Nene, whom -you met on your way over to the Terraces, has returned. You will hear -what he says on the present state of things. No man in the island -can speak with more knowledge or authority. Warwick and I have a few -arrangements to make; meanwhile I dare say you can find something to -interest you among my old books. Erena will keep you company till I -return." - -Massinger found ample _pabulum mentis_ among the varied collection -of books and papers, which not only filled the shelves around three -sides of the room, but won place on the mantelpiece, the window-sills, -and, indeed, on the floor. Old colonial works of the earliest days -of New Zealand, Tasmania, and Australia, the worn binding of which -denoted their archaic value, jostled the latest scientific treatises -or recently issued biographies and travels, besides magazines and -illustrated papers up to date. - -"Here," thought he, "is another factor in the so-called solitary, -self-exiled life of this truly remarkable man--'never less lonely -than when alone,' with these companions of every age and all time at -his elbow. What a delicious place to read in! I can fancy him on this -couch, with his pipe and a favourite author, when the day is declining, -or beneath those o'er-shadowing ferns on the hillside, spending hours -in a state of absolute beatitude. The open window 'gives' on the broad -river, 'strong without rage, without o'erflowing full,' an occasional -sail fleeting by like a returning sea-bird. Canoes are racing home -after a day's fishing, the girls paddling for their lives, and -encouraging one another in the mimic contest with laughing reproaches -and warlike cries. The _dolce_ _far niente_ period to be succeeded -by a pedestrian expedition at the head of his faithful retainers, or -a yacht voyage to Auckland, where congenial companionship at the Club -and the news of the civilized world await him. How peacefully, how -happily, might life flow on under such conditions! How long might slow -o'ertaking age defer his approach! The only thing wanting to complete -this ideal existence, for a man of his temperament, is the excitement -of war; and this he is about to have." - -The catalogue of pleasures open to a quasi-hermit of such various -tastes and accomplishments was interrupted by the entrance of Erena, -who had apparently completed her household arrangements, and was minded -to add the charms of her society to his mental indulgences. - -"It is easy to see that I have been away," she said. "When the fit -takes him, my father surrounds himself with books, which he never puts -back, and reads day and night for weeks together. He is absent-minded, -and careless of the proprieties to a wonderful degree, so that I have a -month's work generally in putting him and the household to rights when -I return from a visit or an excursion." - -"And do you often go so far from home as when I met you first?" he -said. "I suppose you are not afraid?" - -"Afraid?" she said, with a look of surprise and scorn. "Of what, or of -whom? In time of peace who is there to harm me? When you saw me I had -been to see a cousin. She sometimes comes here to stay with me." - -"I am sorry not to have met her. Why didn't you introduce me? Is she -of the same charming complexion as yourself--that clear brunette tint -which I admire so much?" - -The girl laughed merrily. "Do you indeed? The truth is, she was rather -shy. She is a 'full Maori,' as we say, though she talks good English, -and is thought very good-looking. I would have brought her up, but she -went away the morning after. Her family sent for her in a hurry. But I -see my father coming up to take you to the chief, Waka Nene." - -"The great chief of whom I have heard so much; I hardly noticed him -before. Now tell me about him. What is his general disposition?" - -"He is a man who would have made a great field-marshal in any other -country. Very calm--generally, that is--looking always to the future; -slow in making up his mind, never changing it afterwards. He decided -many years ago that the religion of England and her laws were those for -him and his tribe to adopt, and in war or peace he has never swerved -from that policy." - -"You said something about his being calm nearly always? Is he sometimes -the contrary?" - -"He is usually most dignified; but he can be terrible when really -aroused. It is an old story now, but he once shot a native dead before -his own friends and relations because he had helped to kill a white man -treacherously." - -"Indeed, that was judicial severity in earnest. How did it come about?" - -"In this way. The natives at Whakatane first of all 'cut out' and -burned a vessel called the _Haws_, or _Haweis_, killing part of the -crew. They were headed by a chief called Ngarara, or 'the reptile'-- -not so very unlike his namesake, our friend. He, however, was shot by a -Ngapuhi chief from the deck of the _New Zealander_, a vessel sent from -the Bay of Islands, to make an example of him. The tribe went to Hicks -Bay, and, taking the pah there, at Wharekahika, captured two Europeans; -one they killed, the other was rescued by a passing ship. A Ngapuhi -native took part in the murder; he was then visiting at Whakatane, -but lived with his wife at Tauranga. Waka Nene was on the beach at -Maungatapu when this native returned. He advanced towards him and -delivered a speech, _taki_-ing, or pacing up and down, Maori-fashion, -while the other natives sat around. 'Oh,' he said, 'you're a pretty -fellow to call yourself a Ngapuhi! Do they murder pakehas in that -manner? What makes you steal away to kill pakehas? Had the pakeha done -you any harm, that you killed him? There! that is for your work,' he -said, as he suddenly stopped short and shot the native dead, in the -midst of his friends. It was bold and rash, but all New Zealand knew -him then and long after as the friend of the pakehas." - -"That was true Jedwood justice, which used to be described as 'hang -first and try afterwards,' but from his point of view it was the just -vengeance of the law." - -"It seemed cruel," said Erena, who had told with flashing eye and -heightened colour this tale of the "wrath of a king." "But little was -thought of the poor white man killed by a stranger to the tribe for an -act with which he had nothing to do, and perhaps had never heard of. -What the Ngapuhi suffered for was, that if he had belonged to Ngarara's -tribe his act would have been justified, as _utu_ (proper vengeance). -It was for mixing himself up with the blood-feud of another tribe that -Waka Nene killed him; and his people saw the justice of it, and did not -interfere." - -Mr. Mannering, arriving at the end of the story, announced two facts, -one of which was that the chief would be ready to receive them in half -an hour; the other, that a timber-laden schooner would leave the wharf -on the following afternoon, and no doubt would be happy to give Mr. -Massinger and Warwick a passage to Auckland. - -"Of course, we should be too happy to put you up for as long as you -cared to stay with us; but, from what I hear, things are going from -bad to worse at Taranaki. The natives have scored what they consider a -success so far, and are confident that they can hold their own against -the regulars. More troops have been sent for, also artillery. Nothing -less than a campaign will satisfy either side now." - -"If it were an ordinary time nothing would give me greater pleasure, -I can say most sincerely," said Massinger. "I could fish and sail, -ride and walk, and even take a turn at that mysterious industry of -gum-digging, of which I hear exciting reports. But as things are, I -feel in honour bound to report myself at headquarters. I am not wholly -inexperienced in military matters, if a yeomanry captain's commission -counts for anything." - -"You will find that it has a solid value at present," said Mannering. -"The colonists are so keen, that any one who has ever heard a -bugle-call is looked upon as a veteran." - -"Indeed, yes," laughed Erena. "We shall look in the papers for what -happens when Major Massinger goes to the front. Only, remember our -bush rambles, and don't despise the poor natives because they have no -uniform. Keep a good look-out among the tree-ferns and the manuka; -there will be the danger." - -Upon which Erena, who seemed quite as much inclined for tears as for -laughter, retreated to her own dominions. - - * * * * * - -The great chief of the Ngapuhi stood near the carved porch of the -_wharepuni_, surrounded by the elders of the tribe. He was dressed in -his garments of ceremony, having a fine flaxen mat, worn toga-fashion, -across his breast. In his hair were the rare feathers of the beautiful -_huia_ which none save a chief may wear. His staff was in his hand, -which he shifted to the left as he extended his right hand in friendly -greeting to the pakeha. - -"My word to you is again welcome," he said, fixing his calm, -inexpressive, but steadfast eyes upon the young man's face. "My pakeha -friend Mannering tells me that you depart to Waitemata. It is well. -My heart is sore because of the foolishness of the Mata Kawana. The -_runanga_ of the pakeha also is obdurate." - -"The war has begun," said Mannering. "It seems a small matter, but this -land at Waitara will be dearly bought." - -"A little fire will burn the forest when the fern is dry," replied the -chief, gravely. "Money was given to Teira for Waitara, but blood must -be paid. The chain of the surveyor is now red." - -"Will not Te Rangitake listen to Wiremu Thompson and to Tamati -Ngapora?" said Mr. Mannering. "Their word is not for war. Trade is -better than fighting, better than too much land." - -"He would listen, perhaps, but the people of the tribe will not. Then -there is the King business to bring more trouble. If the Waikato join -the Ngatihaua, it will be such a war as we have not seen yet." - -"And the Ngapuhi?" asked Massinger, almost wondering at his own -temerity. - -"The Ngapuhi," replied the chief, with stately dignity, "fought for -the English through the war of Honi-Heke; they fought with the Rarawas -against the Ngati maniapoto and the Waikato. They will do so now. You -have the writing of Waka Nene?" - -He produced the paper. - -A grave smile overspread the tattooed countenance as he spoke rapidly -for some minutes in the native tongue to Mr. Mannering, who replied -in the same language; then, saluting both in a farewell manner, he -departed towards the spot where a concourse of natives of both sexes -stood or sat amid the whares of the kainga. - -"What did he say to you?" inquired Massinger. "Did it relate to me in -any way?" - -"Yes; it was only that it would be a good thing for you to keep that -bit of paper. No one could tell now what was going to happen. He -thought it well that you should leave in the timber vessel. I am of the -same opinion, or we should not let you go just yet, I promise you." - -Then they strolled homewards. The declining sun was lighting up the -green meadows, in which women were working in the kumera patches; the -broad reach of the river, on which canoes were gliding smoothly in the -half light; the grim pah, with its palisades and trenches, looking down -upon the peaceful scene which, to all appearance, was fixed in Arcadian -serenity. Was it fated to resound with the war-cries of hostile tribes -in the coming campaign? Was the tomahawk, the club, the musket, of a -ruthless foe to work war's worst horrors upon this simple industrious -community of nature's children? - -The evening which Massinger spent at this "kingdom by the sea" would -always, he told himself, be marked with a white stone in his calendar. -Nothing could have exceeded the geniality of the atmosphere. The dinner -was excellent of its kind, while the saddle of home-grown, black-faced -mutton, precursor of the astounding shipments which have afforded of -late years such cheap and plentiful repasts to the British working -man, reminded the ex-squire of his home flock. Mr. Mannering produced -claret of a choice vintage, the finest which the guest had met with in -New Zealand. Tales of wild life and strange company were contributed by -the host and Warwick, replete with thrilling interest, as hairbreadth -escapes or hand-to-hand fights were described. Erena's gay laugh or -sportive disclaimer were not wanting, while Massinger took care to play -the part of a discreet listener, less anxious to speak than to absorb -the rare and unfamiliar knowledge which only such men as Mannering and -their guide were capable of imparting. - -It was arranged that in the following morning Erena should accompany -him to the pah which the stranger was most anxious to see--the -far-famed tribal fortress, the unconquered Whiria, which every -traveller since the days of Cook had lauded for its exhibition of -engineering skill. - -"You will have full time," said Mr. Mannering, "as the schooner does -not leave until late in the afternoon, and will probably anchor at -Rawene to take in Kauri gum. If so, I trust you will be able to make -acquaintance with my old friend and comrade, Waterton, who is the King -of the Lower Hokianga. I will say nothing more than that you will find -him 'a picked man of countries,' and as such, with other qualities, a -very treasure-house of knowledge. He has not so long returned from an -extended European tour, so that he is well up to date in the old world -and the new." - -Our hero thought to himself that surely no other country contained so -many notable personages, rich in the courtier's, scholar's, soldier's -eye, tongue, sword, as this astonishing island, in which the human -marvels were not less numerous and unique than those of nature. But -he said merely that he trusted in his luck to provide him with a head -wind, in which case he would be delighted to avail himself of Mr. -Waterton's hospitality. - -"It is such a pretty house, and quite a wonderful garden," chimed in -Erena. "I think they have every tree in Australia there, besides our -poor ratas and karakas. However, you will see for yourself; only don't -tell the Miss Watertons what a pilgrimage we have done together, or -there will be murder next time we meet." - -"I shall be most discreet, I assure you; but I am afraid I shall break -down in the cross-examination. What a pity you will not be there to -defend me!" - -"I should like to go very much; but there will be no more visiting for -me for some time to come, unless the tribe moves away. But if we can't -tell what is before us in time of peace, in war it will be even more -uncertain. And now I must say good-night if we are to walk to the pah -tomorrow and the track is chiefly uphill." - -Warwick strolled down to the village, bent upon ascertaining the -popular feeling on the subject of the war, and Mannering, having -lighted his pipe and opened a fresh bottle of claret, invited his guest -to take the comfortable armchair on the opposite side of the glowing -wood fire, and "launched out into a wide sea of reasoning eloquence." - -His guest was not anxious to retire early, though having a fair -amount of exercise to his credit. He was one of those lucky people -who are capable of deferring sleep to a more convenient season if any -specially exciting affair be on hand. Reflecting that he might never -have the opportunity of enjoying such another symposium, or meeting so -many-sided an entertainer, he resigned himself frankly to the occasion. -The bottle of claret was finished, and perhaps another or two opened, -the second of the small hours was near its close, when the _séance_ -was concluded, and Massinger retired for the night, well pleased with -himself as having had good value for a protracted _sederunt_. - -Hour after hour had he listened to the charmed converse of this -extraordinary personage. Much had he seen, much read, deeply thought, -in solitude revolving the social and scientific problems of all ages, -bending a vigorous and original mind to the solution of the dread -mysteries of life and death, with much solemn questioning of the Sphinx -regarding the Here and the Hereafter. He could imagine him travelling -onward through the dread solitudes of the Antarctic pole, sledge-borne, -like the creation of Frankenstein, or turbaned and robed as an Arab, -urging a camel through the arid wastes of the Western deserts. Of all -inhabited lands south of the equator, his knowledge was complete and -accurate, and in every clime or condition of life the guest could well -believe that the analytical, all-comprehensive, unresting intelligence -was testing scientific results or garnering knowledge. And yet, _Cui -bono_? What contributions to the use and enjoyment of mankind could -such a protagonist, in every contest between man and nature, have -furnished? Would he bequeath such a treasure to posterity, or would his -wisdom die with him? - - - - -CHAPTER X - - -A few hours of soundest sleep sufficed for the guest's present needs. -Looking through his casement, he beheld the sun just clearing the tops -of the pines ere he summoned this secluded world to its occupations. -Early as was the hour, Mannering was already dressed, and strolling -through the garden with his matutinal pipe. The kainga was alive and -busy; women hurrying to and fro, preparing the food for the day; -children clustering around in expectation; the young people bathing in -the river or launching their canoes. The hovering flock of sea-birds -showed where a shoal of _kakahai_, at which they dashed from time to -time, ruffled the surface of the water or leaped above it. All nature -was responding to the day-god's summons, as a warmer glow suffused -the sky and tipped the crown of the frowning dark-hued pah with gold. -Massinger betook himself to the jetty at the foot of the garden, and, -plunging into the clear cool depths, felt refreshed and strengthened -for whatever the coming day might provide, returning after a lengthened -swim just in time to dress for breakfast. - -"I thought that you and my father would never leave off talking last -night," said Erena, as she came into the hall, looking as fresh as the -morn, which she not inappropriately typified. "You did not disturb me, -for I slept soundly for hours, and when I awoke, thinking it was near -morning, I heard your voices, or rather my father's." - -"I am not certain that I should have gone to bed at all if he had not -suggested it," said Massinger. "I never had such a glorious night." - -"I am glad to hear you say so. It is such a treat to him to have a -visit from any one who knows about books and the world, that he cannot -find it in his heart to leave off. When Mr. Waterton pays us a visit, -they talk all day and all night nearly." - -"What is that you're saying?" called out the man referred to from the -garden. "Who is taking away my character? I have no better answer than -a paraphrase of Charles Lamb's: 'If I go to bed late, I always get up -early.' There will be plenty of time to sleep when there is nothing -better to do; that is, if Te Rangitake and his Waikato friends will -let us enjoy ourselves in our own way, which I begin to doubt. In the -mean time, let us take short views of life. So you two young people are -going to look at the pah?" - -"With your permission. I should like to examine it well. The knowledge -may come in useful by-and-by. Who knows? When was the last attack made -upon it?" - -"Twice in Heke's war, more than twenty years ago. I was younger then, -and had the honour of being one of the defence force. We beat off the -besiegers with loss." - -"I suppose firearms were used?" - -"Certainly. Every tribe was well provided at that time. They bought -them dearly, too, as the chiefs compelled them to work so fearfully -hard at the flax-dressing--_Phormium tenax_ being the purchase-money -for muskets--that many died of the unhealthy conditions, marshy levels, -and crowded whares in which they lived. However, there was nothing else -for it. The tribe which first became armed proceeded at once to crush -its nearest neighbour or enemy, as the case might be." - -"So it was a case of life and death?" - -"Nothing short of it," said Mannering. "The first use which Hongi Ika -made of his civilizing visit to England, where he 'stood before kings,' -was to grasp the immense significance of the gunpowder invention, and -make bad resolutions, to be carried out when he should return to his -own country. With characteristic Maori reticence, he kept his own -counsel when staying with the worthy pioneer missionary, Marsden, at -his house in Parramatta, where Admiral King often met him, and was much -struck with his dignified and aristocratic carriage. By the way, it was -the admiral's father, Governor King, who took the trouble to return to -their own country two deported Maoris from Norfolk Island, where they -were languishing in exile, having been carried there with some idea of -teaching the art of flax-dressing. This, of course, they could not do." - -"Why? Did they not know?" - -"Of course not. They were chiefs, and as such incapable of menial -labour." - -The weather being favourable to the expedition to the pah, Roland -Massinger and his fair guide set out with that sanguine expectation -of pleasure which the exploration of the unknown in congenial company -excites in early youth. The path lay across the cultivated plots of -the tribe, where he noticed the neatness and freedom from weeds which -everywhere prevailed. The plantations were chiefly on an alluvial flat, -through which a creek ran its winding course. It had been swollen by -recent rains, so, encountering a small party of women and children -carrying baskets, Erena inquired in the vernacular as to the best -place to cross. A pleasant-looking woman asked, apparently, who the -pakeha was, and after receiving Erena's reply, in which Massinger -detected the word "rangatira," laughed as she made a jesting reply, -and volunteered to guide them. This she did by leading the way to the -side of a boundary fence; from this she extemporized a bridge, which, -though narrow, answered the purpose. The pakeha gave a shilling to a -bright-eyed elf running beside her, the sudden lighting up of whose -face told that the value of coin of the realm was not unknown even in -this Arcadian spot. - -"What did the woman say?" he asked, as they went on their way towards -the steep ascent. - -The girl's eyes sparkled with merriment, as she replied-- - -"She wished to know who you were, and when I said a pakeha rangatira, -her reply was, 'Oh, quite true; he looks like one.' They are keen -observers, you see, and very conservative. It would astonish you to see -how quickly they find out the different rank and standing of the white -people they meet." - -"They have no modern craze for equality or socialistic rule?" - -"None whatever. A chief is born to his exalted rank, which is -undisputed. At the same time, he must keep up to a certain standard -in war or peace, otherwise his _mana_, his general reputation and -influence, would suffer." - -"And a slave?" inquired he. - -"Oh, a slave is forced to work at the pleasure of his owner, and may -be killed for any reason or none at all. So also the common people of -the tribe must obey the chiefs, more particularly in war, though, like -those of other nations, they can make their voices heard at critical -times." - -"And the women?" queried Massinger. - -"Oh, the women!" said Erena, while a graver expression overspread -her face. "I am afraid that they have to work hard, and are not so -much considered as they might be. They do most of the cultivation, -mat-making, cooking, and general household duties, particularly when -grown old. The younger ones have a better time of it." - -"So they have everywhere. It is the prerogative of the sex. It only -shows that human nature is much the same everywhere, and that all -societies differ less in the essentials of life than is generally -supposed." - -Having skirted the river-shore, a part of which was of the nature -of quicksand, and so needed a guide to the manner born, they began -to ascend the slope of the volcanic hill, which, as throughout the -North Island, had been selected for the tribal castrum. After a -lengthened climb, which would have tested the powers of less practised -pedestrians, they stood upon the wind-swept summit, artificially -levelled, and through the heavy sliding gates entered the ancient -fortress. Before doing so they had to cross trenches, to scale -embankments, and had time to note the various strategic preparations -which, though crumbling or partially dismantled, exhibited the skill -with which they had been constructed. The water-supply, as in most of -the "castles" of the period, was the weak point, the besieged having -to steal out in the night at the peril of their lives to procure the -indispensable element. - -"What a glorious view!" exclaimed he, as, side by side, they looked on -the wide expanse of land and sea which lay beneath and around them--the -broad estuary, the broken and fantastic outlines of the mountain range -beyond the river-bank. - -The surf was breaking on the bar between the heads of the Hokianga, -while southward lay the valley, studded with the whares of the kainga -and the garden-like plots of the kumera fields. Almost unchanged was -the scene since the rude warrior, standing on stages behind these -palisades, launched his spear at the foe, or, wounded in the assault, -looked his last upon mountain and valley, sea and shore, but died -shouting defiance. - -"What a strange thing is this life of ours!" said Massinger, musingly. -"It is less than a year since I was living contentedly in an English -county, on an estate which my forefathers had held for centuries. I had -then no more idea of quitting England than I have of setting out for -the planet Mars." - -"And do you not regret the leaving such a paradise as England is said -to be, when one is born to wealth and honour?" - -"I cannot say that I do. So far from it, that I consider I have made a -distinct advance in knowledge and development. My life then was narrow -and monotonous, leading to nothing save contentment with a round of -provincial duties." - -"But travel, high companionship, ambition, the Parliament of -England,--noble-sounding words! What boundless fields of enjoyment and -exertion! Were not these enough to fill your heart?" - -"Possibly. But all suddenly my life lost its savour; hope died, -ambition vanished; existence revealed itself merely as a pilgrimage -through a desert waste, haunted by lost illusions, and strewed with -withered garlands. For a while I thought to end it, but a convalescent -stage succeeded. I arranged my affairs and sold my place, resolved to -seek a cure for my soul's unrest beyond the narrow bounds of Britain." - -"Sold your ancestral home! How _could_ you do such a thing? And what -possible reason could you have had for such a mad step, as I have no -doubt your friends called it?" - -"That was the exact word they used. But I had made my choice. -All things habitual and familiar had become distasteful--finally -insupportable. I chose this colony as the most distant and interesting -of England's possessions; and here I am, an exile and a wanderer in a -new world, but"--turning to Erena--"honoured with the friendship of the -best of guides and most charming of comrades." - -She heard almost as one not hearing; then, suddenly fixing her eyes, -bright with sudden fire, upon his countenance, said-- - -"May I be told the reason of this breaking away from all you held dear? -You said I was a comrade, and, believe me, no man ever had a truer. -Was it a----" - -"A woman? Of course it was a woman. When is man's life eternally -blessed or cursed except by a woman? When is he hindered, injured, -ruined, and undone by any event that has not a woman in it?" - -"And she was beautiful, clever, high-born?" - -"All that and more; I had never met with her equal. She was an -acknowledged queen of society. She had but one fault." - -"She did not love you?" said the girl, hastily, while her tones -vibrated with suppressed excitement. - -"Not sufficiently to link her fate with mine for the journey from which -there is no retreat. She admitted approval, liking, respect--words -by which women disguise indifference; but she believed that she had -a mission in life, a call from heaven to go forth to the poor and -afflicted, to elevate the race--a sacred task, for which marriage would -unfit her." - -"You pakehas are strange people," she said musingly. "And so she would -not be happy because she desired to teach, to help the poor, the -_common people_! And if she failed?" - -"She would have wasted her own life, and ruined that of another." - -"Life is often like that, so the books say--even the Bible. 'Vanity of -vanities!' Either people do not get what they want, or find that it is -not what they hoped for. Yet I suppose some people are happy--generally -those who know the least. Listen to that girl singing. She is, if any -one ever was." - -They had been descending the hill, when at an angle of the narrow path -they came upon a young native woman, sitting at the door of a cottage -which bore traces of European construction. A child stood at her knee, -while she was busied about her simple task of needlework. The midday -sun had warmed, not oppressed, the atmosphere, and there was an air of -sensuous, natural enjoyment about her air and appearance as she looked -over the river meadows where the tribe was employed. Her face lighted -up with a smile of recognition as she saw Erena and her companion. - -"Good morning, Hira. Where is Henare? You are all alone here?" - -"Oh, he is at some road-work," she answered cheerfully, "but he always -comes home at night. He gets good wages from the contractor." - -"What a nice cottage you have!--weather-boarded, too. Who built it?" - -"Oh, Henare and another half-caste chap sawed the boards and put it up. -He likes living here better than in the kainga, and so do I. We can go -down there when we want to." - -"Good-bye, then. I have been showing this pakeha gentleman the -pah.--Now, those people are just sufficiently educated to be happy and -contented," said Erena. "He is a steady, hard-working fellow, and, as -roads are beginning to be made, he is able from his pay to build a -cottage and live comfortably." - -"Education is a problem. If it leads people to think correctly on the -great questions of life, it is--it must be--an advantage; but if, -through anything in their condition, it produces envy and discontent, -it is an evil, with which the nations have to reckon in the future." - -"I sometimes wish I had not been educated myself," she said with a -sigh. "I seem to have all manner of tastes and hopes most unlikely to -be realized. Whereas----" - -And just at that moment the lilt of the girl on the hillside came down -to them, joyous with the magic tones of youthful love and hope. It -furnished an answer to her questioning of fate, immediately apparent to -both. - -"Do not doubt for an instant!" exclaimed Massinger, touched to the -heart by the girl's saddened look, and realizing the justice of her -complaint. "_You_ were never born for such a life. Nature has gifted -you with the qualities which women have longed for in all ages. Your -day will come--a day of appreciation, fortune, happiness. Who can doubt -it that looks on you, that knows you as I do?" - -In despite of her boding fears and the melancholy which so often -depressed her, she was not proof against this confident prediction. -Her youth's hey-day and nature's joyous anticipation protested alike -against a passing despondency. - -"It may be as you say. Let me hope so. Do not the bright sun, the -blue sky, the dancing waves, all speak of happiness? And yet, and -yet----But here comes your schooner, rounding the point. Our time of -friendship is over. I wonder when we shall meet again?" - -"When indeed?" thought her companion. But, determined in his heart that -this should not be his last interview with this fascinating creature, -so subtly compounded of the classic beauties of the wood-nymph and the -refinements of modern culture, he answered confidently-- - -"Before the year is out, surely. This war, if so it may be called, -must only be a matter of months, perhaps weeks. The tribes, after a -skirmish or two, can never be mad enough to defy the power of England. -I must make a Christmas visit to Hokianga, if indeed we do not meet in -Auckland before the spring is over, at the ratification of peace. There -are sure to be festivities to celebrate the event, and you must dance -with me at the Government House ball." - -"Without shoes and stockings?" she said laughingly--"though I dare say -I could manage them and the other articles. But we must not deceive -ourselves. Months, even years, may not see the end of the war. May we -both be living then, and may _you_ be happy, whatever may be the fate -of poor Erena!" - - * * * * * - -That trim little craft, the _Pippi_, tight and seaworthy, was anchored -near the wharf when they returned. Certain cargo, chiefly kauri gum -and potatoes, had to be taken in, and the passengers were informed -that towards sundown her voyage would be resumed. No time was lost, -therefore, after lunch in sending their luggage on board, strictly -limited as it had been to the requirements of the march. Warwick, who -as paymaster had been giving gratuities to the native attendants who -had come on from Rotorua, reported that they were more than satisfied, -and would not forget the liberality of the pakeha. They would take the -chance of returning to their _hapu_, where they had first been met -with. - -"It is as well to leave friends behind us," he said. "There will be all -kinds of bush-fighting for volunteers such as you and I may be, and -native allies often give warning when white ones would be useless. They -may counteract that scoundrel Ngarara, who will do us a bad turn yet if -he can." - -"By the way, what became of him at Rotorua?" - -"Oh, he cleared out. The kainga became too hot to hold him after the -chief's dismissal. He will join some party of outlaws. They will be -common enough when real business begins." - -The chief walked up with Mannering from the kainga, and joined the -party at lunch in order to say farewell. Massinger was much impressed -with the calm dignity and courteous manner of this antipodean noble. -Apparently unconscious of any incongruity between his national -surroundings and those of his entertainers, he might have posed as -a British kinglet during a truce between the Iceni and the world's -masters. - -"A friend of mine dined with the Reverend Mr. Marsden at Parramatta in -1814," said the host, "where he met Hongi Ika with his nephew Ruatara. -That historical personage had recently returned from England, where he -had been, if not the guest of a king, favoured with an audience, and in -other ways enjoyed social advantages. My friend said none of the swells -of the day could have conducted themselves with greater propriety or -shown a more impassive manner." - -"All the time Hongi had blood in his heart. He deceived the good -Mikonaree," said the chief. "His thought was to destroy Hinaki and his -tribe, the Ngatimaru, as soon as he could buy muskets. Yet he did not -take Hinaki by surprise, for he told him to prepare for war, even in -Sydney. Then Totara fell, and a thousand Ngatimaru were killed. But -the times are changed. The Queen is now our Ariki; for her we will -fight, even if the Waikato tribes join Te Rangitake. The Ngapuhi and -the Rarawa have taught the Waikato some lessons before. They may do so -again." - - * * * * * - -With a fair wind, light but sufficient to fill the sails of the -_Pippi_, they swept down the river, which, increasing in volume near -the heads, showed an estuary more than two miles in width. Not far from -where the breakers proclaimed the presence of a bar, and opposite a -point of land historically famous for tribal orgies, stood the ancient -settlement of Waihononi. A substantial pier, available for reasonably -large crafts, also a store and hotel, showed the proverbial enterprise -of the roving Englishman. Fronting the beach stood Mr. Waterton's -dwelling, a handsome two-storied mansion, surrounded by a garden which, -even while passing, Massinger could note was spacious and thronged with -the trees of many lands. An orchard on the side nearest the ocean was -evidently fruitful, as the vine-trellises and the autumn-tinted leaves -of the pears and apples showed. An efficient shelter had thus been -provided against the sea-winds and the encroachment of the sand-dunes. -These had been planted with binding grasses, including the valuable -"marram" exotic, so wonderful a preventative of drift. Ability to -protect as well as to form this outpost was not wanting, as evidenced -by the presence of half a dozen nine-pounders, which showed their -noses through the otherwise pacific-appearing garden palisades. - -Owing to certain mercantile arrangements, the departure of the _Pippi_ -was delayed for a day; a consignment of Kauri gum had not arrived. -This was too valuable an item of freight to be dispensed with; and -the Rawene dates of sailing not being so rigidly exact as those of -the P. and O. and Messageries Maritimes, the detention was frankly -allowed. Time was not of such extreme value on the Hokianga as in -some trading ports. Mr. Waterton expressed himself charmed with the -opportunity thus afforded of entertaining any friend of Mannering's. -Massinger was equally gratified with the happy accident which permitted -him to meet another of New Zealand's distinguished pioneers. So, -general satisfaction being attained--rare as is such a result in -this world of accidental meetings and fated wayfarings--a season of -unalloyed enjoyment, precious in proportion to its brevity, opened out -unexpectedly. - -"I should have been awfully disgusted," was his reflection, as he found -himself inducted into a handsome upper chamber, from the windows of -which he beheld a wide and picturesque prospect, the foaming harbour -bar, and the aroused ocean billows, "if I had lost this opportunity. -The delay in land-travelling might have been serious, but, as the -Maoris are not yet a sea-power, a day's passage more or less cannot -signify." So, having dressed with whatever improvement of style his -limited wardrobe permitted, he allowed the question of the sailing of -the _Pippi_ to remain in abeyance, and joined his host below. - -Of that most interesting and delightful visit, it would be difficult -to describe adequately the varied pleasures which thronged the waking -hours. Lulled to sleep by the surges, which ceased not with rhythmic -resonance the long night through; awaking to seek the river-strand, -where the white-winged clustering sea-birds hardly regarded him as -an intruder; the well-appointed and compendious library in which to -range at will; the walks; the rides through forest and vale; the -fishing expeditions, in one of which Massinger, proud in the triumph -of having hooked a thirty-pound schnapper, discerned the snout of a -dog-fish uprising from the wave. Then the evenings, prolonged far into -the night, with tale and argument, raciest reminiscences of lands and -seas from his all-accomplished host--_quarum pars magna fuit_--author, -painter, sailor, explorer; such truly Arabian Nights' Entertainments -Massinger had never revelled in before, and never expected to enjoy -again. - - * * * * * - -Auckland once more! The traveller, though now a confirmed roamer, -was, for obvious reasons, by no means grieved to find himself again -in the haunts of civilized man. He had been interested, instructed, -illuminated, as he told himself, by this sojourn in woodlands wild. -Face to face with Nature, untrammelled by art, he had seen her children -in peace, in love and friendship. He was now, as all things portended, -about to obtain a closer knowledge of them in war--a rare and -privileged experience, unknown to the ordinary individual. How grateful -should he be for the opportunity! - -His first care was to possess himself of his letters and papers. There -were not many of the former, still fewer of the latter. The county -paper gave the usual information, as to poachers fined or imprisoned, -a boy sent to gaol for stealing turnips. The hunting season had been -fortunate. More visitors than usual. The riding of Mr. Lexington, -son of the new owner of Massinger Court, had been much admired. That -gentleman had exhibited judgment as well as nerve and horsemanship in -(as they were informed) his first season's hunting in England. His -shooting, too, was exceptional, and a brilliant career was predicted -for him with the North Herefordshire hounds. A few epistles came from -club friends and relatives. They were of the sort written more or -less as a duty to the expatriated Briton, but which rarely survive -the second year. The writers seemed much in doubt as to his _locale_, -and uncertain whether New Zealand was one of the South Sea Islands or -part of Australia. They all wished him good luck, and foretold future -prosperity as a farmer, which was the only successful occupation out -there (they were told) except digging for gold, which was agreed to be -uncertain, if not dangerous. They concluded with a strong wish that -he would come back a quasi-millionaire before he became a confirmed -backwoodsman. And he was on no account to marry a "colonial" girl, -when there were so many charming, _educated_ damsels at home. This -last from a lady cousin, who had with difficulty restrained herself -from imparting the last South African news, as being apposite to his -situation and circumstances. - -These despatches were put down with an impatient exclamation, after -which he sat gazing from the window of his hotel, which afforded a fine -view of the harbour. Then he took up a letter in a hardly feminine -hand, which he had placed somewhat apart, as a _bonne bouche_ for the -latter end of the collection. This turned out to be from his candid and -free-spoken friend, Mrs. Merivale, _née_ Branksome--a matter which he -had probably divined as soon as he glanced at the rounded characters -and decided expression of the handwriting. - -Opening it with an air of pleasurable expectation, and observing with -satisfaction a couple of well-filled sheets, he read as follows:-- - - "MY DEAR SIR ROLAND, - - "Now that I am safely married and all that, I may make use of - your Christian name, with the affectionate adjective, I suppose. - The adverb in the first line was part of the congratulation of my - great-aunt, who evidently thought that any girl with a decent amount - of go in her, who did not habitually confine herself to phrases out - of Mrs. Hannah More's works and read the _Young Lady's Companion_, - was likely to end up with marrying an actor or an artist, whose - useful and more or less ornamental professions she regarded as being - much of a muchness with those of a music or dancing master. - - "Well, one of the advantages of my present 'safe' and dignified - position is that I can have friends, even if they happen to be young - men, and give them advice. This I used to do before, as you know, - though as it were under protest. 'This is all very fine,' I can hear - you say, 'but why can't she leave off writing about herself, and - tell me about--about--why, of course, Hypatia Tollemache. Is she - "safely" married (hateful word!), gone into a sisterhood, started - for Northern India to explore the Zenanas, and teach the unwilling - "lights of the harems" what they can't understand, and wouldn't want - if they did?' None of these things have happened as yet, though they - are all on the cards. She tried 'slumming' for a time, but her health - broke down, and she had a bad time with scarlet fever. I made her - come and stay with me after she was convalescent, and oh, how deadly - white and weak she was!--she that was such a tennis crack, and could - walk like a gamekeeper. I tried with delicacy and tact (for which, - you know, I was always famous!) to draw her about your chances--say - in five years or so. But she would not rise. Said, 'people were not - sent into the world to enjoy themselves selfishly,' or some such - bosh; that she had her appointed work, and as long as God gave her - strength she would expend what poor gifts He had endowed her with, - or die at her post; that in contrast with the benefits to thousands - of our suffering fellow-creatures which one earnest worker might - produce, how small and mean seemed the conventional marriage, with - its margin narrowed to household cares, a husband and children! Were - there not whole continents of our poor, deprived not only of decent - food, raiment, lodging, by the merciless Juggernaut of inherited - social injustice, but of the knowledge which every adult of a - civilized community should enjoy without cost? And should any man or - woman, to whom God has granted a luxurious portion of the blessings - of life, stand by and refuse aid, the aid of time and personal gifts, - to save these perishing multitudes? When a girl begins to talk - in this way, we know how it will end. In the uniform of a hospital - nurse; in a premature funeral; in marriage with a philanthropist, - half fanatic, half adventurer: what Harry calls a 'worm' of some - sort--the sort of parasite that preys upon good-looking or talented - women. - - "Dear me! as my aunt says, I am getting quite flowery and didactic. - Isn't that something in the teaching or preaching line? I forget - which. Harry says I am a journalist spoilt. I don't know about that, - but I _should_ like to be a war correspondent. I am afraid there - is no opening for a young woman in that line yet--a young woman - who isn't clever enough to be a governess, loathes nursing, would - assassinate her employer if she was a lady help, but who can walk, - ride, drive, play tennis, and shoot fairly. By the way, there's going - to be a war in the South Island, isn't it? Couldn't you contrive to - be badly wounded? and perhaps--only perhaps--she, 'the fair, the - chaste, the inexpressive she,' might come out to nurse you. - - "Harry says _that's_ a certain cure for--let me see--indecision, - the malady of the century as regards young women. I remember being - troubled with it myself once. He says I was--whereas now--but I won't - inflict my happiness upon you. - - "What a long letter, to be sure! Never mind the nonsense part of it. - That is partly to make you laugh. He advises you, in the elegant - language of the day, to 'keep up your pecker,' which he says means - _nil desperandum_. I say ditto to Harry, and ask you to believe me, - _always_, - - "Your sincere friend, - - "ELIZABETH MERIVALE." - -Massinger put down the letter of his frank and kindly correspondent -with feelings of a mixed nature, akin to pleasure, as evidencing an -interest in his welfare not all conventional, but, on the other hand, -recalling regrets exquisitely painful. These being partially dulled, he -had mistakenly concluded that they had no further power to wound. And -now, after a comparative cure, when his tastes had been satisfied and -his curiosity aroused by the incessant marvels of a fantastic region, -he had been recalled to the old land, resonant with the past anguish. -The inhabitants of this enchanted isle, with their mingled pride and -generosity, chivalrous courage and ferocious cruelty, had aroused his -sympathies. There, beyond all, stood the figure of Erena, with her -frank, half-childish ways, her countenance at one time irradiated with -the joyous abandon of an innocent Bacchante, as she laughed aloud while -threading with him the forest paths; at another time with shadowed face -and downcast mien, when a presage of future ills caused the light to -fade out of her luminous eyes. - -The free forest life, with its daily recurrence of adventure and -excitement, had sufficed for all the needs of his changed existence. -And now, even by the hand of a friend, were the seeds of unrest sown. -He thought of Hypatia Tollemache stricken down in the pride of her -mental and bodily vigour, laid low in the conflict in which she had so -rashly, so wastefully, risked her magnificent endowments. Had he been -in the neighbourhood of Massinger, to cheer, to comfort, to gently -question her plan of life, to offer to share it with her, to urge his -suit with all the adventitious aid of predilection and propinquity, -what success, unhoped for, indescribable, might he not then have -gained? - -At this stage of his reflections he collected his correspondence, -and, locking them up in his long-disused travelling portfolio, went -forth into the town. Here he was confronted with the world's news, and -details of this, the latest of Britain's little wars, in particular. -First of all he betook himself to the offices of the New Zealand Land -Company, where his first colonial acquaintance and fellow-passenger, -Mr. Dudley Slyde, might be found. - -That gentleman was, happily, in, but his arduous duties as secretary -and dispenser of reports seemed for the moment in abeyance. He was -engaged in packing a sort of knapsack to contain as many of the -indispensable necessaries of a man of fashion, and apparently a man -of war, as could be adjusted to an unusual limitation of space. A -rifle stood in the corner of the apartment; a revolver of the newest -construction then attainable lay on a table; the smallest modicum of -writing materials was observable; and, neatly folded on a chair, was a -serviceable military uniform. - -"Delighted to see you, old fellow," said Mr. Slyde. "Sit down. Try this -tobacco: given up cigars for the present--don't carry well. Suppose -you've taken to a pipe, too, since you've begun your Maori career? Got -back alive, I see. Didn't join the tribe, eh? Report to that effect. -Girl at Rotorua, fascinating, very." - -This suggestive compendium of his life and times caused a smile. - -"You're as near the truth as rumour generally is," he said; "but I -wonder that people concern themselves with the doings of this humble -individual." - -"New country, you know. Great dearth of social intelligence since the -war. Tired of that, naturally. Free press, you know; say anything, -confound them!" - -"Another chapter in the book of colonial experience, which I shall -learn by degrees. But what am I to understand by these warlike -preparations?" - -"You see before you a full private in the Forest Rangers. Must join -something, you know. Situation serious. More murders. Waikato said to -be joining. Taranaki settlers afraid of sack and pillage. Troops and -men-of-war sent for. In the mean time, the devil to pay. What shall -_you_ do? Go back to England? I would, if I wasn't a poor devil of a -Company's clerk and what you call it." - -Massinger stood up, and looked at the lounging figure fixedly for a -moment, until he saw a smile gradually making its way over the calm -features of his companion. - -"No, of course not," he said, as if answering an apparent protest. -"Only my chaff. What will you join? Town volunteers? militia? _Ours_ -rather more aristocratic; trifle more danger, perhaps. Corps of the -Guides, and so on. Von Tempsky's Forest Rangers! Splendid fellow, -Von--Paladin of the Middle Ages. Seen service, too. Son of a Prussian -general, I believe. Commission in 3rd Fusiliers in '44. Cut that, and -travelled through Central America. Commanded irregular Indian regiment. -Piloted officers of _Alarm_ and _Vixen_ in affair of the Spanish -stockades at Castilla Viojo. Been in front everywhere, from Bluefields -Bay to Bourke and Wills' Expedition in Australia, when he refused to be -second in command. Man and regiment suit you all to pieces." - -"Just the man I should choose to serve under. Where can I be sworn in, -and when?" - -"All right; I'll show you. Leave for the front, day after tomorrow. -Jolly glad to have you, believe me." - -This important ceremony being performed in due course, Massinger betook -himself to the office of Mr. Lochiel, where he expected to receive -fuller information as to the state of the country, and the prospects -of a general rising. He was received by that gentleman with warmth and -sincerity of welcome. - -"My dear fellow," said he, "I am delighted to see you safe back. -Macdonald and I were most anxious about you. We knew that you must pass -through Maori country, and in the present disturbed state of the island -there was no saying what might have happened to you, or indeed to any -solitary Englishman. I hear that you returned by sea." - -"I was advised to do so by Mr. Mannering at Hokianga, with whom I -stayed for a few days." - -"Best thing you could have done, and no one was more capable of giving -you advice. He is judge and law-giver among the Ngapuhi, and a war -chief besides. A truly remarkable man. I suppose you saw his handsome -daughter? Wonderful girl, isn't she?" - -"She certainly did surprise me. It seems strange that she can consent -to lead a life so lonely, so removed from the civilization which she is -so fitted to appreciate." - -"And adorn likewise. We are all very fond of her here. But she is -passionately attached to her father, and nothing would induce her to -leave him. Have you heard the latest war news? Came in by special -messenger this afternoon." - -"No, indeed. I am only generally aware that matters are going from bad -to worse; that the militia and volunteers are called out; also the -Forest Rangers, in which band of heroes I have just enrolled myself. -Dudley Slyde and I will be companions in arms." - -"Slyde! Dudley Slyde? Very cool hand; rather a dandy, people say. All -the more likely to fight when he's put to it. He knows the country -well, too. There is no doubt in my mind that every white man in the -North Island who can carry arms will have to turn out." - -"And how long do you think the war will last? Six months?" - -"I should not like to say six years, but it will be nearer that than -the time you mention. Maclean thinks five thousand troops will be -required if the neighbouring tribes join Te Rangitake. Richmond is of -the same opinion. Three Europeans have been shot on the Omata block. It -was to avenge these that the volunteers and militia turned out, when -the men of H.M.S. _Niger_ behaved so splendidly; the volunteers also -held their own." - -"Is there any further demonstration?" - -"Yes; a great _hui_, or meeting, has been held at Ngarua-wahia, on the -Waikato. They say that three thousand Maoris were present, who were all -on the side of Te Rangitake. Fifty of his tribe were there, asking for -help." - -"And what was the outcome of it all?" - -"They were agreed in one thing--that the Governor was too hasty in -fighting before it was proved to whom the land really belonged. The -killing of men at the Omata block naturally followed when once--as by -destroying the pah at Waitara--war had begun." - -"What became of Te Rangitake's fifty men?" - -"Well, a body of the Nga-ti-mania-poto went back to Taranaki with them -under Epiha, the chief. On the way they met Mr. Parris, the Taranaki -land commissioner, whom the Maoris blamed for the Waitara affair. Te -Rangitake's people wanted to kill him at once, but Epiha drew up his -men, took him under his protection, and escorted him to a place of -safety. Parris began to thank him, but was stopped at once. - -'Friend,' said the chief, 'do not attribute your deliverance to me, but -to God. I shall meet you as an enemy in the daylight. Now you have seen -that I would not consent to you being murdered.'" - -"What a fine trait in a man's character!" said Massinger. "And what -discipline his men were in to withstand the other fellows, and save the -man's life who was responsible, they believed, for all the mischief!" - -"Yes, that's the Maori chief all over. He has the most romantic ideas -on certain points, and acts up to them, which is more than our people -always do. But I hear that the Governor is going to stop the Waitara -business for the present--very sensibly--and give the natives south of -New Plymouth a lesson." - -"And what about the settlers around Taranaki?" - -"They have been forced to abandon their farms. The women and children -have taken refuge in the town, while Colonel Gold has destroyed the -mills, crops, and houses of the natives on the Tataraimaka block. So -the war may be regarded as being fairly, or rather unfairly, begun; God -alone knows when it may end." - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - - -The natives alleged that they had taken up arms against manifest wrong -and injustice; but underlying all other motives and actions was the -land question. The more sagacious chiefs entertained fears of the -alienation of their territories. The growing superiority of the white -settlers troubled them. Outnumbered, fighting against superior weapons, -the day seemed near when, as in their songs and recitations, they began -to lament, "The Maori people would be like a flock of birds upon a -rock, with the sea rising fast around them." The time seemed propitious -to unite the tribes against the common foe. The natives were estimated -at sixty thousand, a large number being available fighting men. One -determined assault upon the whites, who were not, as was supposed, more -than eighty thousand, might settle the question. - -Mr. (afterwards Sir) William Fitzherbert said in the House in 1861 that -"the remark that we were living at the mercy of the natives was _true_, -and reflected the greatest credit upon them. They had that knowledge, -and yet forbore to use their power." Now, however, war was declared -between the two races; the untarnished honour of the British flag must -be maintained. - -At that time in the distracted colony there lived, strange to say, -a body of men whose interests were primarily concerned neither with -the acquisition of land, the profits of trade, nor the so-called -prestige of the British crown. Voyaging to New Zealand long years -ago, they announced themselves to be the bearers of a Divine message, -the significance of which was nearly two thousand years old. With the -weapons of peace and good will they confronted the savage conquerors -of the day. They lived among them unharmed, though not always able to -prevent the torture of captives, the execution of enemies taken in -fight, or to stay the hand of the fierce tribes thirsting for conquest -or revenge. But they had done much. They had laboured zealously and -unselfishly. They had risked their lives, and those of the devoted -wives who had accompanied them into the habitations of the heathen. -Following the example of their pioneer pastor, the saintly Samuel -Marsden, they had introduced the arts of peace. They had ploughed -and sowed, reaped and garnered. Favoured by the rich soil and moist -climate, the cereals, the plants, the edible roots of older lands had -flourished abundantly. - -The heathen, though slow to perceive the benefit of such labours, -had come to comprehend and to imitate. They shared in the fruits of -the earth so abundantly provided. Trade had sprung up with adjoining -colonies; and, with the white man's tools, his grain, his horses, -his cattle, and sheep, in all of which the Maori was allowed to -participate, came the revelation of the white man's God, the white -man's faith, the white man's schools; the missionary's example did -the rest. Gradually these agencies commenced to sway the rude and -turbulent tribes. A highly intelligent race, they deduced rules of -conduct from the _mikonaree_, who was so different from any species -of white man they had previously known. He was brave, for did he not -from time to time risk his life, for peace' sake alone, between excited -bands of enemies? He made war on none; he was slow to defend himself; -he trusted for protection in that Great Being who had preserved him, -his wife and little ones, in the midst of dangers by land and sea. From -time to time he took dangerous journeys, he crossed swollen rivers, he -traversed pathless forests, he risked his life in frail barks on stormy -seas, to prevent war, to release captives. - -After years of toil and trial the reward of these devoted servants -of the Lord appeared to be assured. Many of the older chiefs, men -of weight and authority, were baptized as earnest converts. Others -protected the missionaries, though they refused to quit the faith of -their ancestors. The schools flourished, and, unprecedented among other -races, aged men learned to read and write. The Bible was translated -into the simple yet sonorous Maori tongue. Saw-mills and flour-mills, -owned by natives, arose; vessels even were built for them, in which -their produce was taken to other ports. As far back as the bloodthirsty -raids of Te Waharoa, the ruthless massacres of Hongi and Rauperaha, the -missionary lived amidst the people for whose spiritual welfare he had -dared danger and death, exile and privation. - -The members of the different Christian Churches had shared emulously -in the good work. Wesleyans and Presbyterians, the Church of England -and the Roman Catholic hierarchy, all had their representatives; all -supported ministers vowed to the service of the heathen. Not always -went they scathless. These soldiers of the Cross had seen their -cottage homes burned, their families driven forth to seek shelter -and protection at a distance. But, even when the worst passions of -contending parties were aroused, there never failed them a chief or a -warrior who took upon himself the charge of the helpless fugitives. - -The earlier missions were organized by remarkable men. Their -descendants occupy high positions, and inherit the respect which to -their fathers was always accorded. But the most commanding figure in -the little army of Christian soldiers, the most striking personality, -was Selwyn, the first bishop of New Zealand. No ordinary cleric was -the dauntless athlete, the apostolic prelate, the daring herald of -good tidings, reckless of personal danger whether in war or peace. -When the Waikato warriors, three hundred strong, went down the river -from Ngarua-wahia under the young Matutauere, the bishop, travelling -_on foot_, carried a message to friendly chiefs, who undertook to bar -the war-party from passing through their territory. The settler at -whose house the bishop arrived soon after sunrise, dripping with water -from the fording of a creek, told the story. Had his remonstrances, -strengthened by those of the venerable Henry Williams, Chief Justice -Martin, and Sir William Denison, received the consideration to which -they were entitled, "the great war of 1860, with its resultant, the -greater war of 1863," would never have been fought. England's taxpayers -would have been richer by the interest paid on a sum of several -millions, and England's dead, whose bones are resting in distant -cemeteries, or in unknown graves on many a ferny hillside, would have -been saved to family and friends. - -However, at this stage all developments lay shrouded in the veil of the -future. On whosoever lay the blame, war _had_ commenced in earnest, -and, according to British traditions, must be fought out. It was arming -and hurrying with all classes and all ages in Auckland, A.D. 1860. -Volunteers, militia, regulars, marines, bluejackets, were all under -marching orders; martial law was proclaimed around Taranaki; all the -ingredients of the devil's cauldron were simmering and ready to burst -forth. - -If Massinger had desired the excitements of danger, of battle, murder, -and sudden death, this was the place and the time, to the very hour. - -He had found no difficulty in enrolling himself among the force known -as Von Tempsky's Forest Rangers. It was composed of the most resolute, -daring spirits of the colony, many of whom had either been born in -New Zealand or been brought up there from infancy. As a rule, used -to country life, they rode well, and were good marksmen. A large -proportion of them were the sons of farmers, but there were also men -who had held good positions in their day. Having lost their money, or -otherwise drifted out of the ranks of the well-to-do, they cheerfully -enlisted in this arm of the force, which, if irregular in discipline, -had a prestige which the ordinary militia and volunteer regiments -lacked. - -In such a corps the personal character of the leader is everything; -and in this respect they were exceptionally fortunate. Carl Von -Tempsky, the son of a Prussian officer high in service, was a soldier -of fortune in the best sense of the word. He had served for several -years with credit, if not distinction, until the temptation of a free -adventurous life proved too strong for him. He quitted the ranks of the -3rd Fusiliers for a long ramble in Mexico, during which he held various -military commands. - -After this foreign service he travelled through Central America, and -knew Bluefields Bay and the Mosquito Shore, finally reaching New -Zealand a year before the troublous time which supplied the warlike -excitement in which his nature revelled. Producing his credentials, he -was at once appointed to the force which, under his leadership, became -so celebrated. His career was assured. Daring to recklessness, he was -yet a thorough disciplinarian. Suave in manner, but unyielding, he -controlled the wilder spirits in his regiment, while his confident and -successful generalship roused his men to a pitch of enthusiasm which -rendered them well-nigh irresistible in the field. As scouts they were -invaluable, often securing information of the movements of the enemy, -which the superstitious natives believed to be derived from witchcraft -or sorcery. Their sudden onslaught upon outlying camps and redoubts -demoralized the foe. While, whenever they had brought anything like an -equal force to bay, they invariably routed them with loss, Von Tempsky, -with his dark flashing eyes and cavalier curls, bearing himself as -though gifted with a charmed life. - -Such was the corps in which Massinger and Warwick found themselves; -for the latter had made up his mind--on Mr. Slyde's principle, that in -the present state of affairs "one must join something"--to follow the -same flag as his erstwhile employer, to whom he had become personally -attached. Of the young Englishman's courage and liberality he had the -highest opinion; of his prudence he felt doubtful. This was his chief -reason, as he told Mr. Slyde, for enlisting. - -"I shouldn't like to see him shot or tomahawked," he said. "He'll -make a grand soldier if he gets time; but he's careless--deuced -careless--and foolhardy. I'm afraid of some dog of a Waikato taking a -pot-shot at him from behind a tree while he's thinking of something a -thousand miles away." - - * * * * * - -The Forest Rangers were a distinguished corps in which to be enrolled. -From the beginning of the campaign their name had been in every one's -mouth. Their dress was picturesque, though toned down in regard to the -special services on which they were generally detailed. - -More was expected of them by the public than of any other volunteer -force. And the public was not often disappointed. Von Tempsky was the -_beau ideal_ of a leader of irregular troops. Full of military ardour, -brave to recklessness, and of singular aptitude for command, the men -under him got into the habit of regarding themselves as _enfants -perdus_, knew not what fear was, and carried out with success sorties, -reconnoissances, and scout duty of the most daring and desperate -nature. The work was entirely to Massinger's taste. He found himself -among kindred spirits. His former volunteer experience stood him in -good stead. He was promised speedy promotion. He came to believe that -a military career in war-time was, after all, his vocation, and, as -affording a succession of exciting adventures and dramatic incidents, -the most desirable of all professions. - -The minor successes gained by the Waitara tribes before November, -1860, had much elated the Ngatiawa, so that they conceived the idea of -taking possession of the Mahoetai hill, close to the main road and near -the Bell Block stockade. More than a hundred Ngatihauas and Waikatos -established themselves there on a knoll surrounded by flax plants and -_raupo_ swamp. A combined attack of the 40th and 65th Regiments, with -the militia, stormed the position. The volunteers and a company of -the 65th were told off to the assault, which they made in good style. -The Maoris stood their ground well, killing and wounding some of the -assailants, but eventually were driven out of their rifle-pits. They -took refuge in a swamp, but, the raupo being fired, fled for their -lives. They lost thirty-four killed and fifty wounded. Several chiefs -lay dead, including Taupo-rutu of Ngatihaua. Two were killed and four -wounded of the volunteers. - -After this affair two companies of the Forest Rangers were detailed, -under Captains Von Tempsky and Jackson, for the purpose of scouring -the forest between the Waikato and Auckland. Life and property in -the settled districts had become insecure. To the great joy and -satisfaction of Messrs. Slyde and Massinger, they found themselves -in the first-named company, and were soon in the thick of a smart -skirmish, in which two officers of a militia company were killed and -half a dozen rank and file wounded, the enemy acknowledging more than -double. - -They were now ceaselessly occupied in scouring the bush and moving -from place to place, for weeks together having no settled camp or -abiding-place. On the Waiari stream, when sent to clear the enemy out -of the river-scrub, they killed five and took several prisoners in a -very short onset. - -A more serious engagement followed, when at Waiheke they were camped -with the Arawa, two hundred strong, and found the enemy, composed -of Ngaiterangi, Whaha-tohea, and Ngatiporou, awaiting them near Te -Matata. The position was well chosen: a deep stream in front, on their -left flank a raised beach, their right on the sea. The Forest Rangers -carried the creek with a rush, well supported by the Arawa, after which -the enemy waited no longer, but, pursued by the Rangers, fled until the -Awa-te-Atua river was reached. The British loss was light, but included -Toi, the brave old chief of the Arawa. The enemy lost seventy men. - -Here Massinger had an opportunity of witnessing a characteristic -incident of Maori warfare. A celebrated chief of the Whaha-tohea, being -taken prisoner, fully expected to be put to death. Captain Macdonnell -took him under his protection, telling him that he had nothing to fear. -From the men probably not, but Macdonnell had not calculated on the -feelings of a bereaved wife. Toi's widow, "wroth in wild despair," -persuaded some one to load a rifle for her, and walking up to the -chief, blew his brains out. The tribe, after much argument, came to a -decision much resembling that of Bret Harte's jury at White Pine, viz. -"Justifiable insanity." - -"Must be in luck now," said Mr. Slyde one morning, after an orderly had -been seen riding into camp. "Shouldn't wonder if the general had got -some special work cut out for us." - -"I hope so," replied Massinger. "We'll know soon, as Warwick is talking -to Captain St. George, whom Von is sure to give the first order to. Now -both are called up. Something on by the look of Warwick. Here he comes." - -"Well, where are we to go, most noble earl and king-maker? Route to the -Uriwera or the Reinga?" - -"There's an off chance of the last place for some of us," said Warwick, -who didn't care for Maori jokes, detached, as by education and travel -he had become, from his maternal relatives. "The route is to the Patea -River near the edge of a forest, where the whole of the tribes of the -North Island might hide. The villages there are not exactly in trees, -but nearly as hard to climb up to." - -"All the better--give us new ideas," said Slyde. "Tired of this flat -country work. - - 'My heart's in the Highlands, - My heart is not here; - My heart's in the Highlands, - A-chasing the deer.' - -What a country this would be for red deer! By the way, I wonder if I -shall ever have the luck to pot a stag of ten? No saying; come some -day. When do we start, and how many men?" - -"Two companies, fifty each. Daylight in the morning. Camp at -Kakaramea." - -Stationed at this inviting locality, where, as Mr. Slyde remarked, the -country consisted of hills without valleys, rivers without bridges, and -inconvenient cliffs thrown in, the hawk eyes of Warwick discovered a -track leading up the face of an almost perpendicular cliff. - -"This track goes up the cliff, but how are _we_ to go up?" asked -Massinger. "A goat couldn't do it." - -"Do you see those climbers carelessly thrown along the track?" - -"I do see some supple-jack here and there." - -"Those," said Warwick, "are Maori ladders, which you will find strong -enough when it is your turn to try them. Of the two, I would rather -trust to them than ordinary rope." - -"When do we start?" asked Massinger. - -"Not today, or perhaps tomorrow. They have scouts on the watch. The -major won't move until they get careless. Then a midnight affair." - -"Regular 'Der Freischutz' business," said Slyde. "Hour midnight. -Circle. Skulls neatly arranged. 'Zamiel, come forth!' etc. Owls in -forest, please attend. Come to think, we _are_ rather in the Freischutz -line. If we get back to Auckland one of these fine days (or years), -good idea for private theatricals." - -"We shall have them in private and public," said Warwick, "before the -season's over. Likely to end up with a tragedy, too." - -"Tragedy or comedy, we shall be in the front row," said Massinger; -"but, the overture not having commenced, we can't criticize the -performance. Our _jeun premier_, Von Tempsky, however, would do -honour to any opera in Europe. What a romantic-looking fellow he is -in his undress uniform! Calm, yet determined-looking, an expression -which would never alter in the face of death. Hair worn longer than -we Englishmen affect, but it becomes some people. As a fashion it's -certain to come in again. Cavalry sabre, forage cap, blue tunic, boots -to the knee,--there you have him. He would have been a _Feld_ some day -if he had remained in the Imperial service." - -"Better that he is with us to-night," said Warwick. "Besides being a -first-class leader, he is one of the smartest scouts that ever picked -up a track. Did you ever hear what he did at Papa-rata? Many a man -wears the Victoria Cross for less." - -"No--that is, heard generally. Tell us about it," said Slyde. "Afraid I -shouldn't do much in that line." - -"Nor I either," said Massinger. "I am all ears." - -"You'll never be all eyes, captain," said Warwick, with a grim smile. -"And by Maori custom a captured scout is doomed to tortures that can't -be told. I always keep one shot in my revolver." - -"For whom?" asked Massinger. - -"For _myself_, if ever I'm 'jumped,'" answered Warwick, who had -acquired, among his other experiences, a few miner's idioms. "But -here is the story. The general wanted a sketch of the enemy's works -at Papa-rata, which they had occupied in force. Our Von undertook the -service--sort of forlorn hope business--and, like everything he ever -began, carried it out thoroughly. He managed to hide himself in the -scrub and flax in the very midst of the natives, and, far worse for -discovery, their prowling dogs, popularly supposed to wind a white man -a mile off. There he calmly sketched the position, and got safe back -into camp. They gave him his commission for it." - -"And well he deserved it," said Massinger. - -"So say I," chimed in Slyde. "Good thing about a war, attracts best -fellows of all nationalities--Johnnies that prefer discomfort and revel -in danger; used to light marching order, too. Sort of war correspondent -business; murder and sudden death thrown in. Deuced exhilarating when -you come to think of it." - -"Do you know, I find it so," answered Massinger, entering into the -joke. "And our light marching order is a triumph of economy of space. -Nothing approaches it but a middy's wardrobe, and he has a ship to -carry it. I must have myself photographed when we--may I say _if_--we -return to camp. Let me see--Forest Ranger, 'in his habit as he lived;' -applicable to either case, you see. Item--_Swag_. Did I think I -should ever carry one? One blanket, one great coat, twenty rounds of -ammunition, all put up in a waterproof; three days' rations of meat -and biscuit; half a bottle of rum. Revolver, carbine, cartridge-box, -tomahawk--all most useful, not to say ornamental, when sliding down -precipices in the dark, as we did on entering camp last night." - -"Camp accommodation; don't forget that," added Slyde. - -"Fire strictly forbidden. Sleeping apartment of the wild boar of the -forest. I'll swear that where you and I, Warwick and Hay, slept last -night--for we _did_ sleep--under the hollow rimu tree, had belonged -to one. 'Feeds the boar in the old frank,' as the wild prince says. -Also, over and above all these pleasures and palaces, our lives hang on -a chance from day to day--that of being surrounded in the heart of a -forest, and cut off to a man." - -"Conversation most improvin'," said Mr. Slyde. "Seems to lack the comic -element, though! 'Want a piano,' as the Johnnie said to Thackeray -after lecture. As we've an early _engagement_--ha, ha!--in the morning, -suppose we turn in? Now 'I lay me down to sleep.' Rain recommencing. -'Drought broken up,' as they say in Australia." - -It was not very late--nine o'clock, indeed, no more. Camp evenings were -apt to be long without late dinners or books. However, it not being -their watch, the friends lay down in their "lair," and in five minutes, -despite the rain, from which, indeed, the o'er-arching tree in great -part saved them, fell fast asleep. - -At midnight on the third day the march was recommenced and the cliff -path reached. Von Tempsky, with seventy men, made a start punctually, -as was his wont. Massinger felt doubtfully entertained at the idea of -swinging in mid-air, clinging to a rude arrangement of trailers, with, -perhaps, expectant Maoris at the top. However, he forbore remark, and -after he had seen Von Tempsky shin up the swaying half-seen line like a -man-of-war Jack, he felt reassured. - -"What a leader he is!" thought he. - - "'Alike to him the sea, the shore, - The branch, the bridle, and the oar.' - -We are all in hard condition, luckily." - -Between the precarious foothold on the cliff and the ladder of -withes--Warwick, by the way, was immediately behind him--he reached the -top safely. - -"Here we are!" he said, as Warwick sprang up and stood by his side. "I -shouldn't care, though, to go _down_ the same way, especially if they -had crossed our track and decided to wait there for our return." - -"They would find an officer and thirty men there," said Warwick. "Our -Von always takes care to leave a place open for retreat. Catch him -napping!" - -Dawn found them in a deserted village, recently occupied, however, as -the fires were still alight. Pushing on across a gorge, smoke was seen -rising, and on the summit of the ridge a large clearing was sighted, -with a number of whares at the other end. - -"There they are!" said Massinger. - -"Those whares are only temporary," explained Warwick--"used by the -natives to put in a crop or take it up. I can see Maoris; they don't -see us, however." - -The order came at that moment to extend in line along the forest edge, -behind a barricade of dead timber, thrown aside from the clearing. -This they climbed, but were immediately seen by the natives, who fired -a volley, mortally wounding a young officer and one of the Rangers. -The senior officer, next to Von Tempsky, was also hit. The attempt to -dislodge the enemy from some fallen timber, under cover of which they -were able to hold the attacking force in check, failed, owing to their -right resting on a cliff, not previously noticed. A smart skirmish took -place, however, in which the enemy was routed, leaving three dead on -the ground. - -"Had the best of it," said Mr. Slyde after supper. "Not a glorious -victory, though, by any means. Two to one--bad exchange against -natives. Poor young Stansfield, too! Took me and Warwick all we knew to -get him down that beastly ladder." - -"Poor chap!" said Massinger. "What spirits he was in when we started! -Stark and cold now. Fortune of war, I suppose." - -"Bush-fighting not all beer and skittles," remarked his companion. -"Better luck next time." - -One of the really "stunning engagements" (as Mr. Slyde phrased it) in -which Massinger and his two comrades took active part, was the fight -before Paterangi. The enemy's works were about three miles distant from -the headquarters' camp at Te Rore. - -The sailors, under Lieutenant Hill, H.M.S. _Curaçoa_, had their camp -close to the landing-place, to which the _Avon_, with stores, made -daily trips. - -The tars, to relieve the monotony of camp life, had got hold of -cricketing materials, and on fine afternoons the stumps were set up and -play carried on, _secundum artem_, as unconcernedly as if there was no -such thing as a Maori foe within a few hundred yards of them. - -"Look at Von Tempsky!" said Slyde (the Rangers being at headquarters in -case any specially dangerous scouting was on hand.) "Cool as if he was -listening to a military band in Berlin. Trifle better music there, I -dare say. Picturesque-looking beggar, isn't he? Cigar in mouth, forage -cap always on the side of his head. Curls _à ravir_. Not our form, but -they become him. Wouldn't think he was the man that spoilt an ambush at -Mount Egmont, when the general made his point to point march through -the bush there." - -"Just the man, I should think. But how was it?" - -"Rangers, you see, marched with the column. Passing through thickest -spot, Von left track with his men and vanished. Troops thought took -wrong path. Sharp firing heard. Von reappears front of the column, -forcing his way through the supple-jacks, sword in one hand, revolver -in the other, knife between his teeth, dripping with blood. Ambush laid -for troops--destroyed it." - -"No wonder everybody swears by him. I suppose these fellows would have -had a steady volley at the column?" - -"Regular pot-shot. Sure to kill officers, besides twenty or thirty -Tommies. Might even have bagged the general. Great hand at the -bowie-knife, Von. Learned that in Mexico. Throws it to an inch. Great -weapon at close quarters." - -"I dare say," replied Massinger. "I don't seem to take to it myself. -All's fair in war, of course." - -"Suppose we have a bathe in the Mangopiko? It feels warmer this -afternoon." - -This motion being carried, our triumvirate proceeded to the river-bank -with a party of the 40th, men who bathed there every day. - -"The water's all right," said Warwick, "but I don't like this manuka -scrub. The river's not too wide, and there's good cover on the other -side." - -"Surely there's no chance of there being natives so close to the camp?" -said Massinger, who thought Warwick a trifle over-cautious this time, -often as he had reason to admit his astonishing accuracy in all that -concerned woodcraft. - -This occasion was not destined to be an exception, for no sooner had -they undressed than a volley from across the river showed that natives -_had_ been concealed on the opposite bank. - -Fortunately, a covering party of twenty men under a lieutenant had been -sent with them, who immediately returned fire, and a sharp exchange -began. The sounds of the firing brought up a reinforcement from the -40th and 50th Regiments, under Colonel Havelock, who got to the rear -of the concealed natives, the same ti-tree which had screened them -serving to hide the troops. At an old earthwork they came suddenly -upon them. Captain Jackson of the Forest Rangers and Captain Headley -of the Auckland Rifles marched with the supports, eventually driving -the Maoris from their position in the earthwork. A hot rally while it -lasted, but a Victoria Cross was gained in it by Captain Headley, who, -under heavy fire and with his clothes riddled with bullets, carried out -a wounded soldier. - -"D----d nuisance!" said Mr. Slyde, resuming his garments. "Left arms at -camp, or we might have had a throw in. Other chaps got all the fun. Oh, -here comes Warwick, _heavily_ armed, and no mistake." - -It was even so. That resourceful henchman had bolted back to camp and -returned with his arms full of their carbines and revolvers. - -"And, by Jove! here comes Von Tempsky and part of our company," -exclaimed Massinger, unusually excited. "Was there ever such luck?" - -No time was lost in joining the Rangers, who had just been ordered to -cross the river and clear the scrub. - -Without a moment's hesitation, headed by Von Tempsky, they plunged -into the stream, and emerging like modern river-gods dripping with the -Mangopiko, rushed on the enemy. A desperate hand-to-hand fight ensued. -The natives retreated, leaving eight dead, side by side, amid the -trampled fern. The Rangers only had three men wounded, including Mr. -Massinger, in the arm--his first title to distinction, as having bled -in the cause of his Queen and country. - -Like many other small wars and skirmishes, it led to complications. -A body of natives came out from the pah at Paterangi to help their -people. The skirmishers of the 40th were thrown forward to check them. -Five men killed and six wounded of the 40th, while the natives from -Paterangi lost over forty killed and thirty wounded. - -Mr. Massinger's arm was sore enough that night, though he was loth to -admit it. - -"'Quite enough to get,' as the soldier remarked in 'Pickwick.' Deuced -hot work while it lasted. New style of bathing-party. Have to look up a -tree before you sit under it next. Maoris everywhere." - -"'All's well that ends well,'" rejoined Massinger, with his arm in -a sling. "Lucky that Warwick brought the carbines. I wouldn't have -missed that dash across the river for worlds. We also covered the rear -effectually, Von Tempsky marching as if he was on parade." - -"He wasn't the only one who was cool," said Warwick. "The -adjutant-surgeon stopped the bleeding in your arm as steady as if he -was in the hospital tent. Bullets pretty thick, too." - -The colonel commanding did justice to the merits of all concerned, and -when Lieutenant Roland Massinger's name occurred in the list of wounded -among the Forest Rangers, under Major Von Tempsky, that gentleman felt -himself more than recompensed for any trifling inconvenience he might -have undergone. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - - -The campaign dragged on till June, the antipodean mid-winter, was -reached. Dark were the long cold nights, ceaseless the rain, as the -troops and volunteers struggled through forests knee-deep in mud, with -creeks to ford and flax swamps to wade through. - -An insufficient commissariat tried the constitution of the hardiest. -Massinger was now in a position to comprehend thoroughly the fearful -odds against which the British regulars fought in the American -revolutionary war. There they confronted an enemy whose very children, -as soon as they were strong enough to lift the long rifle of the -period, were the deadliest of marksmen. - -Behind the forest pillars or beneath the fallen logs, what perfect -cover had the backwoodsmen, trained to all woodcraft and inured to a -hunter's life, where subsistence often depended upon patient stalking -and accuracy of aim! - -Almost similar conditions prevailed in this guerilla warfare to which -England's armaments stood committed. The "mute Maori" glided through -the underbrush or amid the fern, himself invisible, until he arose in -open order before the astonished troops. - - "At times a warning trumpet note, - At times a stifled hum," - -he had winded from afar. Reckless in assault as elusive in retreat, the -desperate Maori seemed a demoniac foe. Living on fern-root, shell-fish, -or kumera, he needed no baggage. The women of the tribe, mingling with -the warriors, cooked the necessary food, carried off the wounded, and -were not averse to occasional fighting. With ten thousand regular -troops, as well as levies of militia and volunteers against them, with -powerful tribes of their own race, _rusés_ and daring as themselves, -who fought for the pakeha with a ferocity not exceeded in the bloodiest -tribal wars, their position appeared hopeless. Still the stubborn Maori -held his own. In staying power, as in other respects, the aboriginal, -the Briton of the South, displayed his similarity to his Northern -prototype. No such conflict had been waged by an aboriginal race -against the arms of civilization since the Iceni and the Brigantes -confronted Cæsar's legions, fought the world's masters for generation -after generation, century after century, till, wearied with the -profitless strife and barren occupation, they withdrew, and left the -savage inhabitants to a climate of such rigour and gloom that they -alone seemed to be its fitting inhabitants. Such for a time appeared -to be no improbable _finale_ to the Waikato war. Months, even years, -passed without tangible result, without solid advantage to the invaders. - -So the seasons wore on, until Massinger began to look upon himself less -as a colonist than a soldier. "The reveillé," the bugle-call, became -familiar to him and his companions; for neither Slyde nor Warwick, -more than himself, dreamed of quitting service until the war was over, -the play played out. - -Both Englishmen had been wounded at different times, but so far not -severely. They were commencing to feel the true fatalism of the -soldier, convinced that they were invulnerable until their predestined -hour. They came to be well known among the forces, with their guide, -from whom they were rarely separated. With no personal interest in the -matter, with no land to defend, no interest to conserve, they remained -simply because they happened to be on the spot, and, coming of fighting -blood, had no power to withdraw themselves from the fascination of -battle, murder, and sudden death. - -Strange as it seemed to Massinger, they had never happened to meet -Erena. They heard of her from time to time, but Mannering and his -_hapu_, though always at the front, were either in another direction -when they fell across the Ngapuhi contingent, or the Forest Rangers -were on outpost duty. - -Nor was intelligence wanting of traits of heroism on her part in the -numerous skirmishes and sorties of which her father was the leader. -Dressed like his Maori allies, with a plume of feathers in his hair, -with cartridge-pouch and waistbelt accoutred proper, wherever the fight -was fiercest, high above friend and foe rose the tall form of Allister -Mannering. - -And ever as the battle-waves surged forward, or were rolled back by -superior forces, the eager, fearless face, the huntress form of Erena -was seen, disdainful of danger as the fabled goddess in the Trojan war. -Her chosen band of dusky maidens--relatives or near friends--accepted -her guidance, and surrounded her in every engagement; many a wounded -soldier or native ally had they borne from the fray, or succoured when -wounded and helpless on the field. Often had they warned outlying -settlers when the prowling _taua_ was approaching the unsuspecting -family. Nay, it was asserted that had Erena's counsel been taken, her -letter regarded, the murder of the missionary, with wife and babes, -might have been averted. Sometimes near, sometimes afar, but never -absolutely within speech or vision, the situation to Massinger's -aroused imagination became tantalizing to such a painful degree that he -felt resolved to terminate it without further delay. - -It is not to be supposed that he was without occasional tidings from -that land of his fathers, from which, as he sometimes considered, he -had hastily exiled himself. - -For was it not exile, in the fullest sense of the word? Œdipus in -Colona was a joke to it. Was this travel-stained, over-wearied, haggard -man, who trudged day by day, and often from night to dawn, through -darksome woods and endless marshes, in daily risk of being "shot like -a rabbit in a ride," the same Massinger of the Court, who was wont to -turn out so spick and span at covert and copse? - -He could hardly believe it, any more than that the sardonic soldier -at his side, whose unsparing comments included the Government, the -New Zealand Company, the soldiers, and the sailors, the general, the -governor, the colonists, the natives, by no means excepting himself, as -the champion idiots of the century, was the erstwhile debonair Dudley -Slyde, faultless in costume as unapproachable in languid elegance. - -It has been observed that a campaign brings out the best or worst -points of a man's character. This struck Massinger as a proposition -proved to demonstration when he saw the cheerful acquiescence of Mr. -Slyde in the drudgeries and dangers of their harassing expeditions. -He it was who volunteered for "fatigue" duty by night or day; ready -at any hour to help to bury the dead, to forage for provisions, to -cover retreat, to attend the wounded, at the same time keeping up the -cheerfulness of the rank and file by his withering execrations, which, -from their very incongruousness, always provoked the laughter of his -comrades. - -The simple privates voted him the "rummest chap as ever they see," at -the same time fully appreciating his coolness under fire and many-sided -utility. - -Nor was Warwick unmindful of the necessity of keeping up the reputation -of _les trois mousquetaires_, as they were occasionally called. He -exhibited in his personal traits certain distinct tendencies derived -from an admixture of the races. Grave, steadfast, and trustworthy, -obedient to orders, as became his Anglo-Saxon descent, he was -occasionally affected with the Berserker frenzy of his mother's people. -At such moments he would rush to the front, heedless of friends or -foes, and indulge himself in the blood-fury of her reckless race. When -mixed up with friendly natives he would stalk through the hottest of -the fire with those younger chiefs, who desired to have some daring -achievement to boast of when the war was over. It more than once -happened that his companions returned no more, having fallen to a man -in the breach, or when they had surmounted the lofty palisades which -engirdled the fortress, behind which lay trench and fascine, gallery -and bastion. So far Warwick had always returned, blood-stained and -powder-blackened, with torn uniform and dimmed accoutrements, dropping -with fatigue, and half dead with thirst, but safe and unharmed, -ready--and more than ready--for the next day's exploits. When in this -mood he had been seen side by side with the famous Winiata, standing on -the parapet of a beleaguered redoubt, having guns handed to them, with -which they kept up a ceaseless fusilade, they themselves the centre of -a close and deadly volley. - -Even in the midst of war's alarms the English soldier finds time for -recreative pastime and the omnipresent national sports. - -Football and cricket, polo and other matches flourish, in which -distinction is enjoyed with a pathetic disregard of the morrow. When -it chances that the "demon bowler" of the regiment, who has taken five -wickets in four "overs," is himself bowled next day with a smaller ball -and yet more deadly delivery, short shrift and brief requiem suffice. -The batsman's stumps are scattered, and no L.B.W. affords an appeal to -the umpire. - -In polo the fortune of war, indeed, dwarfs the untoward accidents of -the game. Who can object to a "crumpler" of a fall, when horse and -rider may so soon form part of the sad company "in one red burial -blent"? No! the bugle-call sounds to arms, and his comrades form in -line, all unheeding of the gap in the ranks. - -There is a superficial appearance of callousness about our British -customs in this respect. But none the less is deep and sincere -mourning made for the dead; none the less among Britons in action all -over the world is care for the wounded, self-sacrificing heroism in the -field, so common as to be inconspicuous. - -Hurdle-racing, not to say steeplechasing, was in abeyance, owing to -the low condition of the cavalry arm, and the extreme difficulty in -procuring fodder. The climate and the native pasture forbade the -grass-feeding, which in Australia would have been all-sufficing. But -polo, owing to the exertions of those officers who had served in India, -and to the occasional capture of Maori ponies, became most popular. -Football, again, was eminently suited to the damp and cold region in -which their lines were cast, and supplied the means of warmth and -exercise at small cost. - -These sports kept up the spirits of the variously gathered forces. The -Maori allies took to the game of football with zest and enthusiasm, -their astonishing activity and strength making them almost an overmatch -for their British instructors. Their shouts and war-cries, when there -was no particular need for caution, made the camp lively and animated, -tending to produce, as similar sports peculiar to England and her -colonies always do, a feeling of harmony and good fellowship between -the different orders and races, invaluable for the _morale_ of the -heterogeneous force gathered on the banks of the Waikato. - -But all other interests and expectations were dulled in comparison with -those which prevailed on the day when the somewhat irregular arrival of -the mails took place. - -Often by water would the messenger appear. A canoe would steal up to -river-bank or lake-shore at midnight, freighted with the hopes and -fears of a thousand lives; or a solitary native would come tearing -through the mazes of the forest, bleeding from briars, panting audibly, -like an Indian runner in the old French war of the Canadas, and, -casting down the precious wallet with a "hugh!" expressive of deep -relief, saunter off to the Maori camp, where a sufficiency of pork and -kumera awaited him, or at the worst, dried shark, pippi, and fern-root. - -Then, as the priceless missives were handed to the feverishly expectant -possessors, what sudden revulsions of feeling were apparent! Few had -sufficient self-control to await the moment when the contents could -be devoured in secrecy. But, standing about in all directions, could -the recipients be descried with open letter and expressive features, -relaxed, fixed, satisfied, overjoyed, relieved, despairing, according -as the Fates had dealt the measure of weal or woe. - -At such a momentous ordeal, when his letters were given to Massinger, -one came in the well-known hand of Mrs. Merivale, _née_ Branksome. - -Putting the collection into his pocket without trace of excitement, -he wended his way to his tent, where, seating himself, he opened the -envelope, and read as follows:-- - - "MY DEAR SIR ROLAND, - - "As Harry sees all your letters, and occasionally criticizes mine - from a man's point of view (terribly wrong, as I always tell - him), I may without indiscretion supply the possessive prefix. - Sounds quite learned, doesn't it? Besides, ten--or is it not - twelve?--thousand miles' distance prevents a hint of impropriety - in our correspondence. After all this explanation, I proceed to say - 'How do you do?' How are you getting on in that most unpleasant war, - which would be ludicrous if it were not so dangerous, and into which - you seem to have rushed for no conceivable reason, but because you - disapprove and have no earthly interest connected with it? Talk of - man being a rational being, indeed! - - "He often argues like one, but how rarely--almost never, indeed--does - he _act_ in accordance with his theories! - - "However, like all decent Englishmen embarked in a quarrel, you are - bound in honour to go through with it. The question which perplexes - your friends--and you have a few, rather more than the average, - indeed--is _why_ you should have gone into it at all. I am not going - to say 'Que le diable, etc.'--by the way, I ought to have stopped at - the 'Que'--but we all _think so_! - - "One exhausts one's self in trying to find a cause (reason, of - course, there is none) for this effect; that is, for your migration - to the 'other side of the world,' as Jean Ingelow has it in that dear - song of hers. I have been reading German philosophy lately, and now - know that you must go much further back than is generally thought - necessary for people's tastes and dispositions, principles, and - actions. - - "This, then, would be the formula. First, Hypatia's parents, or one - of them, having, on account of some accidental family trait, bestowed - upon her an abnormally altruistic nature. - - "Then they proceed to furnish her with a shamefully superior and - unnecessary education, developing her intellect at the expense - of her common sense, so that she feels herself vowed to the social - advancement of the masses (as if they are not even now unpleasantly - close to the classes). This by the way. - - "Cause No. 2: Strenuous attempts to move the social fabric, with the - usual effect--loss of health and failure of 'mission,' self-dedicated. - - "Cause No. 3: Her refusal of the 'plain duty of womanhood,' and - so on, which wrecks _your_ career, as far as we can see, without - improving her own. However, she will doubtless plead that 'her - intentions were good.' Harry, who has been looking over my shoulder - (most improperly, I tell him), comes out with, 'D--n her intentions!' - (or words to that effect). 'Women always say so when they've made a - more destructive muddle of things than usual!' He has now been chased - out of the room, so I proceed to finish my letter in peace. - - "As it _is_ nearing the end, I may treat you to a bit of news which - you may regard as more important than the whole of the preceding - despatch. Our mutual friend has a dearest chum in New Zealand, to - whom she is devoted--the wife of a missionary clergyman. They live - in your shockingly disturbed district, where for some years they - have been converting the heathen with gratifying results. This Mary - Summers is the best of young women, and, when she is not making - 'moral pocket 'ankerchers,' writes to our Hypatia. I don't want to - be irreverent (Harry says--well, never mind; but he doesn't like - that kind of thing--says it's bad form), only the temptation was - irresistible. Well, where was I? Oh! she says 'the field' is most - interesting; the Maoris are a noble race--ten times more worthy of - a life's devotion than our slum savages, and so on. Well, Hypatia, - being discouraged about _them_, appears to me to incline to a Maori - crusade. So that it is _possible_--mind, I go no further--that one of - these days you might see 'the--er--one loved name,' or 'once loved,' - as the case might be, in a passenger list. - - "More wonderful things have happened before now, and I certainly - _did_ find her reading 'Ranulf and Amohia' the other day. - - "It is really _dreadful_ the length of this letter of mine. However, - I must tell you a little news. Your successor at Massinger Court has - got on very well with the county. Just at first, of course, people, - after the manner of our cautious country-folk, fought shy of them. - After a while, however, they were voted 'nice,' especially after Lord - Lake, an ex-Governor, and his wife, Lady Maud, came down to stay with - them, and it leaked out that they were related to the Lexingtons of - Saxmundham. Not that _they_ mentioned the fact. Harry says the son is - a capital fellow--rides, shoots, hunts, in most proper style, quiet - in manner, but amusing, and plays polo and cricket better than most - men. - - "The girls, too, are pretty and pleasant, great at tennis and - archery, besides being musical. The father subscribes liberally - to the county charities, and is hand-and-glove with the parson, - who says he is unusually well read. So you are in danger of being - forgotten--do you hear, sir?--and serve you right, by all but _a - very few_, who still think occasionally of the _rightful owner_ of - Massinger Court and Chase; among whom I am proud to enrol myself, - and (this _is_ the last sheet) remain - - "Always yours very sincerely, - - "ELIZABETH MERIVALE." - - * * * * * - -The dawn was breaking on the morning of a cold and gusty day, as the -shivering men of the No. 2 Company of the Forest Rangers were drying -themselves at an indifferent fire, when Warwick held up a warning hand. - -"Some one coming." - -Mr. Slyde lifted his rifle carelessly, and remarked, "A morning call. -One of our scouts, or a _toa_ bent on death or glory. He should have -come last night, when we were too tired to cook supper; now I feel as -if a brush with the 'hostiles' would revive me." - -"It's no native," affirmed Warwick. "He has boots on, and is walking -too fast for a surprise party. Here he comes." - -As he spoke, the bush parted, and a plainly dressed man in dark clothes -walked rapidly across the open ground in front of the camp. - -"By Jove, it's the bishop!" said Mr. Slyde. Then advancing, he -bowed, and in deeply respectful tones greeted the apostolic prelate -who departed so seriously from the modern manner of bishops of the -Established Church. - -"I am afraid, my lord, that you have had an uncomfortable journey; you -must have started early if you came from Pukerimu." - -"Comfort and I have long been at odds," said the stranger--for it was -indeed George Augustus Selwyn, the famous Bishop of New Zealand, who -stood there drenched to the skin, with the water dripping from his -garments--"and will be until this unhappy war is over. The fact is, -that I heard through a native convert that the missionaries at Ohaupo -were in danger, so I started at midnight to warn them. The creek was -flooded, or I should not have looked so much like a drowned rat." - -Massinger, who had been gazing intently at the devoted Churchman of -whom he had heard such wondrous stories--tales of his courage, his -athletic feats, his influence among the natives, his eloquence, his -tender treatment of the wounded on both sides--was lost in admiration -as he gazed at the expressive countenance, so noble in its simplicity. -He now came forward with an offer of a change of garments. - -"My friend, Lieutenant Massinger," said Mr. Slyde, introducing him. "He -has only joined recently, and, indeed, is but lately from England." - -"Massinger of the Court? Surely not!" said the bishop, with an air -of much interest. "How strange that we should meet thus! I knew your -people well before I left England. I will not ask you how you came to -be thus engaged, but must content myself with declining your courteous -offer. We are all in one boat as to discomfort. I am only bearing my -share of the common burden; and, indeed, I believe that were I to -trouble my head about these trifling privations, I should lose my -robust health, and, like some of my poor native parishioners, become a -prey to ordinary ailments." - -At this stage of the interview an orderly arrived with a pressing -invitation from the senior officer of the Forest Rangers, who trusted -that his lordship would not delay joining their mess at breakfast; -so, with a hearty expression of thanks and adieu, this devoted soldier -of the Church Militant departed with the orderly, every soldier within -sight saluting as he passed. - -"That's a _man_, if you like!" said Mr. Slyde. "If there were more like -him, no other religion would have a chance with ours. Travelled on foot -from coast to coast--in all weathers, too. Night or day, high water or -low, hot or cold, all alike to him. Opposed to the war, too, back and -edge. Government taken his advice, never have broken out." - -"And now, what is his work?" - -"Peace and good will on earth. Can't be hoped for just yet, of course. -Making the best of it now, until the end comes. Risked his life over -and over again. Worst of it, natives beginning to doubt him--fired at -him, indeed. Feels it bitterly, they say. Been advised to keep out -of the way. Scorns prudence. Says it's his duty to go to the front. -Careful only about other men's lives." - -"I've often heard of him," said Massinger; "I'm thankful now that I've -seen him. It does one good to meet an apostle in the flesh." - -"Not an extra religious man myself," said Mr. Slyde; "but deep respect -for the man, apart from his cloth. Black his boots any day, and feel -proud to do it, by Jove!" - -Breakfast concluded, there were certain military duties to be observed, -at the conclusion of which the lieutenant made his way to headquarters, -hoping for an interview with this heroic personage. To his regret, he -found that, with characteristic rapidity of action, he had already -departed, but had found time to write hastily the note which was now -handed to him. It ran as follows:-- - - "MY DEAR YOUNG FRIEND (if I may so address you), - - "You can hardly imagine the mingled feelings which your presence in - this camp called up. Your county adjoins mine, and I have heard of - your family ever since I can remember. Knowing its position, I can - hardly imagine what could have brought about your departure from the - land we all hold so dear. - - "Mine was a call, imperative and irresistible. I could not refuse to - perform my Master's work. I should have, perhaps, been unduly puffed - up by the success of my previous efforts, had not this disastrous - war come to lower my pride. I have been chastened, God only knows - how severely. May it be for my soul's good! You are in the ranks of - those who are fighting--some in defence of a policy of injustice; - others, like yourself, I feel certain, merely as a protest against - the domination of a savage race--in defence of the hearths and homes - which a victorious foe would desecrate. Of the inception of the war - you and your friend, Mr. Slyde, I know, are innocent. - - "Among our native allies, the Ngapuhi and the Rarawa tribes have ever - been true and faithful. The chiefs Waka Nene and Patuone, in their - steadfast adherence to the Christian faith and unswerving loyalty - to our Queen, may well serve as examples to men in high position. - Farewell! and may He who is able to save both body and soul, preserve - you through all dangers, now and evermore. - - "Believe me to be - - "Most truly yours, - - "G. A. NEW ZEALAND." - -"We shall meet again," thought the recipient of the apostolic -epistle--"we _must_ do so, with leisure to hear his opinion on this -most vexed question of the war. I wish with all my heart that it _was_ -over. But a peace would be worse than nothing unless we fully proved -our superiority. These Waikatos and Ngatihaua must not be suffered -to think that they have repulsed the whole British army. The country -would be impossible to _live_ in. And we can't afford to lose such a -brace of islands as these, the nearest approach, in climate, soil, and -adaptation to the British race, of any land yet occupied. Not to be -thought of." - -And here he began to hum a song in which the glories of Britain on -land and sea were set forth, and for the moment forgot his virtuous -indignation against the occupation of Taharaimaka and the injustice of -the Waitara business. - -And so the war progressed, sometimes with passages of toilsome -marching, daring attack of pah or redoubt, hairbreadth escapes, -wounds, and inevitable incidents of warfare. Ever and anon a brilliant -surprise, a masterly manɶuvre on the part of the troops or allies, -followed by an ambuscade planned by the natives with consummate skill, -or a desperate stand in their entrenchments, where the loss of officers -was unduly great, and the rank and file suffered severely. When it was -considered that nearly three years had elapsed in a campaign where ten -thousand British regulars, and nearly as many volunteers and native -allies, were arrayed against the Maoris, who at no time could have had -five thousand men in the field, it seemed amazing that no decisive -victory should have been obtained. - -"Talk of its being 'one of Britain's little wars,' as the newspapers -call it!" grumbled Mr. Slyde. "My belief is that it is going to last as -long as that confounded Carthaginian business. How they used to bore us -with it at school! Beginning bad enough--end probably worse. Fellows -die of old age, unless we hurry up." - -"It does drag fearfully; it's only bearable when we're in action. This -lagging guerilla business, with such a commissariat--all the privations -of war, and none of the excitement--is simply unendurable. However, -when Warwick comes in from his scouting prowl we may hear something." - -"Wonder he doesn't get 'chopped' some of these fine days. Certainly -manages to pick up information in a wonderful way. Von Tempsky says -he's thrown away upon us two. Wants to get him for scout business pure -and simple." - -"For some inscrutable reason he has attached himself to me," said -Massinger. "I suggested that he might do good service by acting in that -capacity--alone. He didn't take kindly to it at all--seemed hurt; so I -let him alone." - -"Best thing you could do. Not a bad thing to have a _fidus Achates_ -born a Trojan. Put you up to their wiles. Shouldn't wonder if he'd -given you a hand as it is?" - -"Now I come to think of it, he _did_ once. We were having some brisk -work that day at Katikara, where we couldn't dislodge the natives -from the redoubt. The firing was sharp, when he motioned me to change -position. The next minute a bullet struck the tree just where I had -been standing, and a fellow put his head over the parapet to see if he -had bagged me. Warwick was waiting for him, and as he fired I saw my -friend fling up his arms and fall backward." - -"'Close call!' as the backwoodsmen say; but that sort of thing's all -luck. Look at Ropata! You'd think he stood up on purpose to be shot -at--shilling a shot kind of business. Never been touched yet. No wonder -they call him 'Waha Waha.' 'The devil or some untoward saint' has an -eye to him, the Tohungas say." - -"He's a grand soldier. It's lucky for us that he's on our side. -Reckless and ruthless, a true Ngatiporou.--Hallo! what tribe do you -belong to?" continued he, as he pointed to a tall Maori standing within -a few paces of them. "Why, it's Warwick! How in the world did you get -so close to us without our hearing you?" - -"Only in the way some Waikato will sneak _you_, lieutenant, if you are -not more careful--when you'll be shot before you have time to lift your -hand. My native relatives taught me that and other things when I was -young." - -"And what news have you? Anything important?" - -"That's as it may be. Large bodies of the Ngaiterangi have commenced -to move forward towards the Orakau. We shall have a big affair soon. -I fell in with a scout of the Arawa named Taranui, and he was of the -same way of thinking. Said the Ngaiterangi were closing up. But I must -deliver my report at headquarters first." - -Whereupon Warwick departed. He had divested himself of his European -garments, and was attired chiefly in a flax mat (_pureke_), a _tapona_ -(war-cloak), and other strictly Maori habiliments, with a _heitiki_ -suspended from his neck; his muscular arms and lower leg were bare. -He looked so like a native that only by close inspection could he be -detected. - -"The gods be praised!" said Mr. Slyde, fervently. "Men getting mouldy -here. Another month or two like this would demoralize them. Out of hand -a trifle already. Look at Warwick! Doesn't he glide along, at that half -run, half walk of the natives? At this distance no one would take him -for a white man. Have all the news when he comes to supper." - -With this hope before them, the friends addressed themselves to such -occupations as were available, and awaited the evening meal, when -Warwick would have an opportunity of unloading his budget. When the -bugle-call sounded the welcome invitation, they descried him lounging -down from the other end of the camp in undress uniform, having taken -the opportunity to remove every trace of his recent experiences. - -"And now for your adventures, Warwick," said Massinger, as, having -settled to the after-supper pipe, the little party seated themselves -on a rude bench constructed of fern stems some ten feet in length, and -supported on blocks of the pahautea. "It doesn't happen to rain now, -wonderful to relate, and the moon, taking heart and encouragement, -'diffuses her mild rays,' as the poets say, through this ancient and -darksome woodland. Did you see any of the Ngaiterangi?" - -"I did indeed, nearer than I liked," answered Warwick; "and but for a -lucky chance they would have seen me, in which case _you_ would never -have seen me again--alive that is." - -"Thrilling in the extreme," assented Mr. Slyde. "What was it--a _taua_?" - -"More than that; a whole _hapu_--a strong one too, women and all. They -were travelling fast, and heading straight for Kihikihi." - -"How far off were you?" - -"Barely sixty yards. What saved me was that I was in the bed of a -creek, among the ferns on the edge of the water. I had just been going -to climb to the top, when I heard a girl laugh. I could scarcely -believe my ears. However, I crawled up and peeped through the manuka. -Sure enough, there they were, three hundred strong, besides women and -children--marching in close order, too. If they had straggled at all I -was a gone man." - -"So they didn't see you?" - -"No. What saved me was a bend in the creek, which they had crossed -higher up; so they steered for the other point which they could -see--there are some rocks on the bank--and left me in the loop of the -circle. If they had struck the creek nearer to me, I must have been -seen. But they had camped at the other point, and having had their -_kai_, were marching to recover the time. I was very glad when I saw -their backs." - -"How long would they be in reaching Kihi-kihi?" - -"Not before tomorrow night. Their intention is, of course, to get into -Orakau and strengthen the defences. There's only a sufficient number -there now to hold the earthworks against a moderate force." - -"What do you think the general will do?" - -"Move to intercept them before they can get into the pah." - -"And is there time for the march?" - -"Barely. Don't be surprised if we have the order to start at daylight. -I went back on their trail for the rest of that day, and found -that they had only made one halt, having come right through from -Maungatautari. Just at nightfall I picked up the tracks of Taranui, -and got to his camp, in a cave that I knew all about." - -"Then you compared notes?" - -"Yes. He says it will be the biggest fight of the war; that Waka Nene -and Patuone were on the march, with every warrior of the Ngapuhi and -the Rarawa. Mannering and Waterton were with them, also Erena. Taranui -said she never leaves her father. There were many other women, which -makes me think that it is a more serious affair than usual." - -"Why should that be?" asked Massinger, heroically concealing his -personal interest in this phase of the expedition. - -"Because they do not care to leave them at home. They have a notion -that in case of defeat the Waikatos might double back and raid their -villages." - -"What an absurd idea! Surely they can't imagine that, with the forces -at our command, such a thing could be possible!" - -"Such things _have_ happened in old days," said Slyde. "Defeated tribe -suffered horrors unspeakable. Ngapuhis felt no hesitation in inflicting -when they were uppermost. Tribal custom. No grounds of complaint if -they receive same in turn." - -"Fortunately, there's no slavery now; otherwise," said Warwick, -"one could hardly describe the condition of a conquered tribe. The -missionaries may be thanked for that. I have heard tales that would -make your hair stand on end." - -"Much worse than could happen now?" asked Massinger. - -"Worse--worse a hundredfold. First of all, the old and helpless would -be killed and eaten--yes, _eaten_ before their blood was cold. Any -particular family among the captors that had lost relatives would -have men or women handed over to them to torture at their pleasure; -and great pleasure it seemed to be to prolong the agony and refine -the cruelty. All the able-bodied men and women would be carried off -as slaves--not only to be used as beasts of burden, but to be held -degraded for life as having been slaves. Their lot was a hard one, -though occasionally some lived through it, and were now and then freed. -Others became distinguished, like Te Waharoa." - -"I have heard his history," said Massinger. "What a remarkable man he -must have been!" - -"He was indeed. Found crying, a small child, among the ruins of his -pah at Wanganui, and carried away to Rotorua by Pango, a chief of the -Ngatiwhakane, who in after-years piously repented (in 1836) that he had -not there and then ended the life of one fated to become the destroyer -of his tribe. It did seem ungrateful when he, forty years afterwards, -declared war against the tribe that had liberated him, and slaughtered -them wholesale at Ohinemutu." - - * * * * * - -Sleep did not appear to be likely to visit Massinger after what he had -heard from Warwick. Long after his comrades had retired he remained on -watch, gazing into the forest, as if he expected the Ngapuhi to debouch -thence, with Mannering and Waterton at the head of their warriors, and -Erena beside her father, a warrior-maid too proud to remain behind when -the great Ngapuhi tribe was on the war-path. - -What would be the fate of this strange girl, so subtly compounded of -diverse elements, the twin natures within her--the forest life and the -civilized--each struggling for the mastery? - -And what were his feelings now with respect to her? Could he deny -that her image was constantly in his thoughts; that the recollection -of her haughty, graceful bearing, her superb form, her lustrous eyes, -her radiant smile, combined to form a picture dangerously enthralling? -From one fateful syren, so destructive to his peace, his every aim and -prospect in life, he had been removed. And now, must a newer "phantom -of delight" reappear to disturb his faculties and assail his reason? -Whatever might be the result, one thing was certain--his heart swelled -with unwonted emotion at the thought of seeing her again. - -And under what circumstances were they once more to meet? Not under -the fern-arched glades of that enchanted forest, wherein they had -wandered side by side so many a mile, carelessly gay as the bird -that called above them, looking forward but to the halt by rushing -stream or fire-lit camp, amid the silent splendours of the antarctic -night. He had thought to regard this fantastic friendship as one of -the inevitable episodes of a roving life, productive, doubtless, of a -transient series of pleasurable emotions and interesting experiences, -but to be disengaged from his career when serious action was demanded, -like the drifting weeds and flowers that for a time impede the flowing -tide. - -How many men have so judged! How many have discovered that the fragile -bonds, to be cast aside as pleasure or interest might dictate, -have changed mysteriously into shackles and fetters that hold with -inflexible tenacity a long life through? - -But who thus argues in the halcyon days of youthful dalliance, -when reason is stilled, and every natural feeling exults in joyous -possession of the magical hours? The sky is blue and golden, the -birds sing, strains of unearthly melody float through the charmed -air--immortal, enthralling. Care is defied, sorrow banished. The -"vengeance due for all our wrongs" is immeasurably distant. Yet -Nemesis--slow-footed sleuth-hound of Fate--is rarely evaded. - -A train of depressing reflections may probably have arisen in his -midnight musings, not wholly to be disregarded, sanguine as was his -nature. But he comforted himself as a last resource with the idea that -there was a chance of his being knocked over in the coming engagement, -which promised to be of a yet more bloody and obstinate nature than -those in which he had already taken part. Having thus arrived at some -sort of a conclusion, if not wholly satisfactory, he disposed himself -to a slumber from which the bugle-notes of the reveillé only aroused -him. - -The march had been arranged on the calculation that they would reach -Orakau, where the enemy would in all probability join the hostile -forces in sufficient time to intercept them, and so destroy the -strength of the combination. The order of the day, therefore, required -a continuous march until sundown, after which a halt for refreshment -would take place. - -The troops would then continue the advance until daylight under -the guidance of trusted scouts, of whom Warwick was the leader and -interpreter. They would then, it was hoped, be enabled to fall upon the -Ngaiterangi unprepared, and deal one of the most decisive blows of the -war, besides capturing the Orakau pah, a stronghold of great strength -in itself, and the key to a most important position. Artillery, too, -would be brought to bear on the pah for breaching purposes. The full -strength of the Ngapuhi and Rarawa would also be available. All things -looked like an assured victory. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - - -While in one hemisphere Roland Massinger was revolving these momentous -questions concerning love, duty, happiness, in this world and the next, -Hypatia Tollemache was considering almost equally important decisions -at the other end of the world. - -Her range of thought and feeling was by no means so comprehensive as -his, inasmuch as, by adhering to the strict line of duty embodied -in altruistic sacrifice, she had considerably narrowed the field of -argument. She had definitely abandoned the idea of "slum missionary" -effort, having discovered by experience what had been previously -suggested to her, that there is an unpleasant, even undesirable, side -to these ministrations when the evangelist is a young and handsome -woman. - -She saw clearly that there were many worthy labourers in that vineyard -who, possessing equal zeal, did not suffer from such disqualifications. -The illness which she had contracted when weakened by overwork, -possibly through infection, had chilled her enthusiasm, perhaps caused -her to doubt the expediency of her mission. - -She was on the point of reviewing the respective conditions of -missionary life in China and Hindostan, where the Zenana offered so -fair a field for reformation by cultured sisterhoods, when she received -a letter from her friend Mary Summers, the interpretation of which was, -to Hypatia's sympathetic spirit, "Come over and help us." - -With Mary Summers she had long since formed a close friendship. They -had corresponded regularly since her departure to New Zealand as the -wife of the Reverend Cyril Summers. He had been a _protégé_ of Bishop -Selwyn, and, as a curate, a favourite attendant during the long, -quasi-dangerous journeys in which the soul of that latter-day apostle -delighted. - -As often happens in friendships, and even closer intimacies, the -schoolfellows were strongly contrasted in appearance and disposition. -The one was tall and fair, with grey-blue eyes, which could flash on -occasion. An air of hauteur, chastened by philosophic self-repression, -distinguished her. The other was scarce of middle height, with a -_petite_ but perfect figure, dark hair, and wistful hazel eyes. - -Hypatia was impetuous, disdainful of obstacles, hating the expedient, -and scorning danger. Mary was persuasive, self-effacing, soft of speech -and manner, of a goodness so pervading that it seemed an impertinence -to praise it. Many people were strengthened in their convictions as to -a future state by the belief that any such scheme must include a heaven -for Mary Summers. - -She and her husband had encountered trials and privations, borne -unflinchingly. They had reached a moderate degree of success, and, so -to speak, prosperity, having come to inhabit a comfortable cottage -near Tauranga, when this lamentable war bade fair to ruin everything, -destroying the work of years, and even endangering their safety. - -The epistle which decided Hypatia as to locality ran as follows:-- - - "MY DEAREST HYPATIA, - - "Wars and alarms still prevail, I grieve to say. The colonists are - determined, and the natives desperate, each race fighting as if for - existence. Blood has been shed on either side, so that all hope of - peace or mediation is at an end. I do not give any opinion as to - the policy of the Government. My husband believes that an act of - injustice provoked the contest which led to the war. The side on - which the fault lay has a heavy account to settle. But now all agree - that unless the natives make unconditional submission there is no - hope of peace. - - "And how terrible are the consequences! It is positively - heartbreaking to see the dispersion of native schools, the empty - churches, and to hear of promising pupils and converts in the ranks - of the enemy--though they have not unlearned, poor things, all that - we have been at such pains to teach them. Continually we hear of - acts of humanity performed by them while fighting bravely in their - own ranks. Poor Henare Taratoa went under fire to fetch water for - a wounded soldier in the trenches at the Gate Pah. He himself was - killed soon afterwards at Orakau. - - "It is affecting to hear, as we did, from a man in active service, of - their reading the lessons of the day and singing their psalms in the - intervals of the hottest fighting. - - "These were once our _friendly_ natives, many of whom we know well by - name. They will not fight on Sunday, or break the Sabbath in any way, - which is more than our troops can say. Though at times downhearted - and anxious, Cyril and I feel that we have enjoyed a high privilege - in doing our Master's work. - - "As to position, we are certainly not too far from the seat of war, - but Cyril says they have not as yet harmed any of the missionaries. - Outlying settlers have been murdered, and one poor family--but I - cannot bear to think of the details. - - "We are in God's hands. So far we have been shielded from evil. We - are steadfast in faith and trust in the power of our Redeemer. The - children and Cyril are well. If only I were a little stronger, and - servants were not things of the past, I should be _nearly_ quite - happy. Always (in peace or war) - - "Your devoted friend, - - "MARY SUMMERS." - -"Poor dear Mary! Nearly _quite_ happy indeed! Just like her to think -of every one but herself. 'If she were only a little stronger!' No -servant, too; and here am I, Hypatia Tollemache, as strong as ever I -was, now that I have got over that horrid fever; safe, protected, in -luxury even, only disturbed by the thought of where I shall betake -myself with my gifts and endowments (such as they are), and all -uncertain of what good I shall do when I get there. From 'India to the -Pole' seems prophetic. I was nearly going to India; now shall I go to -the 'Pole'? Yes, I am resolved. Writing to and condoling with poor dear -Mary will be saying in effect, 'Be ye warmed and fed'--the lowest -hypocrisy of all, it always seemed to me. I am determined--that is to -say, I have fully made up my mind. I will go out and help poor Mary, -the Reverend Cyril, and the dear children, besides taking my turn with -the heathen, unless they bring their tomahawks to church. It will be a -charity worthy of the name. There can be no mortal doubt about that. As -for the danger, do they not share it? So can I. _That_ never put me off -anything, I can safely say. I shall write to Mary _when_ I have taken -my passage--not before." - -So fixed in the resolve to offer up herself on the altar of friendship, -duty, and danger delightfully combined was this latter-day damsel, -that she went off to London, and, having no parents or near relatives -to control her--only a couple of trustees, who, provided she did not -spend more than her income, permitted her to do pretty well as she -pleased--took her passage to New Zealand by the very next boat, the -_Arawatta_. The said trustees raised their eyebrows when informed -of her intention, but consoled themselves, being men of sense and -experience, remarking that if young women of independent means and -ideas did not do one foolish thing they would be sure to do another, -even perhaps less desirable. So, the decisive step being taken, she -had only to tell a few friends--Mrs. Merivale, _née_ Branksome, being -one--and get ready a suitable outfit for the voyage to this Ultima -Thule of Maoriland. - -Up to this time, though hard knocks, hard fare, and hard marches had -convinced Massinger that volunteer soldiering in Northern New Zealand -was no child's play, yet, on the whole, the experience had been less -depressing than exciting. The health of the triumvirate was unimpaired. -The youth and uniformly good spirits of Massinger had served him -well. Mr. Slyde's pessimistic philosophy had much the same effect, -apparently, leading him to assert that "nothing mattered one way or -another in this infernal country; that all things being as bad as they -could be, any change would probably be for the better; that if they -were killed in action, as seemed highly probable, it would be perhaps -the best and quickest way out of the hopeless muddle into which the -Governor, the ministers, the settlers, and the soldiers had got the -cursed country. The alternative was, of course, to desert, which, for -absurdly conventional reasons, could not be thought of. His advice to -Massinger was to marry Erena Mannering and join the Ngapuhi tribe, -which, under Waka Nene's sagacious policy, was bound to come out on -top. That would be, at any rate, a decided policy, such as no party -in the island had sufficient intellect to grasp. He might then give -all his support to the King movement, and possibly in course of time -be elected Sovereign of Waikato and surrounding states, do the Rajah -Brooke business, and found an Anglo-Maori dynasty." - -These and similar suggestions, delivered with an air of earnestness, -and the slow persuasive tones which marked his ordinary conversation, -never failed to produce a chorus of merriment, in effective contrast to -the unrelaxing gravity of his expression. - -As for Warwick, the war-demon which had possessed his Maori ancestors -had temporarily taken up its abode with him, for, as the campaign -progressed, he seemed day by day to be more resolute and unflinching, -in action or out of it. - -"Seems to me," said Mr. Slyde, as they commenced their march in the -discouraging dawn of a dismally damp day, "we're in for a deucedly -hot picnic. Colonel been blocked two or three times in his advance; -made up his mind to go for this Orakau pah, spite of all odds. Hope he -won't start before he's ready. Pluck and obstinacy fine things in their -place, but the waiting business pays best with Tangata Maori. Devilish -cool hand at the game himself." - -"How about our artillery?" asked his friend. - -"Not weight enough, fellows say. Guns always beastly bother to -transport. See when we get there." - - * * * * * - -Another scout had just come in with the news that Paterangi had been -abandoned, and that Brigadier-General Carey was in force at Awamutu. -The Ngati Maniapoto had crossed the Puniu river, and at Orakau one of -the chiefs had shouted out, "This is my father's land; here will I -fight." Rifle-pits were formed, and a determined stand was resolved -upon. Before the position, however, could be strongly fortified, three -hundred men of the 40th Regiment had been sent to occupy the rear. At -three o'clock next morning a force of seven hundred men, artillery and -engineers, the 40th and 60th Regiments, marched past the Kihi-kihi -redoubt, picking up a hundred and fifty men from it on the way. The -Waikato, the 65th and 3rd Militia, with a hundred men, moved up from -Rangi-ohia to the east side. At day-dawn thirteen hundred rank and -file had converged upon Orakau, strengthened by a contingent of the -Forest Rangers, among whom were Messrs. Massinger, Slyde, and Warwick, -expectant of glory, and by no means uncertain as to taking part in -one of the most stubborn engagements they had as yet encountered. The -defenders of Orakau numbered under four hundred, inclusive of women and -children. - -"There goes the big gun from the south-west ridge," said Slyde. "It -ought to make the splinters fly. A breach is only a matter of time." - -"Yes, but what time?" asked Warwick. "I don't know Rewi, if he hasn't -blinded the outer lines with fern-bundles tied with flax. It's -wonderful how they will stop a cannon-ball. Yes, I thought so. No -making for a breach just yet." - -"They can't have any food or water to speak of," said Slyde. "Have to -give in if we wait." - -"True enough; they're short of water, and have only potatoes and -gourds, I hear," said Warwick. "But Maoris can live upon little, and -fight upon nothing at all." - -"There goes Captain King and the advanced guard," said Slyde. - -"Too soon--too soon!" said Warwick. "There's a devilish deep ditch, -besides earthworks and timber. Ha! there the Maori speaks. The troops -have made a rush; they're driven back. The reinforcement comes up. -Another assault. My God! Captain King's down--badly wounded, I know. -See, Captain Baker has dismounted, and calls for volunteers. Rangers to -the front! Hurrah!" - -And like one man, the little band joined the 18th. But though the -assault was made with desperate courage, the close fire again forced -them to retire with a heavy loss. No breach had as yet been made, -while the fire from behind the earthworks was incessant and accurate. - -Seeing that it was not a case for a cheer and a bayonet rush, the -general decided to take the place by sap. - -"Might have thought of that before," growled Mr. Slyde, "and saved my -hat." Here he pointed to a bullet-hole in his headpiece with so rueful -a face that his smoke-begrimed comrades burst out laughing. "Are _you_ -hit, Warwick?" - -"Only a graze," replied he, feeling his right arm, from which the blood -had stained his sleeve. "I was afraid the bone was touched. It's all -right." - -"Here come those Maunga-tautari fellows," said Warwick, pointing to a -compact body of natives now appearing on the scene. "Ha! you may fire -a volley and dance the war-dance, my fine fellows; you're out of this -game. There goes a shell among them. How they scatter! Too late for -this play." - -So it proved. Within the next twenty-four hours a British -reinforcement, four hundred strong, appeared. The sap had been carried -on; none could escape. Another day, another night, passed. At length, -about noon, an Armstrong gun was carried into the sap, a breach was -made, and the siege was virtually over. - -On the score of humanity, women and children being in the pah, the -garrison was called upon to surrender, with a promise that their lives -should be spared. - -Now was heard the immortal rejoinder: "Ka whai-whai, -tonu--ake--ake--ake!" ("We will fight on to the end--for ever--for -ever--for ever!") - -The interpreter pleaded for the women and children. "Why not send them -out?" - -The answer came back: "Our women will fight also." - -But they commenced to find the rifle-pits untenable. The hand-grenades -made terrific slaughter. The rifle-pits had been too hastily formed for -safety; but still they fought stubbornly on. - -When the assault was made, half of the first troops that entered fell; -nor was the second assault more fortunate. Then the enemy's ammunition -failed. It was pathetic to note them in their deep despair. Standing -amid their dead and dying, the blood-stained warriors sang a mission -hymn of old days, and raised their voices--which were plainly heard--in -passionate supplication to the Christian's God. - -"But there was no voice, nor any that answered." Still pressed nearer, -with hail of shot and shell, the resistless pakeha. Once again their -mood changed, and they turned to the heathen gods of the children of -Maui. Chanting an ancient _karakia_, or imprecation, they marched forth -in a solid column. The women and children, with the high chiefs, were -placed in the centre. - -An opening had been made in the ranks to enable the heavy gun to -open fire. Through this, in the full light of the afternoon sun, the -unconquered garrison marched out steadily, as if going to church in the -peaceful days of missionary rule. Rewi ordered that no shot should be -fired. The scanty ammunition would be all needed for the marsh passage, -on the route to the Puniu river. - -Like the Moorish monarch giving his last sigh to the glories of the -Alhambra and the snow-crowned Sierras, did Rewi cast a lingering look -on his ancestral possessions? Eastward frowned Maunga-tautari, on the -flank of the great Waikato plain. Pirongi on the west held watch and -ward over the Waipu. Kihi-kihi, his own settlement, was in the hands -of the pakeha. But, the Puniu once crossed, there was refuge in the -forests of Rangitoto. - -The marsh was reached, though many fell before the converging fire of -the troops. The cavalry intercepted them at the neck. Many were thus -slain; but, in spite of all losses, the main body gained the Puniu -river and escaped, after a pursuit lasting over six miles. - -Orakau had fallen; of the garrison, nearly one half lay dead around the -pah or on the Puniu river trail. How stubborn a fight had they made for -three days and two nights against fearful odds, short as they became -of food, water, and ammunition! The sap had reached the last ditch. -Even then they did not despair. They might die, but would not yield. -Maunga-tautari was abandoned. Rewi's warriors were scattered. It was -the Maori Flodden; and the crossing of the Puniu was akin to that of -the historic river, immortalized in the verse of the Magician of the -North-- - - "Tweed's echoes heard the ceaseless plash, - As many a broken band, - Disordered through her currents dash, - To gain the Scottish land." - -"This Orakau business should finish up the infernal war, any one -would think," said Mr. Slyde on the following morning, when, after a -decent night's rest, a complete personal renovation, and a breakfast, -much assisted by the arrival of fresh supplies, he and Massinger were -cleaning their accoutrements. - -"But surely it _will_ end it," replied Massinger, with an air of -conviction. "More than a hundred natives were found dead. It is almost -certain that fifty more were either killed or mortally wounded. The -rest are scattered. They will never be so mad as to tackle the troops -we can bring against them now, engineers and artillery too, besides the -volunteers and friendlies." - -"Any other country, any other people, quite so," assented Mr. Slyde, -in a tone of philosophical argument; "but Maoris devils incarnate when -their blood is up. Remember what Tutakaro said, chaffed with fighting -against us once and for us afterwards?" - -"No. I saw the man, though--fine, powerful youngster." - -"Beggar coolly replied, 'What matter? Fighting is fighting: if we young -fellows can get a share of it, don't much care which side we go for.'" - -"And did he go well for us?" - -"Of course he did. Killed a chief. Shot through the arm, too. Tied it -up and blazed away till the affair was over." - -"What a splendid mercenary soldier he would have made in the Middle -Ages! Is he with us now?" - -"Yes. Very nearly got Rewi, as he was crossing the mound. Strictly -impartial." - -"And a most pathetic sight it was" said Massinger, "when they were -crossing the mound at the other side of the swamp. I saw the column -file by--men, women, and children, all as serious as a funeral, and -as cool as if they were going to market. I hadn't the heart to fire -another shot. Every now and then I could hear a woman's voice--not -complaining, far from it--urging on the men to keep going and to shoot -when they saw a chance." - -"Warwick says _you_ had a close shave. So much for not minding your -business. Thinking about Erena Mannering. Soldiers no right to -have feelings. Harass the enemy, sink, burn, kill, destroy. Navy -regulations; army too." - -"Certainly a bullet _did_ hit the tree I was leaning against, close -to my head. Queer thing, too; it came from the _friendly_ side. I -distinctly saw the smoke from the bush, where our natives were." - -"You must have been in the line of fire." - -"Nothing of the sort. It was a side shot." - -"Any one cherishing ill feeling that you know of?" - -"Well--no. Now I come to think, there was an ill-looking dog of a -Ngapuhi with us at Rotorua, that was turned out of the party by me and -bullied by the chief. His name was Ngarara." - -"Wh--ew! I've heard the reptile's name before. Cousin or something of -your Zenobia--admirer probably. Acute attack jealousy." - -"Might have been. After he went I didn't trouble my head about him. I -had a great mind to give him a thrashing, but Warwick said it might -cause trouble." - -"And so at any time he may take a steady pot-shot at you; probably did. -'Keep your eye skinned,' as that Yankee said. Set Warwick at him. By -the way, wonder how he is? Shot through the shoulder yesterday. No bone -hit. Doctor says all right directly. Lay up for a week. Painful all -the same. Suppose we look him up?" - -When our friends were comforting themselves with the belief that -perhaps the dragging and unsatisfactory war was near its termination, -how little they were aware of the decisive engagement ahead of -them--the very next in succession, as it turned out, when the 43rd -was fated to lose more officers than any of the regiments engaged -at Waterloo! A crushing repulse, followed by a disastrous rout and -the death of their gallant colonel! With what indignation would they -have repelled such a suggestion! It was destined to come to pass, -nevertheless. That two of the speakers would be dangerously wounded, -and the other at death's door--"reported missing," besides? Long was -it before the soldiers of the gallant regiment, which had won glory on -many a bloody field, could endure an allusion to the Gate Pah, a name -which always brought up memories of bitter grief and shame intolerable. -It was a case of "threes about"--those simple, apparently meaningless -words, spoken by chance or otherwise--which clouded the well-earned -fame of a gallant cavalry regiment in India, and caused the death of -their colonel by his own hand. And in the memorable disaster at the -Gate Pah, in the moment of victory, it is alleged that the ominous -word, to a British ear, of "Retreat!" was distinctly heard. - -Orakau fight was over. The dead were buried. The women were still -mingling blood with their tears for those who would never more defy the -pakeha or their hereditary enemies. But the national war-spirit was -alive and redly glowing. - -Many of the Ngaiterangi and other natives had gone from Hawkes Bay to -Tauranga, indignant at the blockade of the coast. Major Whitmore, as a -counter-stroke, raised a contingent from among the friendly natives, -confident of their willingness to fight anybody and anywhere. His -opinion did not long lack confirmation. - -The Ngaiterangi speedily changed position, building a strong pah at -Puke-hina-hina, long afterwards memorable as the Gate Pah, so named -from its peculiar situation on a narrow ridge with a swamp at each end. -It was about three miles from the mission station at Tauranga. Here -the insurgents proposed to await the attack. Not unused to the rules -of war, they sent a protocol (March 28) to the colonel in command, -announcing that unarmed persons, or even soldiers who turned the butt -of their muskets or the hilt of their swords to the enemy, would be -spared. This resolve was fated to stand them in good stead. - -On the 21st of April, General Cameron transferred his headquarters to -Tauranga. - -"'Quem Jupiter vult perdere dementat prius,'" spouted Massinger, who -saw an opening for a classical quotation as, soon after daybreak on the -29th, the guns and mortars, placed in position overnight, opened fire -in front. "What possible chance do they think they have against a park -of artillery and nearly two thousand men?" - -"'Let not him that putteth on his armour, etcetera,'" returned Slyde. -"If I were anything but a thick-witted Englishman, I should say, don't -like the look of things. Maoris too d----d quiet. Bad sign. See that -fellow coolly shovelling up earth to fill a hole." - -Warwick, whose wound was presumably paining him, but who defied -the surgeon to keep him in the hospital, said nothing. Afterwards -brightening up, he began in his usual cool way to discuss the situation. - -"We've got guns enough _this_ time to pound them to bits, and men -enough to eat them, but they'll make a fight of it, and a stiff one. -That redoubt's an artful piece of work, and the line of rifle-pits -between it and the swamp is well placed. More than the flagstaff -is--for _us_, I mean. I believe it's ever so far in the rear to draw -the fire. That's an old dodge of theirs. However, there must be a -breach in the afternoon." - -"I should say before that; the firing's very accurate," said Massinger. -"And that Armstrong six-pounder is enfilading their left." - -"After lunch, if we get any," quoth Slyde. - -Whatever "stomach for the fight" the men told off for the assault had, -the ration served out to the Forest Rangers, who were notified for -that service, along with a hundred and fifty sailors and marines and -the same number of the 43rd, was discussed with appetite. A reserve of -three hundred men, under Captain Hamilton of H.M.S. _Esk_, formed the -reserve. - - "The cannon's loud-mouthed summons ceased, - A rocket signal soared on high." - -The assault was on. - -Colonel Booth and Commander Hay led the way into the inner trench, -where no enemy was to be seen. But from earth-covered pits and passages -poured forth a volley, under which officers and men fell rapidly. -Still the crowd of assailants pressed on, only to be shot down as they -entered the fatal death-trap. The reserve joined, with headlong rush, -in support of their comrades--all vainly, as it seemed. The officers of -both services continued to drop, but the ranks closed up-- - - "Each stepping where his comrade stood, - The instant that he fell." - -Captain Hamilton fell in his place when leading the reserve. Colonel -Booth and Commander Hay had fallen before. Captains Hamilton, Glover, -Mure, Utterton, and two lieutenants, _all of the 43rd_, were shot dead -or mortally wounded, as also Captain Glover's brother, whom he tried to -carry off. The front ranks of the storming party were annihilated. - -In a very few minutes every officer of the column was either dead or -wounded. Among the latter were Slyde and Warwick. They had gone down -along with the officers of the 43rd. When they awoke to consciousness -it was dark, and their comrade Massinger was nowhere to be seen or -heard. - -Stunned and panic-stricken, deprived of their officers, the men had -broken and fled--in such headlong haste that they took no advantage of -the ground. On the open surface of the ridge, many were shot. No one -could account for the disaster. Some said that the word "Retreat" was -heard and acted upon; others, that the main body of the natives had -rushed to the rear, and being met by the 68th Regiment posted there, -recoiled, and dashing back to sell their lives dearly, were mistaken by -the soldiers for a Maori reinforcement. Then the Maori warriors turned -to the work of slaughter. Rawiri leaped on to the parapet as he fired, -taunting the soldiery and inviting them to renew the fight. As the day -declined, the garrison made a determined rush to the right wing of the -pah. During the darkness of the night they stole away in small parties. -They passed silently through the fern, or by the right rear, leaving -(and this was most exceptional) their dead and wounded behind them. - -In the garrison fought all day Henare Taratoa, educated under Bishop -Selwyn at St. John's College before 1853. He tended one of the wounded, -who in his dying agonies thirsted for a drop of water. The Maoris had -none. Taratoa threaded his way through the English sentries in the -darkness, and returned with a calabash of water to slake his enemy's -thirst. More than that. By the side of each wounded Englishman was -found in the morning some small water-vessel, placed there by the -Maoris before they deserted the fort. - -Colonel Booth was carried out of the pah in the morning. The general -went to him, but the gallant soldier felt the repulse so deeply that he -turned away his face, saying, "General, I can't look at you. I tried to -carry out your orders, but we failed." He died that evening. - -The tameless islanders were not minded to give up all for lost, even -now. By one great effort they might force back the invader, or possibly -combine the tribes against him. At any rate, in the quasi-victory of -the Gate Pah they had obtained _utu_ for the death of many a warrior, -many a chief. But, even now, the tribes were unbeaten. News came to -Colonel Greer from the Maori allies that yet another pah at Te Ranga -was rising, a few miles from the scene of the recent conflict. - -Slyde and Warwick, severely though not dangerously wounded, were both -in hospital, precluded from participation in the closing engagement, -which they deeply regretted. Lieutenant Massinger reported missing. - -"Hard lines," said the former, raising himself with difficulty from his -stretcher, "not to have a throw in at the finish. I feel convinced this -must snuff the beggars out. The colonel will at them before they have -time to do much. Friendlies in great heart. The 43rd die to a man or -wipe out their defeat." - -"Yes," said Warwick, "I believe their hour is come. How grieved -Massinger will be that he is out of it! However, he may think himself -lucky to escape with his life." - -"You think he has, then?" said Slyde. - -"He was all right when I saw him last, waving his sword, shoulder to -shoulder with Von Tempsky, who was doing his best to rally the troops. -Then I went down. Saw nothing more. I had a crack with the butt end of -a tomahawk also. I have no doubt that he is with Mannering's _hapu_, -most likely with Erena looking after him." - -"In that case he's all right," said Slyde. "Maori women great nurses, -always heard." - -"They've got a _tohunga_ in the tribe," continued Warwick, "the natives -say, can cure any man that's not actually buried--bring him to life, -they believe. Between him and Erena we'll see him back in Auckland all -right." - - * * * * * - -Colonel Greer made no delay at Te Ranga. He marched at once with six -hundred men, enfiladed the enemy from a spur which commanded their -right; drove in their skirmishers and kept up a sharp fire for two -hours. Then, reinforced by a gun and two hundred additional men, the -advance was sounded. - -Short work was made of the assault. The 43rd and 68th, with the 1st -Waikato, carried the rifle-pits with a rush. For a short space the -natives fought desperately, then turned and fled, leaving sixty-eight -men dead in the rifle-pits. The pursuit was keen. The 43rd avenged -their losses at the Gate Pah. One hundred and ten Maoris were killed, -twenty wounded, and ten made prisoners. Henare Taratoa lay among the -dead. On his body was found a written order of the day. It began with -prayer, and ended with the words, "If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if -he thirst, give him drink." - -Three stubbornly contested engagements had broken the Maori power. In -them they lost their bravest warriors and nearly all their leading -chiefs. They had no option but to yield. On the 5th of August the -Governor, Sir George Grey, with General Cameron, met the assembled -tribes. They had previously surrendered their arms to Colonel Greer, -they now surrendered their lands; upon which the Governor promised to -care for them as the Queen's subjects. He would retain _one-fourth_ -of their lands as atonement for the rebellion, but would return the -remainder in recognition of their humanity throughout the war. - -The Waikato tribes had sustained a final and crushing defeat. The -flower of their race lay low, were wounded or in prison. They had -forfeited their port at Tauranga, their most available outlet for -produce. The war was ended. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - - -Miss Tollemache had settled down at Oropi to the performance of her -daily duties, and, like Massinger, commenced to discover that New -Zealand was a most interesting, not to say exciting, place of abode. -After completing her portion of the household work, which she gladly -took upon herself in order to spare her friend's failing strength, -she applied herself diligently to the study of the Maori tongue and -the historical records of this newer Britain. The genial climate and -regular exercise acted upon her constitution so favourably that she -soon attained the fullest measure of health and spirits. Never yet had -she felt stronger in mind and body, never yet so eager for opportunity -to devote herself to the good work spread so abundantly before her. -She was rewarded primarily by noting the gradual improvement of Mrs. -Summers' health, and receiving the heartfelt thanks of the Reverend -Cyril, who, between domestic troubles, parochial duties, and a natural -apprehension of danger to his defenceless household, sorely needed aid -and support. Such he found, in addition to intellectual companionship, -in the presence of this high-souled, devoted maiden, whom he did -not hesitate to say the providence of God had sent to them in their -distress. As a school-friend of his wife's, a closer companionship and -more sympathetic intimacy was established than could have been possible -with any other inmate. Would but this wretched war end, and a lasting -peace be established, he felt as if their future lot might be one of -almost unalloyed happiness. - -As for Hypatia, her fearless, eager spirit, scornful of obstacles and -inglorious ease, rejoiced in the difficulties of the position. After a -laborious day's work, during which she astonished the Maori handmaids -by the energy which she threw into her household tasks, working in -common with them, and eagerly possessing herself of the vernacular, she -pored over Maori grammars and dictionaries with an ardour not inferior -to that which had secured her the unique academical distinctions of her -year. She learned the history, the language, the manners and customs -of the singular people among whom she dwelt, with a rapidity which -astonished Mr. Summers, and caused him to remark to his wife that -he had been wont to consider the scholastic triumphs of her friend -somewhat exaggerated, but was happy now to recant and apologize. Never -before had he seen a woman in whom were allied extraordinary mental -powers with such unflagging industry, steady application with such -brilliant conceptions. Sufficiently rare among men, the combination was -almost unknown, in his experience, among women students. - -"You have left out her beauty and her simplicity of manner, my dear," -said his wife, as she smiled up at her husband's earnest face. "You -generally remark these attributes first, you know." - -"True--most true," he said, relaxing his countenance. "These I had -forgotten. They make the sum-total of high gifts in her case still -more surprising. For the most part beauties are neither clever nor -studious. Nor are the studious women beautiful. Nature, in a fit -of absence of mind, has split the ingredients while fashioning her -favourites, and given Miss Tollemache a double allowance of good looks -with all the talents." - -"Leaving some poor girl high and dry with neither," said Mrs. Summers. -"You do see that occasionally. Watch her there; she does not look like -the top mathematician of her year." - -Nor did she, perhaps, to a superficial eye, as she sat outside the -detached building which served as a kitchen, peeling potatoes, or -rather scraping them, native fashion, with a shell; afterwards -placing them in a wooden vessel shaped like a canoe for future -culinary treatment, the while in animated conversation with Miru, a -good-humoured, round-faced native girl, whose peals of laughter were -evoked from time to time by her wonderful Maori sentences. - -"Yes," said Cyril Summers, "there she sits, suitably dressed, yet -looking like a society girl at a South Kensington cookery class, -perfectly at her ease with Miru, who worships her, and yet doing the -work that is set before her thoroughly and efficiently." - -"She takes the deepest interest in our converts, too," said Mrs. -Summers. "'One ought to prefer our white heathen, of course,' she said -to me the other day, 'but I must confess they seem to me unutterably -inferior in manners, dignity, and truthfulness to this race. Their -ingrained selfishness and coarseness always revolted me, in spite of my -sense of duty. Now, these people have all the simplicity and directness -of nature. Such courage, too! What tales we hear from the front of -their contempt of danger! They are, or rather have been, cruel; but so -have all nations in the barbaric stage. We don't hear of anything but -straightforward fighting now, and that is easy to understand when one -looks around on this beautiful country.'" - -"Yes, indeed. I suppose it must have come sooner or later. Yet when you -contrast the old peaceful mode of living--which I used to admire when -we first came here, and were not afraid to visit their kaingas--with -the present, one cannot but grieve. It was the most perfect embodiment -of the fabled Arcadian life that could be imagined. The palisaded -pah, at once a fortress and a town, serving the purpose of the feudal -castle of the Middle Ages, to which the inhabitants retreated in time -of war; the fields and gardens so neatly cultivated, the groups of -women and children, the young men and girls of the tribe, the gossip, -the laughter, the games and exercises, of which they had a great -variety; then our canoe trips on the broad Waikato, or short boat -excursions from the coast settlements;--such pictures of natural rural -contentment, as superior to the ordinary life of common Europeans as -can be conceived." - -"But then their wars--cruel and remorseless. Think of Rauparaha and -Hongi! Think of the wholesale massacres, the cannibal feasts, the -torturings, the burnings!" - -"No doubt. All these things were done in their unregenerate days, but -after the advent of that great and good man, Marsden, in 1830, and the -establishment of missionary stations, these horrors gradually lessened -and were in process of dying out." - -"How do you think that can be? Were there not still tribal wars and -ruthless massacres?" - -"A state of conquest, succeeded by retribution, could not be expected -to cease suddenly. But you may notice that as the old cannibal -chiefs and leaders died out, they in many instances recommended the -missionaries to their sons and successors. Then the Christianized -chiefs, like Waka Nene and Patuone, never relapsed into heathenism, but -fought for us and with us to the end." - -"Certainly that showed their power to assimilate civilization, when -once introduced." - -"Then, again, one remarkable result of the progress of religious -teaching was their abolition of slavery. The Maoris were large -slaveholders in proportion to their numbers. They made profitable use -of captives in agriculture and the laborious work of the tribe. They -pleased themselves also by feeling that they had thus degraded their -enemies. In the case of chiefs and high-born women it was held to be an -unspeakable degradation, personal and political. When one considers the -difficulty of inducing civilized nations to forego such privileges, one -is lost in amazement that a people but lately redeemed from barbarism -should act so humanely at the bidding of a handful of missionaries. It -was to forego an ancient institution which contributed so largely to -their pride and profit; for slaves were valuable alike in peace and -war." - -Following up her researches and explorations in Maori lore, Hypatia was -daily more excited by the wondrous revelations which the library of -fact and fiction furnished. A procession of warriors, orators, poets, -priests, and patriots passed before her eager vision. Conquerors who, -like Timour and Zenghis Khan, marched from one extremity of the island -world to the other, slaying and enslaving, devouring and torturing, -extirpating the weaker tribes--a devastating wave of conquest. - -Individuals, again, of such force of character and fixity of resolve -that they committed themselves to the hazard of strange vessels, -voyaging over unknown seas in order to reach the wondrous isles at the -world's end, whence came these strong white strangers, who bore such -rich and rare, even terrible commodities, to the children of Maui. -Among these strong-souled envoys the historic Hongi, who dissembled -successfully, while honoured in the midst of kings and courtiers, -until he procured possession of the first firearms, after which he -cast away the veneer of civilization, and stood forth a second Attila, -the remorseless destroyer of his race. Not less, in peace or war, -the warrior and diplomatist, the Napoleon of his time, the terrible -Waharoa; risen from a slave's hard fate and toilsome life through the -mistaken lenity of his captors, he exhibited his talents by devastating -the lands of neighbouring chiefs, and his gratitude by almost -obliterating the tribe which had protected him in youth and set him -free to commence his march of doom! - -Strange to say, those remorseless despots, red with the blood of their -countrymen, and unsparing of the lives of women and children, protected -the missionaries. Scorning to change their ancient faith, they yet -threw no impediment in the way of their successors becoming Christians -in name and faith, or loyal allies of the white strangers. - -The names of women, too, this earnest student found profusely -associated with heroic deed and resolve, such as have rendered -individuals of the sex celebrated, nay, immortal, since the dawn of -history. Parallels were there for all the legendary heroines. In the -revival of "Hero and Leander," it was the Maori maiden, and not the -lover, who dared the peril of the midnight wave, and, more fortunate -than he, survived to form a happy union and earn the immortal fame -which still illumines the name of Hinemoa--that name still celebrated, -even though the fairy terraces of Tarata charm the traveller no more, -and the magical fire-bordered lake, even Rotorua, be whelmed in a -cataclysm. - -Mr. Summers was kept accurately informed by his native converts of the -progress of the war. He heard details of the siege of Orakau in which -the little household was more than usually interested, from the fact of -Henare Taratoa and other converts being in the enemy's ranks. - -"Poor Henare!" said Mrs. Summers; "he was our most promising -scholar--gentle, brave, chivalrous, the very embodiment of generosity. -He no doubt believes that he is fighting for his king and country now -that they have set up this fetish of Potatau. It seems very hard, after -all the trouble we took with him and the others." - -"And why should he _not_ fight?" asked Hypatia, with raised head and -flashing eyes. "And-- - - 'How can man die better, - When facing fearful odds?' - -The position is exactly that of Horatius. History repeats itself. I, -for one, do not wonder that any man of his tribe, or woman either, -should fight to the death in this quarrel. The more I learn about the -beginning of this lamentable war, the more I feel that the authors of -it must be condemned by impartial observers." - -"It cannot be logically defended," admitted Mr. Summers; "and, -personally, I deplore the inevitable consequences, the temporary ruin -of our hopes, the destruction of our schools and churches, the arrest -of civilized progress. But some such conflict was unavoidable." - -"But why?" asked Hypatia. - -"The two races," answered he, "would never have continued to live -together in peace. The Maori nature, proud, jealous, revengeful, -holding themselves to be the original owners of the country, the -English to be strangers and invaders, forbade a lasting peace. They -were unwilling to dispose of their lands--these millions of fertile -acres of which they made little or no use. The colonizing Briton would -never have consented to stand idly by and see this great country, -fitted to be the home of millions of Anglo-Saxons or other Europeans, -held by a handful of barbarians." - -"But how about the Divine command, 'Thou shalt not steal,' 'Do unto -others'--ordinances, the keeping of which is enjoined upon individuals, -but which are so conveniently ignored by nations?" - -"As a minister of the Gospel and a preacher of the Word, I am compelled -to admit that our national policy and our national religion are -often at variance. Still, it cannot be denied that the advance of -civilization has mainly depended upon conquests and the doctrine of -force. In our own land the ancient Britons were dispossessed by the -Romans and the Iberian Celts; these, again, by Jutes and Saxons, -who in turn were conquered by the Normans. These people found a -weaker race, the Morioris, whom they slew and enslaved. They nearly -depopulated the South Island, and would have wholly done so but for our -arrival. They have always acted upon, and perfectly understand-- - - 'The ancient plan, - That they should take who had the power, - And he should keep who can.'" - -"That is intelligible," said Hypatia, with a sigh; "but I must say I -cannot help sympathizing with the Maori Rangatira, in the spirit of the -Douglas at Tantallon moralizing over Marmion-- - - '"'Tis pity of him, too!" he cried; - "Bold can he speak and fairly ride. - I warrant him a warrior tried."' - -"Do not forget the poor wahines," said Mrs. Summers. "Like all women -in these affairs of state, they seem to have the worst of it. Think of -them at Orakau, marching out of their blood-stained pah in the midst of -a hail of bullets, hungry, thirsty, perhaps wounded, and yet, without -doubt, they joined in the defiant shout of '_Akore, akore, akore!_'" - -"It was glorious," said Hypatia. "I could have wished to have been -there. It has immortalized them, as well as the warriors among whom -they fought. It will re-echo through the ages long after the pahs are -grass-grown, or perhaps made into tea-gardens for the coming race." - -"That reminds me that it must be lunch-time," interposed Mrs. Summers, -gently; and, with a half-reproachful gaze, the indignant advocate -subsided, and retired to her chamber. - - * * * * * - -Matters went on calmly and peacefully in this lodge in the wilderness, -disturbed but from time to time with war rumours and tidings of siege -or skirmish. Occasionally a burst of weeping and dolorous long-drawn -lamentation in the Maori camp told that a friend or kinsman had been -added to the death-roll. Then a former convert or pupil would stagger -in, wounded almost to the death, to be tended, and cured, if such -were possible, for no slightly wounded combatant ever taxed the warm -welcome of the Mikonaree and his household. They were either sent -away rejoicing in their new-found strength and ability to level a -musket once more at the marauding pakeha, or, in other case, were laid -to rest in the mission graveyard, comforted by the thought that the -Burial Service would be read over them by the good pakeha whom they had -learned to trust and revere. - -Sometimes, when hope had departed, and they began to count their -remaining hours, they returned to the lessons which had been with -such care instilled into them in the old peaceful days of the earlier -missions. They placed their trust in the mediation of Him whom they -connected with their conversion, and recalled the weekly services and -baptismal vows, happy in the unshaken faith of youth, and passing away -to spirit-land without doubt or fear. - -At other times, the warrior, roused to frenzy by pain or despair, would -solemnly renounce the stranger's God and all His ways, and quit this -life, so incomprehensible to him, chanting the ancient war-song of -his ancestors, and electing to follow them to the Maori heaven by the -stormy path of the reinga. - -A chance newspaper--for, of course, all mail-carrying had been stopped, -as well as their irregular intelligence department--brought them the -news of the greater and the lesser world from time to time. In one of -these latter distributors of hopes and fears they came across these -alarming head-lines:-- - -"The Gate Pah! Captured after a Stubborn Resistance! Panic among the -43rd Regiment! Loss of Officers unprecedented! Names of the Killed and -Wounded!" - -The list was long, and eagerly scanned. Many were names of European -reputation; others, again, of colonial fame, well known to all New -Zealand residents. With their heads close together, the names were -read out first by one, then another, as different degrees of knowledge -or acquaintance prevailed. Mrs. Summers was repeating the last two -or three names, when she came to Lieutenant Massinger of the Forest -Rangers, "_Reported missing!_" - -"Whom did you say?" cried Hypatia, almost with a shriek. "Not Roland -Massinger? Oh, don't say he is dead!" - -"He is not dead, my dear," said Mrs. Summers, "only missing. That -means, I suppose, that he has not rejoined his regiment. There is -nothing so very alarming about that." - -"Not alarming--not alarming!" answered Hypatia, in low anguished tones. -"Do you know what it means? It may be worse than dead--far worse. He -may be in the hands of the enemy--given over to torture. Who can tell? -And it is I who am to blame for his presence in this country, for his -taking part in this dreadful war. His blood is upon my head, wretched -girl that I am!" - -"My dear Hypatia," said Mrs. Summers, gently taking her hand, "why rush -to such extreme conclusions? In the first place, the poor fellow is not -known to be dead, or even a prisoner. In the next, you cannot be held -responsible for the rash resolve of a man whom you felt you could not -marry. It is most unfortunate, I grant you, but surely you are not to -be held accountable." - -"No, no! it was all my doing. My heedlessness and vanity must have -encouraged him, or he would never have thought of me in that way. -Then a foolish ambition stifled any natural liking. I _did_ like and -respect him far more than any other man I had ever met. And now, this -is the end of it! He is dead, and I am the unhappy cause. I shall never -recover it." - -Words were of no avail. In vain Cyril Summers and his wife tried to -moderate her passionate remorse. She could see nothing but the darkest -fate and endless sorrow before her. She had destroyed his happiness, -his career, and now his life had been sacrificed to her insane desire -to travel out of the sphere which Providence had assigned to her. - -Comparatively soothed by Mr. Summers' promise to send a trusty -messenger to procure reliable information as to his disappearance and -probable fate, she at length consented to retire with her friend and -comforter. To retire, but not to rest. If she slept, troubled visions -of pale corpses and blood-stained victims mingled with her dreams, and -the dawn had appeared before the slumbers which soothe alike the young -and old, the innocent and the guilty, brought transient rest and peace -to her troubled spirit. - -Mr. Summers tranquillized her somewhat by sending away a native -convert, long associated with the mission, and at her request his wife -went also. They were a trustworthy and devoted pair, whose loyalty had -been well tried since the outbreak of hostilities. Known by the rebels -as Mikonaree natives, they were enabled to pass and repass unharmed. -Indeed, they were always welcomed by the insurgents, who never charged -them with bad faith. It was rather the other way, inasmuch as the -friendly natives were more than suspected of giving information of -probable movements by the troops to their countrymen. But, if it -were so, their apologists replied that it was, after all, merely in -accordance with the ancient Maori custom, which was to send notice to -the enemy that they were coming to attack them. The famous Hongi did so -in the case of his next-door neighbour, Hinaki, Chief of the Ngatimaru -tribe, when they met in Sydney, at Mr. Marsden's dinner-table, after -the former's return from England, saying, "Get your tribe ready as -soon as you return, for I am going to attack you when I get back to Te -Hauraki." He was as bad as his word, and with the aid of civilization -(muskets and powder), succeeded in taking the famous Totara pah, -slaughtering a thousand Ngatimaru, then killing (and eating) a large -proportion of his compatriot's tribe. - -Ponui and Awariki did not lose time, but started away in light marching -order for the seat of war, secretly pleased and excited by the prospect -of hearing all about the bloody engagement and its attendant horrors, -while manifesting a decent show of sorrow for the pakeha's early fate. - -They were several days absent, during the lingering hours of which -Hypatia held herself to be a prey to the fabled Furies. She was fully -impressed with the idea that an evil fate had befallen the missing -soldier, on account of which the messengers hesitated to return, -awaiting fuller information. - -Thus, daily becoming more and more deeply depressed and remorseful, -she pondered upon the mysterious workings of Providence, disposed -to question its justice in permitting so bitter a blow to be dealt -to her--to her, who had always acted in undoubting faith! Upon what -trifling events do the great evils and misfortunes of life appear to -depend! Like the extra allowance of sunshine in the Alpine world, -which sets free the tiny ice stream, which again unlooses the blind -and devastating avalanche, what a tragedy had her heedless action set -in motion! And the end was not yet. Of what gruesome, bloodcurdling -tidings might not the messengers be the bearers! - -After a night of miserable imaginings, Hypatia arose to find that the -messengers had returned, and furnished a report of their inquiries -to Mr. Summers, who, condensing it for her information, hastened to -relieve her worst apprehensions. - -"Before entering into detail, let me assure you, my dear Miss -Tollemache," he said, "that we have good grounds for believing that Sir -Roland is alive, and, if not unwounded, most likely in good hands." - -"What do they say?" asked she, with tremulous lips. "Were they able to -see any one who knew? His friends--Mr. Slyde, I mean. I have heard -they were comrades." - -"They joined the Forest Rangers at the same time, I heard; and there -was also the half-caste guide, Warwick, a very fine fellow, who has -attached himself to our friend. Ponui saw both of them." - -"Surely they would know. They did not desert him?" - -"There was no hint of desertion. Every officer of note was killed or -wounded within the first twenty minutes of the assault of the storming -party--they among the number. Warwick was severely wounded. Mr. Slyde -was unconscious, and it was thought mortally wounded; but after Warwick -had staggered to the place where he had seen Lieutenant Massinger fall, -he found that he had disappeared." - -"Then they know nothing--absolutely _nothing_!" said Hypatia. "I -thought you said there were grounds for believing----" - -"Allow me to continue," said the Reverend Cyril. "Awariki went among -the women of the camp, of whom there were many. There she found a -cousin who had married a Ngapuhi. She seemed to have been under fire -also, as she had a bullet through her upper arm." - -"I _should_ like to have been there," said Hypatia, her eyes lighting -up with a gathering intensity, as she gazed before her towards the -dark-hued mountains which bounded their landscape. "What did she see?" - -"As she rushed forward through the _mêlée_--for her husband was badly -wounded--she saw the 'pakeha rangatira,' as she called him, fall, -apparently dead. A Maori was just about to tomahawk him, when Mr. -Mannering (Tao-roa, as they call him) dashed him aside, knocking him -down, and calling aloud to his people, two of whom lifted up the -pakeha, and commenced to carry him to the rear. Immediately afterwards -several women joined them, one of whom she was confident was Erena -Mannering, his daughter, who, of course, was well known to the tribe. -After this ensued the extraordinary panic of the 43rd, and all trace of -him was lost." - -"Then they did not succeed in getting him back to the Ngapuhi camp -(isn't that the name?), and they do not know what has become of him, -after all?" - -"Merely this, that Awariki says she is certain that if Erena had been -taken prisoner, she is a person of such importance that the whole -_hapu_ would have been sent in pursuit. She is confident that she and -the others are in safety, or else Mr. Mannering would not be at ease -and with his people." - -"But why did she not ask him?" - -"He is a war chief of the Ngapuhi, and she, a common person, did not -dare to address him on such a subject. It would not be _tika_, or -etiquette, breaches of which are severely punished." - -"But what do _you_ think yourself? All this is very slender -evidence--mere hearsay, in fact." - -"I fully believe that he is in some secure retreat, watched over by -this extraordinary girl, Erena Mannering, whose courage and devotion -have, under Providence, saved his life." - -"May she find His mercy in her hour of need!" said Hypatia, with -clasped hands and streaming eyes. "If it be so, my soul will be freed -from a burden almost too heavy to bear. It may be hoping against -hope, but I really begin to believe that his life will be spared. That -granted by Heaven, I shall have nothing--positively _nothing_--to wish -for in the future." - -The remaining incidents in the capture of the memorable Gate Pah were -duly recorded by Awariki for the benefit of the household--how the -sailors, the sea-warriors of the pakeha, whose raiment was of a blue -colour, they who sprang over the palisades as if they were ships' -rigging, and the men in red who fought madly and cursed always, had -been bewitched by the spell of the Tohunga of the Ngaiterangi, and had -fled. The men in big hats (the Forest Rangers), who walked through the -bush, the flax, and the fern by night and day; the Ngapuhi, who rushed -on like a breaking wave, were all in vain against the rifle-pits of the -Ngaiterangi, whereby men were killed without seeing who fired at them. - - * * * * * - -Passing from one mood to the other, as is wont with women whose highly -strung nervous system seems impatient of continuous action, Hypatia at -length made up her mind that Massinger was alive, and safely bestowed -in some sylvan retreat, under the care of this mysterious, fascinating -Maori girl, of whom she had already heard much. - -The natural jealousy, invariably felt by the average woman during -the appropriation by another one of an erstwhile, probable, or even -possible lover, had no place in Hypatia's generous mind. "If only he -is alive and well, I care nothing," thought she. "That she risked her -life to save his, I can well believe. All honour to her. I am at -least guiltless of his blood. I shall always feel grateful to her, for -lifting that load from my soul." - -Thus, when she arose next morning and commenced to busy herself about -the indispensable duties of the household, she experienced a feeling -of relief to which she had been long a stranger. The day was fine, the -clouds of heaven had disappeared, it would seem, simultaneously with -those of her spirit. As in the Northern Britain, with its frequent rain -and hail, mist and snow, this rare day, on which the disturbing forces -of the elements held truce, was inexpressibly lovely. The mountain -snow-crown was revealed in all its purity and austere majesty, a -silver diadem against the blue and lustrous heavens. The fruit trees -in the garden, the oaks and elms, poplars and walnuts, planted in fond -remembrance of the dear old home-land, seemed bursting into redundant -greenery. The river rippled and murmured under its o'er-arching ferns, -and as the little band of dark-skinned children, with their glancing -eyes and smiling faces, all obedient and cheerful, passed on to the -modest building, wherein they were daily so patiently taught by their -pastor and his wife, she could hardly refrain from expressing her -thankfulness for the success of this single-hearted enterprise, in -which she had been deemed worthy to share. - -That the wave of barbaric warfare might at any moment sweep over the -peaceful scene, leaving ruin and desolation in its track, seemed, in -the glory of that beauteous morn, incredible and preposterous. During -later musings, however, when the routine business of the little school -failed to absorb her attention, the thought would obtrude itself -of the strange complication of affairs which would arise if, as was -rumoured, Roland was about to marry this half-savage girl, as she could -not but consider her. Beautiful she was by all report, devoted she must -have been to her white lover, educated to a certain extent, and, in -virtue of her father's lands granted in earlier times, an heiress of -considerable pretensions. But----! She well knew what a death-in-life -it would be considered by his English friends. Of course, it was far -from improbable. Younger sons and others of aristocratic British -families had married these fascinating half-caste girls, even those -of pure Maori blood. This she knew from authentic sources. In this -distant land, so far from British social edicts, such a marriage was -not looked upon as a _mésalliance_. And if such should be his lot, who -would have been the dominant factor in thus shaping his destiny? Who -but herself, unwilling, doubtless, but none the less the primary agent -in his deportation, his colonial career, with its risks, dangers, and -this irrevocable lapse--finally, his absorption in a different class -and an alien race? She felt minded to groan aloud. Why should she have -been selected to work all this misery and ruin, ending, perhaps, in -death? Why could she not foresee the direful consequences flowing from -his fatal _entrainement_? - -It was hard, very hard. Other men had paid her court before and since -his advent. They had accepted their dismissals calmly, carelessly, -irritably, sullenly, according to their several temperaments; in no -case had serious results followed. They had mended their damaged or -disturbed organs by philosophy, travel, gaiety, or marriage, chiefly -affecting the latter anodyne. It was surely one of the ironies of -Fate that the consequences to this particular _pretendu_ had been so -serious--the only one as to whose denial she had felt suspicion of her -heart's teaching in the ordeal. - -Now, at least, all was over. She had decreed that he should have no -further part or lot in her life. If he was safe, Fate might do her -worst. She had always claimed the right to mould her own existence. -Surely she could do so still. Yet she sighed as she told herself thus -proudly that she was sufficient for her own high conception of duty. As -to happiness, that was another thing. Who were we, worms of the dust, -ephemera of the hour, that we should arrogate to ourselves the right -to a condition of perfect satisfaction? Harmony with our surroundings, -always improbable, was chiefly impossible. The stars in their courses, -as well as all the powers of darkness, were leagued to prevent it. And -yet--and yet----Here the introspective reverie ceased, and Hypatia -recalled herself to the more urgent and practical demands of daily life. - - * * * * * - -On the following morning Mr. Summers appeared at breakfast in an -unwonted state of excitement, almost of agitation. - -"What is the matter, my dear Cyril," inquired the anxious wife. "Is the -war news worse than usual?" - -"Not quite so bad as that," he said, with a reassuring smile, "but -important, notwithstanding. I have just heard that the bishop is coming -to pay us a visit, and will stay all night on his way to Tauranga." - -"How did you hear? You quite frightened me. I shall be charmed to have -him. Hypatia will be overjoyed, I know. He is one of her heroes." - -"A Maori messenger gave me this note," he replied, producing a twisted -and discoloured piece of paper, on which was written-- - - "MY DEAR CYRIL, - - "I propose, with God's blessing, to be with you on Tuesday at midday. - If Mrs. Summers can accommodate me, I should like to remain with - you for one night. Will hold service in afternoon. Assemble the - people--it may be for the last time. - - "G. A. NEW ZEALAND." - -"And when does he say that we may expect him?" asked Hypatia. - -"At or before midday," replied Mr. Summers. "Of course, he will only -remain for the night, as he is anxious to push on to Tauranga. But -he would like to hold an afternoon service; so I must get in all our -people in the neighbourhood, and, of course, the school-children." - -"I am charmed with the idea," said Hypatia. "Just fancy! I have had him -in my thoughts ever since I thought of coming to New Zealand. One does -not often see an _apostle_ in the flesh. And he is one, if ever it is -given to man to behold one of God's messengers." - -"That I, too, am overjoyed, you will not doubt," said Cyril. "I have a -filial feeling towards him. I was one of his curates when he first came -to New Zealand. How many a long journey on foot we made together! He -is a tireless walker, and a champion athlete in half a dozen classes. -Such a man in a boat, too! He has risked his life scores of times to my -knowledge. And now to think that so much of his life's labour has been -lost! It is heartbreaking." - -"Do not say that, my dear Cyril," came in Mary Summers' quiet voice. -"The good seed has been sown. In the time to come it will bring forth, -'some fiftyfold, some an hundredfold,' as we are told in God's Word. -Look what poor Henare Taratoa did, even when fighting against us in the -Gate Pah! That was the fruit of our teaching here, I am thankful to -say." - -"What was that?" said Hypatia. - -"One of the Maori women that came away from the Gate Pah said that when -Colonel Booth was lying mortally wounded and perishing with thirst--for -there was no water in the pah for the last two days--Henare stole out -by night and passed through our lines, thereby risking his life, and -brought back a calabash of water, which he placed by the side of the -dying man. It was found there next morning by our men after the natives -had left the pah." - -"What a splendid fellow!" said Hypatia. "He fought for his country, as -why should he not? But then, having received the Christian faith, he -followed implicitly the precepts he had learned. Our men would have -given water to wounded Maoris, but which of them would have risked his -life to procure it?" - -"I could tell you of other instances of similar conduct," said Mr. -Summers. "The bishop, when he comes, will, I am sure, add to my list. -But we must set to work now to ensure him a suitable reception. You -will have a sermon, too, which, like all his addresses, will be deeply -impressive." - -All requisite preparations having been made, and a sort of "fiery -cross" sent round in the hands of a fleet-limbed native youngster, a -considerable gathering of Maoris of all ages and conditions was present -at the appointed time. They came in honour of that heroic personage, -George Augustus Selwyn, the famous Bishop of New Zealand, the hero -of a hundred legends, the pioneer missionary, the modern embodiment -of faith, zeal, and devotion, who had always been willing--nay, -passionately eager--in the words of St. Paul, "to spend and be spent" -in the service of his Master. - -Hypatia stood back a little space while Mr. Summers and his wife -warmly welcomed their pastor and master, with an earnestness there -was no mistaking. The dark-skinned contingent then closed in, and -obstructed her view of the man whom (with one exception), of all living -personages, she was the most anxious to see, whom by reputation she -honoured with a feeling akin to adoration. - -He had come attended only by a middle-aged Maori, whose grizzled -countenance and war-worn features showed that he had done his share in -the professional occupation of the Maori _gentilhomme_ of the period. -He stood apart, leaning on his musket, but from the respect with which -he was treated by all who approached, it was evident that he was a -personage of no ordinary consideration. - -It was a scene of more than ordinary interest. The older members of -the _hapu_ who still dwelt in the vicinity of the mission, were -chiefly those who from age or infirmity were debarred from going to -the war, then waged within so short a distance of their homes. A large -proportion was composed of women, children, and young people not yet -entitled to rank as combatants. All in turn came to be presented to -the _Pihopa_ Rangatira, making obeisance due and lowly. To each one -he addressed a few words in Maori, the replies to which were made -with evident pleasure, the children almost gasping with pride and -gratification at the honour of the interview. Inquiries were made after -well-known men, who had formerly been regular attendants at the little -church, but too often resulted in downcast looks, as the sad word -_maté_ (dead) came forth, and in broken accents the name of the battle, -skirmish, or locality was uttered. Well posted in the personal history -of the missionary centres and their converts, the bishop never failed -to bestow a word of sympathy or condolence upon the mourners. - -The reception being ended, Mr. Summers announced that the assembly -was free to betake itself to their _kai_ (or meal), which had been -prepared, taxing to the utmost the resources of the establishment. - -"Permit me, my lord, to present to you Miss Tollemache, a friend and -schoolfellow of my wife," said Mr. Summers, as they moved towards the -cottage. "A young lady lately from England, who has cast in her lot -with us." - -The bishop looked with extreme surprise at the distinguished-looking -girl, so unlike what he naturally expected to see at the place and -time. Bowing, however, with easy grace, he said-- - -"I am afraid I cannot congratulate you upon the occasion you have -selected in which to commence your labours in the Master's vineyard. -Have you had previous experience, may I ask?" - -"I have had two years' work in and around Whitechapel," said she. "I -took up the East End City Mission work soon after I finished my college -course." - -"Then you have quitted your first sphere of usefulness, may I say, for -a wider field?" - -"I discovered," said Hypatia, "that the locality was not suited to my -age and disposition. I retired in favour of more experienced workers. -Gathering from the letters of my dear friend and schoolfellow, Mrs. -Summers, that she needed help, I decided to come here." - -"And you did well, my dear young lady, to follow the dictates of your -heart, though I would it had happened a few years previously, when -we were all rejoicing in the fruition of our hopes and the visible -reward of years of toil and privation. Now, alas! there have been sad -backslidings, griefs, and discouragements. I have been sorely tempted -to despair; but He who has hitherto led us through the wilderness will -not abandon us now. May His blessing be upon you, my dear child, and -upon all in this household. Though terrors encompass us, we know in -whom to trust, as our Defender and Guide." - -As he spoke, standing within sight of the mountain and the wave, with -head raised, and that noble countenance illumined with the courage that -is not of this earth--the fervent faith in things not seen--he appeared -to Hypatia as a prophet inspired, transfigured, worthy to bear His -sacred message, to speak the words of the Most High. Her overwrought -emotional feelings overpowered her. Yielding to an irresistible -impulse, she cast herself on her knees before him and cried aloud-- - -"Bless me, O my father, even me!" - -Strongly stirred, the good bishop laid his hands solemnly upon her -head, saying-- - -"May the Lord God, Most High, Most Mighty, bless, protect, and save -thee, dear child, from all evils of body and mind, also from all the -sorrows and terrors of this distracted land. May He shield thee in the -hour of need, and may His guidance be with thee until thou art led in -safety to thy home and thy friends. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen." - -Hypatia retired to the little room which she had occupied since her -sojourn in Oropi, feeling a renewed confidence in the vocation which -she had adopted, and a fervent resolve to persevere in the path marked -out for her, no matter what obstacles might present themselves. - -When she appeared at the simple midday meal, all traces of emotion and -excitement had vanished. The little household talked freely of the -conclusion of the war as being at hand, and, that once an established -fact, the recovery of the country and the revival of the Church were -but matters of time. - -"And do you think that the two races will ever agree to live in peace -and amity, after all the blood that has been shed?" asked Hypatia, -leaning forward with a rapt and eager look upon her face which reminded -the bishop of the early Christian martyrs. - -"One may well doubt, Miss Tollemache," said he, with a sad yet -unshaken air of confidence. "The best blood of England has been shed -like water in these sieges and engagements. Still, I foresee the -termination. It cannot be distant now. The flower of the Maori warriors -and their leading chiefs lie low. All history teaches us that a -conquered people is always absorbed into the superior race in course of -time." - -"But the difference in origin and tradition?" queried Mr. Summers. - -"Is by no means an insuperable obstacle," answered the bishop. "In -those mixed unions which have already taken place, no degeneration of -type is apparent; indeed, to speak frankly, it has even appeared to me -that the offspring in many instances show an advance, physically and -mentally, upon both the parent stocks. I could name instances, but it -is perhaps unnecessary." - -"We have our Joan of Arc, too," interposed Mrs. Summers; "only, -unfortunately for the romance, she is fighting or nursing, whichever it -may be, on the invaders' side." - -"You mean Erena Mannering," said the bishop. "I know her well--or -did, rather, in the dear old past days. She is truly a noble damsel -in every sense of the word. Her Herculean father is a paladin for -valour, struggling with the tastes of a _savant_ and philosopher. In a -different age he would have stood at a monarch's right hand, or more -probably have been a conqueror in his own person. Her mother was a -chieftainess, brave, beautiful, and of long descent. No wonder that she -is a marvel of womanhood!" - -"She is not without friends who appreciate her," said Hypatia, smiling -at the enthusiasm of the sympathetic prelate. "Fortunate girl! to be -born to a heroine's task, a heroine's applause. This is the last home -of romance, it would appear, since it has quitted Britain, at any rate -for the present." - -"Have you heard the last rumour about her, my lord?" said Mr. Summers. - -"No, indeed. Koihua and I came across the bush after leaving the Forest -Rangers before Orakau. I trust no harm to her is feared." - -"No, but the situation is not wholly free from risk. A young lieutenant -of the Forest Rangers, wounded in the storming party, which was -repulsed at the Gate Pah, is reported missing. It is said that she was -seen with a small party of natives, who carried him off at the bidding -of her father, and that neither she nor he have been since heard of." - -"In that case it is most probable that she saved his life, and, in the -absence of definite information, I should be inclined to believe that -he has been taken to a place of safety, where he will remain for the -present. What did you say his name was?" - -"Roland Massinger." - -"Not De Massinger of the Court, in Herefordshire--surely not?" said -the bishop, more keenly interested. "I saw him in camp when I came -from Pukerimu, poor boy! I knew his people well in England--among the -very oldest families in the land. I met him soon after his arrival in -Auckland. Whatever hard fate brought him into this disastrous strife? -But I should not say fate; rather the will of God, which often from -present chastening leads to our eventual gain. But the time draws near -for our service--the last, most probably, that I shall hold here. It -will be my farewell to these poor people, whom I have loved and prayed -for so often." - -And as the good man retired to his chamber for the preparation -of prayer which he always held to be necessary, even in the most -thinly populated and apparently humble localities, Hypatia took -the opportunity of escaping from a conversation which threatened -embarrassing conditions. - -Punctually at the appointed hour, the bell of the little church -having sounded for the canonical time, the man of God walked through -the crowd of dark-skinned proselytes, who awaited his arrival with -unaffected reverence; and murmurs of approbation were heard as he -paced with solemn steps towards the humble building, for which many -of those present had contributed labour or materials. Yet were not -all fully agreed. Some of the older men had been acted upon by the -disaffected of the tribe, and hardly concealed their distrust of the -pihopa, who went between the contending forces, and might, perhaps, -convey information to their foes. This allegation, openly made at the -rebel camp, caused the good bishop the most poignant grief--to think -that his people, his children in the Lord, as he fondly called them, -should distrust him, who for them, for their present advantage and -eternal weal, had sacrificed the intellectual luxuries of the parent -land, his place among the noble and the great, all the unspeakable -social advantages which await the distinguished son of literature and -the Church in Britain! And for what? To live in self-imposed exile in -a distant colony, among a barbarous people but recently redeemed from -the grossest heathen practices! It was more than discouraging, it was -heartbreaking, to one of his sensitive temperament and fervent spirit. - -The service of the Church of England was read by Mr. Summers. Hypatia -was touched by the manner in which the responses were made by young -and old. Nowhere in the world could more earnestness have been shown, -less apparent wavering from the appointed ritual, which was wholly in -the Maori tongue. She had made sufficient progress in the language to -follow easily--a task lightened by the preponderance of vowels and the -disuse of the perplexing consonants so frequent in European tongues. A -greater advance can be made in Maori in a shorter time than in almost -any living language. There is much of the _ore rotundo_ claimed for the -noble fundamental languages, which now only survive among degenerate -descendants of the orators, warriors, statesmen, and artists, who, -while they rolled out the sonorous sentences, swayed the known world -with their pre-eminence in arts and arms, speech and song. - -The prayers of the Anglican Church were concluded. Then the great -apostle of the South Seas ascended an ornate pulpit, the gift of a few -English friends of Mr. Summers, the carving of which had much impressed -the native congregation, themselves by no means without practice in -this ancient section of art. In his sermon--short, fervent, and chiefly -persuasive--he appealed to those better feelings which the teaching -of the missionary clergy, of whatever denomination, had been chiefly -desirous of fostering. "What," he asked, "had been the condition of -the tribes before that great and good man Marsden, the pioneer pastor, -came among them? War unbridled, ruthless, remorseless, with its -accompaniments still more dreadful--slavery, torture, child-murder, the -eating of human flesh, practices which, to their honour be it spoken, -the Maoris as a nation had discontinued. Were they not ashamed of these -things?" ("Yes, yes!" from the assembled crowd.) "Who had taught them -to be ashamed of these things? The missionary clergy, the pakeha from -beyond the seas. Who had given them the seed, the grain, the potato, -the domestic animals, the tools of iron, from which they now reaped -such abundant harvests and stores of produce? Bread, flour-mills, -garden-seeds and vegetables,--all these came from the pakeha. Who -taught them the use of all these things? The Mikonaree. He laboured -with his hands, he lived poorly, he coveted nothing for himself, he -only held a small portion of their waste lands on which to grow food -for himself and his family. - -"He had done all this. But he had done more. He had taught them to -worship the only true God, and His Son Jesus Christ our Lord--the God -of mercy, of truth, of charity, of peace. And had they not lived in -peace, in plenty, in good will among themselves, until this war arose, -which was now raging to the destruction of Maori and pakeha alike? Who -counselled this shedding of blood, this burning of pahs? The clergy? -No. They knew that the voice of every clergyman, every missionary in -both islands, had been against it, was against it now. If his advice -had been taken, a runanga would have been held, of the wisest pakehas -and the high rangatiras. Judges like Mannering and Waterton would have -sat there--men who knew the Maori tongue and the Maori customs. They -would have done justice. The Waitara would never have been bought -from Teira. The Maori law would have been respected, as well as the -English law, in which every man has equal rights, the native as well -as the pakeha. Then there would have been no war; no killing of pakeha -settlers who wished to cultivate the soil and to live in peace; no -death of the soldiers and sailors; no death of the volunteers who -wished to buy and sell in the towns, who bought the natives' pigs and -potatoes, their wheat and their flax; no death of high chiefs or of -the young men of the tribes, of officers of the troops, of officers of -the ships. All these of the young and the old who now lie cold in the -earth or beneath the sky would be alive and well this day." Here more -than one face betrayed deep feeling; falling tears and gestures of -unutterable anguish told their tale. - -"But the war, unhappily, had commenced, and still raged. Unwise white -men, proud and haughty chiefs, had been impatient, and forced on the -war. Had the Maoris respected the lessons they had been taught, and -been patient, even when suffering injustice, all would have been well. -The Waitara block would have been given up. It has been given up _now_. -They had many friends in the pakeha runanga; even in Sydney the Kawana -Dennitoni had sent a letter in their favour, warning the council of -the pakehas not to take Waitara. But there were unwise men on both -sides. Blood was shed. And the state of war took place. And now you -will say, 'This is all very well, but we knew much of this before. The -state of war is accomplished. What are we to do? What is best for the -Maori people?' - -"I will tell you. This is my saying. I have prayed to God that it -may be right and wise, according to His will, and for your benefit, -who are my children in the Lord. We have always taught you to desire -peace--peace and good will towards all men. Cherish no more hard -feelings against the pakeha. You will have to live in the land with -him. His race is the stronger, the more numerous; he has ships, -soldiers, and guns, more than you can number; they are like the sands -of the seashore. - -"The war must soon be over. I, who speak to you now, say so. Heed not -those foolish men of your race who tell you to go on fighting. It is of -no use. When the last battle is fought, and my words come true, yield -yourself to the Kawana, Hori Grey, saying, 'We are conquered. Show us -mercy. We desire peace for the future.' He has always been a friend -of the Maori people. He is a friend now. You will find that you will -receive mercy, that a portion of your lands will be restored to you. -Not all. Part will be taken for _utu_, as by Maori custom. After that -I say, heed my words and those of the good Mikonaree who have always -tried to do you good--who will do you more good in the future. 'Love -your enemies; do good to those who despitefully use you. If thine enemy -hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink,' as did Henare Taratoa, -whom I taught when he was young. You can read your Bible, many of you. -Do what you are there commanded, and it will be well with you. - -"And now it may be that you will see my face no more. I have been -called back to the land whence I came, so many years ago, to do you -good, to help, to teach every man, woman, and child in this land of -Maui; such I may have done, though the seed of the Word has sometimes -perished by the wayside. But other seed, I will believe, has taken -root, and will bring forth, in due time, some twenty, some fifty, some -an hundred fold. - -"And when the day comes, as come it will, when peace overspreads the -land, when the churches are again crowded, when the schools are full of -your children, when the harvests are bounteous, and the Maori people -are as well clothed, as well fed, and as well taught as the pakehas, -you will hear that your pihopa, the man who loved you and prayed with -you, is no more. In that hour remember that I told you all this would -come to pass, and honour his _mana_ by obeying the words of his mouth, -and the commandment of the most high God." - -As the sermon neared this conclusion, the hearts of the people were -more deeply and strongly affected. Tears streamed down the faces of the -younger members of the congregation. Sobs and groans were frequent. And -as he turned to leave the little chapel, a simultaneous rush was made -to the door, so as to be enabled to say a last farewell. All doubt and -hesitation as to his actions since the war were swept away by the magic -of his vibrating voice, the magnetic force of his earnest tones. They -now commenced to realize that they were losing a friend in need, a -judge in Israel, a champion in the day of their oppression. - -As he left the church with his host and hostess, the women and children -clustered around him, with cries of grief and genuine sorrow. They -knelt before him, they struggled for the right to kiss his hand, they -implored him to come again; they vowed that they would always be his -children, and would obey his commands till their death. - -It was to Hypatia a scene indescribably affecting. The tears came to -her own eyes as she stood there, sympathetic, emotional, wondering no -more at the contagious power of the united forces of faith, enthusiasm, -and oratory combined to sway a multitude and lead a people to heroic -deeds. The men stood aloof while the women were making their moan, and -then came forward respectfully, each to receive a handshake and a word -of greeting, advice, or friendly warning. Last of all, the few elders -who had attended as it were under protest, made known their recantation -of doubt or distrust. An aged chief, whose scarred countenance and -limbs told a tale of ancient wars, hobbled forward, leaning upon -his _hano_. With an air of mingled dignity and despondency he thus -delivered himself-- - -"This is my saying, the saying of Tupa-roa the aged. I have listened -to the words of the pihopa rangatira; they are good words. The great -Atua of the pakehas has spoken in them. If we had hearkened to them -before, if we had said at Waitara, 'This thing is unjust, but we will -not fight; we will leave it to a Court; we will send a letter to the -Kawini across the sea; we will ask for justice till the winds cease to -blow, till the fire-mountain in White Island stops breathing flame;' -then our wisdom would have been great. What the pakeha says is true. We -had many friends, just men, in the pakeha runanga. After all, Waitara -was given back. Why? Were the pakehas afraid? No! See what has come of -it. My son is dead, and his"--pointing to another elder who stood near -him--"and Takerei and Puoho, all dead--all gone past the reinga, where -I also shall soon follow. But we were as children, who see not into -the future. Those unwise ones, who should be silent in council, were -allowed to lead the nation; and now we are a broken people, our pahs -are burned with fire. Our lands are taken, our sons are dead, also our -high chiefs. If we had listened to the pihopa, to the Mikonaree, to -Kawana, Hori Grey, these things would not have come to pass. My saying -to you, O people, is to show honour to the pihopa and his _mana_, -and so will it be well with you, with all of us, and our children's -children." - -Here he advanced, and motioning to one of the seniors who carried his -greenstone _mere_, an emblem always of honour and authority, he made -a gesture of humility and handed it to the bishop, who, receiving it, -shook hands warmly with the old warrior and his aged companions. At -this moment Mr. Summers gave out the Hundredth Psalm, which the whole -congregation took up and sang with wonderful fervour and correctness, -many of the voices being rich and expressive. At the close, the -bishop, raising his hand, solemnly pronounced the benediction, and the -congregation slowly departed. - -"What a wonderful scene!" said Hypatia to Mrs. Summers, as she and the -two children walked slowly after the bishop and her husband. "I feel -certain that they will not believe it in England, when I write and tell -them what interest these people showed in the service. There was none -of the yawning or irreverence that one often sees in a village church -there. How they hung upon the bishop's words! I could understand a -good deal, but not all. It is a fine language, too, and by no means -difficult to learn." - -"Didn't old Tupa-roa talk well, mother?" said the eldest girl, a -fair-haired Saxon-looking child, the rose bloom of whose cheeks did -justice to the temperate climate. "He looked very fierce, too, when he -spoke about the war, his sons, and the chiefs, all _maté, maté, maté._" - -"I thought it inexpressibly mournful," said Hypatia. "The aged veteran, -a war-chief, I suppose, in his time, grieving over his broken tribe and -ruined land. Owning, too, that if wise councils had prevailed all might -have been avoided." - -"He was a great chief once," said the little girl. "Old Tapaia told me -that he used to kill people, and eat them too. Wasn't that horrid? But -he has been good for a long time, hasn't he?" - -"You mustn't believe all that Tapaia tells you," said Mrs. Summers; -"and you know I don't like you to talk to the old women, only to -Hiraka, who is sure to tell you nothing foolish. You monkeys can -chatter Maori as well as any child in the kainga. I think I must forbid -you going there at all." - -"Oh, mother, I will be good, and never talk to the old women, if you -will let me go sometimes. The children are so funny, and they play such -nice games. One is just like our cat's cradle." - -"You can go, my dear child, when I am with you, or Miss Tollemache, -but not by yourself. And now it must be nearly tea-time, so let us get -home. The bishop will leave us at sunrise, I know." - -That evening, with its homely meal, was long remembered by Hypatia. The -quiet converse continued far into the night with Mr. and Mrs. Summers. -Even, moreover, a short private conversation which the good bishop -found time to arrange with her sank deeply into her heart. - -Having questioned her kindly but closely as to her motives for leaving -her friends, and taking up the hard, unlovely, possibly dangerous, -vocation she had adopted, he warned her against mistaking a transient -preference--the novelty of a mission to the heathen--for the Divine -summons. - -"I do you full justice, my dear child," said he; "you are devoting -yourself to the noblest earthly duty, but I feel it right to warn you -that, though the war must be nearing its close, there may be even -greater dangers in store for isolated households such as this. Even -after the collapse of the hostile tribes, there may be desperate -bands roaming the country, seeking by plunder and outrage to avenge -the downfall of their race. I have warned Cyril, and have counselled -him, on the first rumour of such horrors, to remove his household to -Auckland, and, even as I would do in the case of my own daughter, I -have urged him to send you to the protection of any friends you may -have in New Zealand 'until this tyranny be overpast.' Weigh my words -well, and may God give you power to choose aright." - -"I cannot fully express my deep gratitude, my lord, for the honour you -have done me, and the interest you have taken in my welfare. That I -did not devote myself to mission work without earnest and prayerful -thought, your lordship may rest assured. I counted the cost beforehand, -and now I cannot dream of deserting my colours, so to speak. You will -not think that I am quite destitute of prudence. I shall accept the -decision of my dear friend and her husband. If they think it imperative -to retreat in the face of too evident danger, I shall accompany them. -But as long as they remain, whatever may be the disquieting rumours, I -shall be found at their side. '_Ake, ake, ake_,' as the men at Orakau -said. We must not let the Maoris have all the glory on their side." - -The bishop smiled as she used the historical words of the unconquered -garrison, but could not forbear gazing with admiration at the -high-souled maiden, as she stood with upraised head and flashing eyes -before him; a marvel of classic beauty, embodying all the nobility of -form and feature which painters and sculptors have from the earliest -ages loved to depict--an emblem of matchless womanhood devoted to a -lofty ideal. - -"We are all in God's hands," he said softly. "Let Him do what seemeth -to Him good. May He bless and protect you, my child, and all who are of -this household to-night." - -Stars were contending with the rain-clouds of a stormy dawn as Hypatia -drew back the curtain from the window of her bedroom and looked out. -She saw the bishop come forth from the guest-room at the end of the -verandah, wrapped in his cloak. He handed his valise to the Maori -attendant, Koihua, who stood motionless at the foot of an English elm -tree, and with staff in hand set forth on the Tauranga road with the -free step and elastic stride of a trained pedestrian. Once, and once -only, at the first turn in the winding path did he look back for an -instant, and, noting Hypatia's face at the window, waved his hat in -token of farewell, and disappeared in the woodland. There were tears in -Hypatia's eyes, springing from a sentiment she could hardly analyze, as -she turned from the casement. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - - -Orakau was abandoned. The Gate Pah had been lost and won. It had also -been avenged at Te Ranga, where a hundred and twenty Ngaiterangi -warriors lay dead in the trenches, and the 43rd had full _utu_ for the -slaughter of their officers and comrades. With few exceptions, all the -high chiefs were among the slain. The boastful Rawiri, the chivalrous -Te Oriori, the Christian convert Henare Taratoa, had fought their last -fight. On the body of the latter was found a letter in the native -language, and the text, "If thine enemy hunger, give him food; if he -thirst, give him water." - -Orakau was the Flodden of the Maori nation. As the fugitives from the -blood-stained pah trooped across the fords of the Puniu on the night -succeeding the fight, the parallel may well have occurred to Sir Walter -Scott's countrymen, so many of whom have adopted New Zealand as their -home. - - "Tweed's echoes heard the ceaseless splash, - While many a broken band, - Disordered through her currents dash, - To gain the Scottish land." - -The war was practically over after the fall of Te Ranga. The turbulent -Waikato tribes had lost their high chiefs, their bravest young men. The -flower of the land of Maui lay low. The universal wail rose high in -a hundred kaingas. Taught by bitter experience, the more intelligent -natives had arrived at the conclusion that the resistless pakeha must -be obeyed. His soldiers and his sailors, his volunteers and his allies -(leading tribes of their own blood), his guns and his mortars, were all -too powerful. Their chiefs who had visited England and seen the might -of Britain had told them as much before. But, strong in the pride of -their own power and the oracles of the Tohungas, they did not believe -it. Now it was too plain to be disputed. Defeat was written in the -burned and disabled pahs, in the ruined farms, in the confiscated lands -of their ancestors, which they had no power to redeem. This, however, -was in strict accordance with Maori usage, with the law and custom of -Rauparaha, of Hongi Ika, of Te Waharoa, those ruthless conquerors and -their ancestors who had ravaged and annexed the lands of tribal foes -from time immemorial. _Væ Victis_ was one of the oldest of human laws. -It was theirs also. One grim feature of a returning and successful -expedition, the train of downcast or weeping slaves, driven along with -blows and shouts of derision, was wanting in this campaign. No heads of -chiefs or warriors were tossed out or stuck on poles as village after -village was passed. No bound captive was handed over to the relations -of the fallen for slow and dreadful torture. On the contrary, all the -combatants, save those convicted of murder or outrage, were dismissed -to their homes, while their wounded were tended in the hospitals of -these strangely constituted pakehas with the same care and skilfulness -as their own. - -At Te Ranga was the last stand made by the Maori for the possession of -the lands of his forefathers. No more might he roam whither he would by -river and mountain, by lake, shore, or forest stream. The white man's -axe rang ceaselessly in his ancient woodlands; the white man's fields, -his crops and fences, raised barriers to free untrammelled wanderings -from sea to sea. Only in allotted districts, marked out by the white -surveyor, would he be permitted to live out his life. Even there, the -white man's school, the white man's church, the white man's policeman, -would be always with him. In the place of the chief who administered -justice and delivered sentence without remonstrance, without appeal, -there sat the white man's magistrate, hearing evidence which he did not -always understand, fining and imprisoning for offences against laws of -which they had neither experience nor comprehension. - -This was the state of matters to which the Maori nation had come in the -opinion of the older men of the tribes, and not a few of the younger -warriors who had never quite given in their adhesion to the rule of -the stranger. Haughty and tameless as a race, showing by a thousand -instances their preference for death before dishonour, such was their -state of feeling at this time, that had there been any other land -available, they would probably have trooped away in one great migration -like the Moors out of Spain, there to learn to forget their hopes and -fears, their triumphs and their despair, far from the snow-crowned -ranges, the rushing rivers, the fertile valleys, and fire-breathing -mountains of their own loved land. - -On the whole, perhaps, it was as well for them, and by no means to -the injury of the usurping pakeha, that the ever-girdling sea forbade -a national exodus. Stern foe as the Briton has ever been while the -fighting lasts, he is the most just and merciful of the world's -conquerors. Of the great Roman, when the sandals of his legions trod -over the prostrate peoples of the inhabited earth, it is recorded that -he permitted them such personal and civic liberty as they had rarely -enjoyed under their own rulers. Still, the privilege and boast of -uttering the magical words, _Civis Romanus sum_, had to be paid for -largely, as in the Apostle Paul's case. More liberal still, the Briton -presents his beaten foe with the priceless gift of his equal laws, -his equal suffrage. The ægis is thenceforth held over him, as of a -blood-brother and a peer, a citizen of that world-wide empire scarce -arrested by the poles, which rules and guards by its laws so large a -proportion of the inhabitants of our planet. - - * * * * * - -While the high contracting parties were settling important points to be -observed in the treaty, now necessary after the unconditional surrender -made in person by, and signed by, Wirimu Tamehana Te Waharoa, the -interests of private persons had their opportunity of consideration. In -the ranks of the Forest Rangers doubts were still expressed respecting -the fate of one Roland Massinger, reported missing since the affair of -the Gate Pah. - -Slyde and Warwick were lying in hospital, severely wounded, still too -weak to undertake personal search. Warwick, who was near him when he -fell, had information to give which, if it accounted for his wounds, -was calculated to inspire doubts concerning his safety. - -"He was shot from behind," he said. "I am as certain of it as that I -lie here; it was the act of that skulking scoundrel Ngarara. I was near -him at the time. Von Tempsky himself was hardly a foot in front of -him as he was trying to spring on to the parapet, when I heard a shot -behind us on the right flank. Mind, the troops were standing forward -for a bayonet charge, and the covering volleys were on the left flank. -It surprised me, so that I looked round; there I saw a band of the -Ngapuhi that had dashed up in advance of the main body. Sheltering -himself behind a tree, I saw Ngarara. He had missed the first time, but -had reloaded. I caught sight of his face for a moment as the second -report came, and Mr. Massinger fell forward on his face. Before I could -turn towards him I was knocked over by a bullet from a rifle-pit, and -knew no more. But a ranger who was close to me at the time, and helped -to carry me to the rear, heard Mannering shout out an order, upon which -several of the Maketu men closed round Massinger and carried him off. -Following them up, he was sure that he saw two women. These he didn't -recognize." - -"Shouldn't wonder if one of them was the girl he was philandering with -at the Terraces. Heard she was with her father's _hapu_. Princess and -wounded knight business. Turn up all safe by-and-by." - -"I'm not so sure," mused Warwick. "He's a treacherous dog, that -Ngarara. He'll have another try before he gives in--unless the chief -shoots him, which he's very likely to do, on sight." - -"Summary justice," said Mr. Slyde. "Points in savage life, after all. -Come to think." - -"I _saw_ him do it once," said Warwick. "I was a boy then. He shot a -Maori dead who had helped to murder a white man before the fellow's -friends." - -"What did the tribe say?" - -"Nothing--though there were many of the man's relations present. They -knew he was in the wrong. Besides, the act was that of a _chief_. That -means a good deal in this country." - -"Seems it does. Power in the land. Must look up one with an eligible -daughter. A hundred thousand acres of the Waikato land would be a snug -dowry. Live like a baron of the Middle Ages. No more beastly reports to -write. Tell my directors to go to the reinga." - -"How long is it before the doctor says we shall be fit to travel?" said -Warwick, wandering from the point. - -"Three weeks at farthest. I vote we go on the scout for Massinger. -Can't leave him in the tents of the whatsynames--Amorites or something. -Dance at his wedding if we can do nothing else." - -"I'll see it out," said Warwick. - -"So we will, dear boy," said Mr. Slyde. "Have Ngarara's scalp. Revival -of ancient customs. Must have rational amusement now the war's over." - -What did really happen to Massinger was this. He felt himself struck -under the right shoulder from behind by a hard blow as from a stone, -such being the sensation of a bullet-wound from undoubted personal -evidence. Before he had turned round to see who had given him such a -hurt, he felt a queer faintness, and noticed a stream of blood running -down his breast, while the evil face of Ngarara, lit up with revengeful -triumph, glared at him, partly covered by a huge kawaka tree. - -Before he could combine the concrete and the abstract sufficiently to -formulate a theory, "darkness covered his eyes," and a sudden death -rehearsal was in full operation. - -When he recovered his senses, the night was so far advanced that he -glanced upward to the stars with a half-conscious, wondering doubt -as to his condition and circumstances. On a rude litter, formed of -branches and twisted flax, the bed of grass and fern-leaves beneath him -being by no means uncomfortable, he was moving slowly along a forest -path, on which four bearers were trying to carry him as smoothly as -circumstances would admit of. Two women in native dress walked in -front, in one of whom, as she stopped to speak a word to the bearers, -he had no difficulty in recognizing Erena. - -After an answering sentence from the bearer nearest him, she held up -her hand, and the little party halted. Coming close to his head, which -he was as yet unable to raise, she looked anxiously in his face, and in -softest accents said-- - -"You have awakened." - -The loss of blood had been great, but by some styptic known to the -natives, a people much acquainted with wounds of all degree of -severity, it had been arrested. He tried to speak; a faint inarticulate -murmur was all the reply he could furnish. He raised himself; but the -effort was too painful, and again he became unconscious. - -When he awoke once more he was aware that locomotion had ceased, and -that he was lying upon a couch covered with mats. All was darkness, -with the exception of flickering gleams thrown from a fire which was -lighted at the entrance of the vault or cave in which he was lodged. -Becoming more used to the dim uncertain light, he discerned the -limestone walls and roof, which were festooned with stalactites in all -sorts of fantastic, delicate shapes. There was a sound as of falling -water, so that the difficulty of assuaging thirst would not be among -the privations suffered by the inmates of this singular retreat. After -a while he was relieved by the appearance of his good angel, as he felt -impelled to call her. - -"Tell me," he said, "how has all this come to pass? I am anxious to -hear about the fall of the Gate Pah, and the way I have been removed to -this place." - -"I knew," she said, bending over him with the frank tenderness of a -woman who loves passionately, and does not fear to disguise the fact, -"that if you remained longer where you fell you would stand a chance of -being tomahawked, if not worse treated. My father gave the order for -you to be carried off, and at the same time signed to me that I and my -cousin Riria were to accompany you. The cave in which you find yourself -is only known to our hapu, and has always been regarded as being -impenetrable to any one not acquainted with the secret approach." - -"But it was evident to me," said he, "that I was shot through the -body. How was the flow of blood stopped, and the wound found not to be -dangerous?" - -"We were told," she said, "that it was not mortal by a well-known -tohunga of our tribe, who has been left a stage behind. He will be -here tomorrow, and is a medicine-man of some repute, I can assure -you. He applied a styptic, which was successful, and found that the -bullet-wound, though it had grazed the lung, would not be dangerous, -though hard to heal." - -"I owe everything to you, dearest Erena," he said, pressing the hand -which lay nearest to him; "and the life you have saved is yours for -ever. If I come scatheless out of this war, you will have no reason to -doubt my gratitude. How shall I ever repay you?" - -"It is only too easy to do so," she said, as she gazed at him with -eyes that glowed with all the intensity of a woman's love, for the -first time awakened in that passionate nature. "But you must not talk -of gratitude," she continued, with a smile, "or I shall begin to doubt -whether you love me as _we_ love--in life, in death, to the grave, and -beyond it." - -As she spoke, she wound her arms tenderly around him, and, kissing him -upon the forehead, hastily left the cave. - -When she reappeared, bringing such food as the natives had been able to -secure, she said-- - -"Now you must eat all you can, and grow strong, as the sooner we leave -this 'Lizard's Cave,' as it is called, and get back to my father, the -better. I know that he will make for Rotorua as soon as the fighting is -over." - -"Tell me about the Gate Pah," he said. "Our men were falling fast, were -they not?" - -"Indeed, yes. Nearly all the officers were killed or mortally wounded -in less than a quarter of an hour. Colonel Booth died next day; the -captains of the 43rd were all killed, besides naval and volunteer -officers. The natives had determined to retreat by the rear of the pah, -but suddenly found themselves met by a detachment of the 43rd. They -rushed back, and, mingling with the soldiers, were taken by them for -a Maori reinforcement. Some one called out "Retreat!" and the troops, -having no officers, were seized with a panic, made a runaway--what you -call a rout of it." - -Massinger groaned. "Who could have imagined it! Such a regiment as -the 43rd! Think what they did in the Peninsular war! Such things will -happen from time to time. Why didn't they _starve_ them out?" - -"That was what my father and Waka Nene said. They were surrounded. -They had no water, and only raw potatoes to eat. In a few days they -must have given in. In Heke's war Colonel Despard made just the same -mistake. My father and Mr. Waterton were there." - -"Tell me about it." - -"Well, of course it was long, long ago--in 1845; but I heard my father -tell it once, and never forgot it. You heard of the Ohaieawa Pah, and -how the troops were repulsed then?" - -"Yes; I read some account of it." - -"It was like this fight. The pah was strongly defended, and the colonel -said he would take it by assault. My father and Mr. Waterton were -fighting along with the Ngapuhi under the chief Waka Nene. They came to -the colonel, and my father said, 'Colonel Despard, if you are going to -try to take the pah by assault before you make a breach--and you have -no artillery heavy enough--I consider it amounts to the murder of your -men, and it is my duty to tell you so. The chief Waka Nene is of the -same opinion.' - -"'What does he know of the science of war?' said the colonel, angrily. - -"'More than you do--that is, of Maori war,' said my father. - -"'How dare you talk to me like that?' said the colonel, now very angry. -'I have a great mind to have you arrested.' - -"'What does the pakeha rangatira say?' inquired Nene of Mr. Waterton, -as he saw that something serious was likely to happen. - -"'He says he will arrest us,' said Mr. Waterton. - -"Upon this the chief walked forward, and, looking in the colonel's -face, placed an arm on either of their shoulders. Then he said quietly-- - -"'These are _my_ pakehas. You must not touch them;' and he looked round -to his tribe, drawn up rank by rank at the foot of the hill." - -"Well, and what happened?" - -"The colonel turned away and said no more. The Ngapuhi tribe were -loyal to the English, and have been ever since. They would never have -conquered Heke without them." - -"So he did attack the pah?" - -"Yes--by bad fortune. The old chief drew his men off, and would not -join in the assault. The soldiers and sailors, also the volunteers, -tried to storm the pah, but were beaten back with dreadful loss. Many -were killed, and some taken prisoners. The natives left the pah the -next night, but it was a boast of Heke's tribe for years after that -they had beaten back a pakeha regiment of renown, and that some day, if -all the tribes would unite, they would drive the whites into the sea." - -"It was well for us that they did not unite, by all accounts," said -Massinger; "for their numbers were greater than ours then by many -thousands. Now it is the other way, and unless they make peace their -doom is sealed." - -"You must not talk any more," said Erena, with playful authority. "Old -Tiro-hanga will come up tomorrow, and then he will say if you can be -moved. You had better try and go to sleep." - - * * * * * - -The war was now virtually over. The Waikato tribes and their allies, -the Ngatiawa and the Ngatihaua, had surrendered unconditionally. The -wounded warriors, Slyde and Warwick, were in a condition to be moved to -Auckland, where rest and comfort awaited them. The military surgeon, -in releasing them from camp quarters and fare, advised them to take -advantage of all the comforts of civilization, which he believed would -effect a more speedy cure than any of the resources of his profession. - -"You've had a narrow shave, both of you," he said--"particularly -Warwick. When I saw him first, I hardly thought he was worth carrying -to the rear. We were short of bearers, too; not like those infernal -natives who have so many women about, full of pluck, and handier than -the men for that matter. By-the-by, what's become of that young friend -of yours? It's rumoured that the Ngapuhi carried him off. Beautiful -daughter, and so on. Romantic--very." - -"Odd thing. Don't know where he is," said Mr. Slyde. "Warwick here -means to go on the scout as soon as his blessed wound heals. We're -getting anxious." - -"I'm not," said Warwick. "Depend on it, if Erena Mannering has him in -charge, no harm will come to him. Not a man of the Ngapuhi but would -die in his defence, always excepting that brute Ngarara. We don't know -who were killed at Orakau and who got away yet. As long as he's above -ground neither Massinger nor Erena are safe." - -"Seems badly managed, don't it," yawned Mr. Slyde, "when so many a good -fellow has gone down, that reptile should escape? Hope for the best, -however. Feel inclined to help Providence the next time we meet. Awful -sleepy work this recovery business. I must turn in." - - * * * * * - -Some anxiety might have been spared to his friends if they could have -beheld Mr. Massinger at the moment of their solicitude. The sun was -declining; the shimmering plain of Rotorua lake lay calm and still, -save for a lazy ripple on the beach below the room wherein the wounded -man lay, on a couch covered with mats of the finest texture. Beside him -sat Erena, regarding him from time to time with that rapt and earnest -gaze which a woman only bestows on the man she loves or the child of -her bosom. He had rallied since the first days of his wound, but the -pallor of his countenance, and his evident weakness, told those of -experience in gunshot wounds that the progress of recovery had been -arrested. In such a case the danger is worse, say the authorities, than -in the first loss of blood and organic injury. The patient moved as if -to raise himself, but desisted, as if such effort were beyond him. - -"I cannot think," he said, "why I do not gain strength. I do not seem -to have improved in the least; rather the other way. I wonder if there -is any injury we don't know of." - -"Pray God there is not!" she said, bending over him, and bathing his -forehead. "My father says he never knew old Tiro-hanga's medical -knowledge to fail. He says you only want time to be as well as ever. -How many wounds has he not recovered from?" - -"I should be more than willing to believe him," said the sick man. -"But why am I so wretchedly weak? I feel as if I would like to die and -be done with it, if I am to lie here for weeks and months. But I am a -beast to complain, after all your goodness, child," he went on to say, -as the girl's eyes filled with tears. "Please forgive me; I am weak in -mind as well as body." - -"Is my love nothing to you?" she cried, with sudden passion. "My life, -my life--for it hangs on yours? If you die, I die also. I swear I will -follow you to the reinga, as my mother would have said. I will not -remain behind. Do not doubt of that." - -As she spoke she moved nearer to his couch, and, throwing herself on -her knees at his side, took his hand in both of hers, and, bowing her -face upon his breast, burst into a tempest of sobs, which shook every -portion of her frame. - -Massinger, touched and partly alarmed by her grief, tried by all the -means in his power to soothe her, smoothing her abundant hair the -while, as it flowed over him in a cascade of rippling wavelets. - -"My darling, my darling!" he said, "I owe my life to you, and it shall -be spent in proving my love and devotion. You must not despair, you who -are so brave. I am afraid you are not an Ariki, after all, but only a -woman--the best, the bravest, the dearest, in the world. This is only a -passing faintness. We shall live to spend many a glad year together." - -"It is I who am weak," she said, lifting her tear-stained face, and -essaying to smile as she drew back the long silken tresses from her -brow. "Something seemed at that moment to warn me that I should never -live to claim your love. I have often felt it. But, if _your_ life is -spared for long years to come, I shall not mourn. No, no! But you will -never forget your poor Erena, who loved you--loved, yes, you will never -know how much!" - -As she spoke her last words, she rose to her feet, pressed one -lingering, passionate kiss upon his forehead, and was gone. - -With the dawn the tohunga arrived. This important and mysterious -personage, of which one was always to be found in the larger sections -of a tribe, combined the offices of priest and sorcerer with the more -practical profession of the physician. Unquestionably, his knowledge of -simples and general surgery was far from despicable. By incantations -and spells, it was thought in the tribe that he had foreknowledge of -the death or otherwise of his patients. As a soothsayer he had now used -the powerful spell of the "withered twigs." Chanting a _karakia_, with -a sudden jerk he broke off from the tree two of equal size and length. -The piece he held in his left hand snapped off short. The longer twig -remained in his right. - -"The pakeha will not die," he exclaimed. "My art has saved him. It will -be good for the Ngapuhi tribe, and for the maiden Erena, whose mother I -so much loved." - -Arriving at the couch of the stricken pakeha, he looked upon him -with solemn and mysterious regard. He felt his pulse, and minutely -scrutinized the cicatrice of the newly healed wound. Meanwhile the eyes -of the girl, dilated with terror and anxiety, watched his inscrutable -countenance, as the mother of the sick child in more conventional -abodes fixes her gaze on the physician, whose words contain the issues -of life or death. - -"Speak, O Tiro-hanga! Say whether he will die--and I also. One word -will serve for both." - -The tohunga placed his hand upon the shoulder of the excited girl, -whose every nerve seemed quivering, as if the tension of mind and body -had exhausted the limit of human endurance. - -"As you are, so was your mother in her youth," he said, speaking with -deep though restrained feeling in the Maori tongue; "in those days when -the tall pakeha rangatira came to Hokianga from Maketu--he whose arm -was strong as the lancewood of the hillside, and whose counsel was wise -in the day of battle. I would have killed him, though my own life was -forfeit, had I not seen that _she_ would follow him to the reinga. But -I could not cause a hair of her head to be harmed, such was my bondage -to her _mana_. And you, O pakeha, will I save, likewise, for her sake. -Comfort yourself, O Erena; the pakeha will not die." - -"Is it so? Truly do you say it?" almost gasped the frenzied maid. "Is -there anything more that we can do? Have you the healing medicine for -him?" - -"I will prepare the bitter draught for him--that draught which will -bring a man back to life, though the jaws of death were closing over -him," said the tohunga. "When the sun is high, a change will come upon -him." - -"Are you sure? Are you indeed aware that he will begin to gain -strength?" she asked eagerly. "He has been so terribly weak, and was -beginning to lose heart." - -"Did the daughter of the Toa-rangatira ever know my saying to prove -false?" asked the priest, haughtily. - -"Oh, no--no!" she rejoined hastily. "But tell me more. Shall we be -able to carry him to the homes of his people? And shall we be happy -afterwards?" - -"I see," said the sage--"I see the pakeha standing among his people; -he is well; he is happy; joy is in his face--in his voice. But there -is blood--blood through it. I can see no more. There is a mist--a -darkness. The future is hidden from me." - -"A bad omen," said the girl, sadly. "You saw blood, O Tiro-hanga! But I -care not for myself, so that _he_ be safe and unharmed." - -"Such is the woman who loves," mused the tohunga, as he stalked moodily -towards the shore of the lake--"of whatever colour or race, in the old -days as well as in this present time, when chiefs are falling like -withered leaves, and the pakeha drives the tribes to their death, -as the wildfowl on the warm lakes. And what cares she if the whole -island is delivered to the stranger, and we become his slaves? All -her thought is for the recovery of this pakeha, whom, till ten moons -since, she never set eyes upon." - -With this moral reflection concerning the "eternal feminine," the -substance of which has been stated by less recent philosophers, the -magician of the period betook himself to the raupo whare set apart for -him, where he remained long in deepest meditation, none of the humbler -members of the tribe daring to disturb him. - -He stayed till the close of the following day, to watch the effect of -his potion, and finding that Massinger professed himself unaccountably -improved in mind and body, directed that in three days the patient -should commence his journey to the Oropi missionary settlement, and -departed mysteriously as he had arrived. - - * * * * * - -The day was drawing to a close when a cry from one of the Maori -converts at the mission station of Oropi informed the inmates of the -approach of strangers. Cyril Summers and his household still clung to -their lodge in the wilderness, in spite of the disquieting rumours -that evil was abroad, that murder and outrage were still possible. As -a matter of history, it has always been stated that, even after the -official surrender of an enemy, and the disbandment of troops, guerilla -bands capable of the wildest excesses are formed, recruited from the -more desperate ruffians, whom only the stern punishments of martial -law could hold down. Accustomed to comparative licence, often tacitly -condoned in time of war, and being--to give them their due--often -recklessly daring, their offences against discipline are leniently -judged. But when the excitement and the prizes of the campaign have -been removed, the period of enforced repose often appears to the -restless warrior of either side a season especially arranged for the -payment of outstanding grudges, or the plunder of isolated homesteads. -To the malevolent and treacherous Ngarara, devoured with jealousy of -the pakeha preferred before him, it appeared as though the demons of -wrath and revenge, worshipped by his ancestors, had delivered his -rival into his hands. Infuriated at hearing of his removal and partial -recovery, he had, by means of spies and kinsfolk, kept himself well -informed of Erena's movements. Fearing that the wounded soldier would -be withdrawn from his powers of injury, he resolved upon a bold stroke, -by which he could free himself of his rival, and possess himself of the -girl, for whom he was but too willing to sacrifice life itself. - -Hypatia, ever alert to encounter the day's labours or adventures, -had been the first to hear the announcement of the arrival. With Mr. -Summers, she walked towards the small party which, emerging from the -forest, came slowly along the path to the homestead. - -"These are strangers," said he, looking earnestly at the _cortége_. -"Three or four women, not more than a dozen men, and some one, either -weak or wounded, carried in a litter. Who can they be? To what tribe do -they belong?" he asked of the Maori servant woman who had followed them. - -"Ngapuhi," said she confidently. "Rotorua natives, some of them, going -to the coast with sick man." - -"Who is the girl walking by the litter?" asked Hypatia, with quickened -interest. "She is taller than the other women." - -"Most like Erena Mannering. Not sure; but walk like her. Half-caste she -is, daughter of war-chief. Pakeha rangatira, belong to tribe all the -same." - -"Now, I wonder if this can be Lieutenant Massinger?" said Summers. "He -has not been seen since the Gate Pah affair. This Erena Mannering was -reported to have carried him off, when he fell fighting bravely beside -Von Tempsky. His place of refuge may have become insecure; for that or -other reasons they may wish to reach the coast." - -Hypatia made no reply, but, walking quickly with her companion, reached -the bearers of the invalid, as the girl, signing to them to halt, -accosted Mr. Summers. - -"You are the missionary of Oropi?" said she, in perfectly good English, -spoken with a purity of intonation not always remarked in the colonists -of presumably higher education. "We are bringing a Forest Ranger who -was badly wounded at the Gate Pah to the coast. Will you kindly allow -us to rest for a day? He is very low, and much fatigued by the journey." - -As she spoke, Hypatia fixed her eyes, with feelings alternating between -astonishment and admiration, upon this altogether amazing young person. -Dressed, or rather draped, like the native women who formed part of -the escort, without covering to head or feet, the simple attire rather -heightened than disguised her beauty. Her free and haughty carriage, -utterly unconscious as she seemed of her unconventional attire, the -splendour of her glorious eyes, startled Hypatia, while her graceful -pose as she turned to explain the situation reminded the English girl -of the statue of Diana which she had seen in the Pitti palace at Rome. - -As the two girls faced each other, with the half-inquiring, -half-challenging regard of the partly conscious rivals of their sex, -they would have formed a contrast, rarely met in such completeness, -between the finished aristocrat of the old world and this wondrous -embodiment of all the womanly graces, reared amid the lonely lakes and -wildwood glades of a far land. - -Alike in beauty, though one possessed the blue eyes, the abundant fair -hair, the delicate rose-bloom of the mother isle; the other the ebon -tresses, the flashing eyes, burning from time to time with a strange -lustre;--alike their classic figures and graceful movement, each might -have stood, had there been a painter in attendance, as the realization -of the glories and graces of early womanhood. - -Hypatia took the initiative. "Of course Mr. Summers, all of us indeed, -will be too happy to be of service in such a sad case. And what is the -name of the wounded man? I am very pleased to meet you." - -"And I also," said the Maori maiden. "You will speak to him, will you -not? Perhaps you may have seen him before." - -Walking to the litter, a rude but efficient couch, Hypatia looked -down upon the wounded soldier, who tried feebly to raise himself. The -wasted form and drawn features of the sick man startled her, while in -the bearded face and pallid brow, from which he feebly essayed to push -back the clustering curls, she almost failed to recognize Roland de -Massinger. - -For one moment she gazed in horror and dismay, then taking his wasted -hand and bending over his couch, the once calm and self-repressed -Hypatia Tollemache covered her face with her hands and wept like a -child. - -"You know each other," said the forest maiden, in a deep low voice. "I -thought perhaps it might be _you_--you for whose sake he came to our -unhappy land, for whose sake he now lies, perhaps dying." - -"Erena!" said the sick man, "what are you saying? Surely you are not -angry with Miss Tollemache? Is it her fault that I loved her once? Let -it be sufficient that now I love you. Give me your hand." - -With a look of ineffable tenderness, she gave her hand obediently as -does a child. - -"Miss Tollemache--Hypatia," he said, "she saved my life; will you not -be friends?" - -A brighter gleam came into the tearful eyes of the English girl. "You -are more noble than I," she said. "His life has been given to you, to -save and retain. Let us be sisters." - -They clasped hands with the fervour of generous youth, ere the passions -that rend and ravage have darkened the spirit. As their eyes met, the -wounded man looked up with a faint smile. - -The state of Massinger's health necessitated more than one day's -sojourn at Oropi. However, on the following morning a marked -improvement had taken place, so that it was decided in council that a -farther stage might be reached on the way to Tauranga after the day's -rest. The sufferer had been allotted the chief guest-chamber, a modest -apartment, but exquisitely clean, whence looking forth on the mission -garden, the fruit trees and old-fashioned English flowers recalled that -beloved home-land which he had almost despaired of seeing again. - -At the evening meal Erena, who had caused one of her dusky handmaidens -to bring from the camp a mysterious package, appeared in European -costume. Quietly but well dressed according to the fashion of the day, -it was a revelation to her entertainers and to Hypatia to mark the ease -and self-possession which she exhibited in her new part. The soft rich -voice, the perfect intonation, the repose of her manner, through which -but an occasional flash of emotion showed itself; the total absence of -gesture which, in her other habiliments, seemed natural to her;--all -these, as Hypatia admitted to herself, placed this antipodean maiden -on a perfect equality with the best specimens of European society. -When together they saw to the comfort of their patient, nothing could -have surpassed the good taste and delicacy of her ministrations. -Without making parade of proprietorship in the helpless sufferer, she -assumed the rank of his _fiancée_, appearing equally confident of her -companion's acceptance of that of friend and well-wisher. - -In the case of many other women, her frank trust might possibly have -been misplaced. But the justice and generosity which were the leading -qualities of Hypatia Tollemache's nature, rendered her perfectly safe -as a companion, precluded by every impulse from conspiring against her -happiness. - -As for Mrs. Summers and her husband, they were completely fascinated -by her, holding that the reputation which she enjoyed for beauty and -intelligence was even less than her due. - -Hypatia, it may be, in the seclusion of her chamber, reflected, as -other maidens have been known to do, on perhaps the too hasty dismissal -of a lover so brave, so loyal, in every respect so worthy of woman's -holiest devotion. She had, against her heart's inclination, against -his fervent appeals, resolved to give her life to the regeneration of -the race, to the reform of the social system, to the alteration of a -condition of things which the efforts of saints, philosophers, rulers, -and prophets throughout nearly two thousand years had failed materially -to change. "Who was she," it now seemed to be inquired of her, by an -inward voice that would not be stilled, "that she should presume to -expect to move this colossal structure, so firmly rooted in the usages -of immemorial custom?" - -In her first efforts, she had been discouraged and disillusioned. In -this her second endeavour, what had she effected? As a direct result of -her hasty and inconsiderate action, Massinger had abandoned home and -friends, rushed away for distraction to this Ultima Thule, at the very -end of the habitable globe, where he was now lying between life and -death. And, as if that was not a sufficiently dolorous conclusion, his -life had been saved by the courage and devotion of another woman, to -whom his faith was justly, irrevocably pledged. The full bitterness of -her position was reached, when she acknowledged to herself that in her -heart of hearts she was now conscious of feelings which before she had -only suspected. - -But Hypatia Tollemache, strong and deeply seated as were her primal -emotions, was no lovesick girl to bewail herself over the inevitable; -to chafe to morbid unrest against Destiny, that ancient force, which -even the gods of an earlier world were powerless to disturb. No! "a -perfect woman nobly planned," she accepted the blame of her mistaken -act, as it now appeared to her, and facing, as she had full many a time -and oft done before, an uncongenial part in life's mysterious drama, -resolved to follow unswervingly the path marked out for her by duty -and principle. Was she to falter, to fail, because the unexpected had -happened; because life's thorny path had become difficult, well-nigh -impenetrable? "If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is -but small," said the wise king. More than once in time of trial had she -braced up her courage by recalling the warning. Once more she looked -the conflict of the future firmly in the face, and leaving her chamber -with fixed resolve and earnest prayer, felt a renewed confidence in her -ability to withstand, to undergo, whatever trials might be in store for -her. - -On the following morning, which had been fixed for the departure of -the sick man and his attendants, it was evident that another day -would be required for restoring his strength, which had been much -drawn upon by the journey. He was most anxious to proceed; but Mr. -Summers, who was not without some knowledge of medicine, as well as -practical experience, distinctly forbade his removal. "It would be most -dangerous," he asserted; "and at least twenty-four hours' additional -rest was required before the patient could think of pursuing the -journey." Mrs. Summers also pleaded with Erena, who, though manifestly -anxious to reach a place of safety, consented to remain one more day. - -"Do you think there is danger?" asked her gentle hostess. "I thought -the war was all over." - -"The fight at Orakau is over, the last stand at Te Ranga was made -in vain; but the war is still in the hearts of the Waikato and the -Ngaiterangi," said the Maori girl. "My father has enemies, and I, even -I, have those who wish me evil. There is one whom I fear for _his_ -sake"--here she intimated the room wherein Massinger lay. "It is hard -to know where he will strike." - -"But do you think he would come here?" said Mrs. Summers, turning -pale. "We have never done anything but work and teach and pray for the -welfare of the natives." - -"When blood has been once shed, there is little thought of good or -evil. And besides the old custom of revenge, a new religion has sprung -up among the tribes, called the 'Pai Marire.' They have a false -prophet, Te Ua, who persuades them that the pakehas are doomed to -destruction. They also carry about with them the head of an officer -of the 57th, whom they surprised at Ahuahu, and perform sacred rites -around it." - -"What a dreadful thing!" said Mrs. Summers, rapidly approaching a -state of terror and amazement. "But surely they have always spared the -missionaries?" - -"The new teaching is that all the missionaries are to be killed," said -the girl. "We have heard that Mr. Grace has been threatened, and Mr. -Fulloon's house burned." - -"But will not the troops protect us?" urged Mrs. Summers. "I thought -they were quite close now?" - -"They have marched to Te Awamutu. I was told so by a native woman -yesterday," said Erena. "She said, besides, that Ngarara, the man who -has sworn to revenge himself upon Roland, is out with a _taua_, or -war-party, and may at any time surprise us." - -"I suppose that is the reason you were so anxious to get on?" - -"Partly, yes. And, besides, I did not wish to bring trouble on your -household. But we must go forward tomorrow, and perhaps what I am -afraid of may never come to pass." - -The day was mild and pleasant, though a louring sky had promised -otherwise in the early part of the morning. Massinger was able to be -moved into the sitting-room, and there, refreshed by his morning meal -and the change of situation, declared that he felt strong enough to -travel in the afternoon. - -"We have arranged otherwise," said Erena, with a mock assumption of -authority. "One day will not make much difference. I am going to the -camp for an hour, so I will leave you to the care of Miss Tollemache." -Here she smiled playfully at Hypatia, who had just entered the room. "I -dare say you are anxious to have a talk together." - -"How trusting and unsuspicious she is!" thought Hypatia. "Having once -received his troth, she is absolutely sure of his fidelity. She has a -noble nature, and, from me at least, she need not fear any disloyalty." - -Mrs. Summers had already left the room. Then the man and the maiden -who had last met under such widely different circumstances in another -land, were once more free to have speech, undisturbed by the presence -of onlookers. - -But for this forest nymph, so sweet, so strong, so impossible to -condemn, how differently even yet might their romance have ended! But -the knight was in the toils of the Queen of Faerye, and to Elfland he -must fare, under pain of death, or transformation to a being that even -_she_ could not recognize. A creature false to his plighted troth, -ungrateful to the girl who had saved his life at the risk of her own, -whose love he had won. A love not transient and fleeting, like so many -affected by the women of his race, founded upon vanity, ambition, greed -of wealth or rank, but changeless, immortal, strong as death, true to -the grave, even to the dark realm beyond it. - -Hypatia had probed and purified her heart, and she felt, though she -loved him now with a force and passionate feeling hitherto unsuspected, -that she could not for worlds have accepted his hand, even had he -offered it. - -They were now two different people. She, after trial, change, and the -bitterness of lost illusions, had vowed herself to the life-devotion -which succeeds the sanguine expectation of mighty work among the -heathen. He, the haggard, war-worn soldier, sick unto death and sore -wounded--ah! so unlike the trim sportsman and correctly attired country -gentleman of the old half-forgotten life. - -He was the first to speak. She gazed on him with the pitying tenderness -of womanhood shining through her troubled eyes. - -"A strange meeting, Miss Tollemache, in a strange land!" he said, with -a brave attempt to smile. "Rather a change from Hereford here! Who -would have thought of seeing _you_ here, of all people?" - -She made haste to reply, lest the unshed tears should resist all -efforts to control them. She would have thrown herself on her knees by -the side of his couch and clasped his wasted hand, had she dared to -give vent to her feelings. Then she spoke lightly, though her mouth -quivered with the effort. - -"Isn't it hard to say where you may fall in with any given man, or -woman either, if it comes to that, in these exciting days?" - -"Certainly you are the last person I ever expected to see here," he -made answer, half musingly. "In New Zealand of all places, and at this -particular mission station!" - -"It is easy of explanation. I was tired of London life--disillusioned, -if you will. You prophesied it, you may remember; and hearing from my -old schoolfellow, Mary Summers, that she was hard pressed for help in -her work, took my passage, and here I am." - -"So I see," he replied gravely. "And from what I have heard lately, I -heartily wish that you were anywhere else." - -"But, surely, if there be danger--and I suppose you mean that--I have -no more right to be shielded than another." - -"Mrs. Summers, whom I deeply respect, has followed her husband in the -path of a plain duty. But why _you_, without ties or adequate reason, -should have volunteered for this forlorn hope, I cannot comprehend. It -is the personal sacrifice which has a charm for some women, I suppose," -he went on. - -"And for some men," she retorted, "else why should _you_ be here, -wounded almost to the death in a quarrel in which you had no share, -and which I believe in my heart you consider unjust. When will men -come to understand that women differ widely among themselves, and are -attracted, even as they are, by novelty and adventure?" - -"Mine is only a man's answer, and scarcely logical either, but it -is the best I have. I came to New Zealand because I could not live -in England. Like you, I had lost a world of hope, trust, and fond -illusion. This war was commenced without my consent or support, but -finding myself between two camps, I chose the British one." - -"It was very natural," she said with a sigh. "But tell me of yourself. -How were you wounded, and why did you not remain at the camp?" - -"I should have remained there altogether," he said, with a flickering -smile, "had it not been for Erena and her two cousins. We met with a -reverse at the Gate Pah, and every man that fell near me was tomahawked -within two minutes. These girls rushed in through a hail of bullets -and dragged me into the high fern, where I lay safely until some of -the Ngapuhi joined them. They carried me to a cave only known to the -tohunga and a few individuals of the tribe." - -"And after that?" - -"I found next morning that the bleeding had been stopped and the wound -bandaged. Since then I have been terribly weak, but am now recovering -slowly, _very_ slowly. To-day I feel better than I have done for some -time past. I shall pick up as soon as we reach the shore." - -"May God grant it," she replied. "If it was through any act of mine -that you quitted home and friends, I should feel that your blood was -on my head. When I think of your renunciation, I cannot help doubting -whether any woman is worth the sacrifice. And now we must say farewell. -You are to leave at dawn, I hear; so if we are doomed never to meet -again, think kindly of Hypatia Tollemache, and believe that you have -her best wishes, her prayers." - -As she spoke she held out her hand, which he clasped in his; so thin -and wasted was it that the tears rose to her eyes. He pressed his lips -passionately to it, and relinquished the slender fingers with a sigh. - -It was late when Erena returned. The little household was assembled -at the evening meal when she entered the room, and, declining to join -the repast, stood with a countenance troubled and darkly boding before -she spoke. So might Cassandra, as she stood before the Trojan host in -high-walled Ilion. - -"Bad news!" she said abruptly. "So bad that it could hardly be worse. -This Hau-Hau sect is gaining ground. They are carrying round Captain -Boyd's head to stir up the tribes; they have murdered Mr. Volkner, and -are marching towards the coast. No one can tell where they will strike -next." - -The countenances of the women blanched as this announcement was made. -Mr. Summers, though visibly affected, preserved his composure, as he -asked where the dreadful deed took place. - -"At Opotiki," said Erena. "He came in a vessel, though he was warned -not to do so. He and Mr. Grace, another missionary, were at once taken -prisoners, and Mr. Volkner was hanged on a willow tree by Kereopa; the -tribe assenting." - -"Is there any chance of their coming here?" said Mr. Summers. "We have -never had the slightest altercation with the tribes. I have been here -since 1850, and every thought of my heart, every word from my lips, has -been with the object of their benefit. No chief would permit such an -outrage, such an unheard-of crime." - -"You do not know Kereopa," replied Erena. "He is one of those natives -who go perfectly mad when their blood is up, and think no more of -killing any man, woman, or child near him than you people do of -wringing the neck of a _kea_. Besides, Te Ua, who has declared himself -to be a prophet, boasts of a message from the angel Gabriel, that the -sword of the Lord and Gideon is committed into the hands of the Pai -Marire, with which to smite the pakeha and the unfaithful Maoris. But I -have sent one who will put Ropata on their track; if _he_ comes up with -them, they will learn more of Old Testament law." - -"A day of rebuke and blasphemy, murder and outrage," groaned Cyril -Summers. "And is this to be the end of our labours? I feel inclined, -though it is putting one's hand to the plough and turning back, to make -for the coast until matters are more peaceful. What do you intend to -do?" - -"My people and I, with Mr. Massinger, will start at midnight," said the -girl, decisively. "I wish now that we had left this morning. I implore -of you to leave with your family at the same time." - -"But the road in the darkness?" said Summers. "The forest is difficult -to thread by daylight." - -"To our guide," said Erena, "the night is as the day. We shall keep on -steadily until we reach Tauranga." - -"I am tempted to join forces with you," he said. "But no! we must show -the natives that we believe what we have taught them--that God is able -to save those who trust in Him. Mary, Hypatia, you had better go with -Erena's party, and take the children." - -The delicate form of Mary Summers seemed to gain height and dignity -as, with all the devoted courage of her "deep love's truth" shining in -her steadfast eyes, she said, "I have but to repeat the words I spoke -in the church where our lives were joined--'till death do us part.' My -place is by you, my darling, here and hereafter. May God protect us all -in this dread hour!" - -"And Miss Tollemache?" said Erena, addressing Hypatia. "Will _you_ wait -for the coming of the Hau-Haus--to be carried off as a slave, perhaps?" -and here her piercing gaze seemed to read Hypatia's inmost soul. "You -do not know what that means; I do! Taunts and blows, water to draw, -burdens to carry, degradation unspeakable!" - -The English girl drew herself up and returned the fixed regard of the -daughter of the South with a look as unblenching as her own, ere she -answered, calmly, almost haughtily-- - -"When I promised my friends to be a fellow-labourer with them, I made -no reservations. I have cast in my lot with them, and will share their -fortunes, even to the martyr's death, if it be so ordained." - -Erena watched her with an expression of surprise which changed to frank -admiration. - -"Farewell, O friends," she said; "may God protect you from all evil. As -for you, you are worthy of his friendship, of his _love_." - -As she made the last gesture of farewell, she stooped, and taking -Hypatia's unresisting hand, raised it to her lips and glided from the -room. - -It was no time for sleep. Praying and conversing by turns, the -household awaited the departure of the little band. From the verandah -they watched the bearers emerge from Massinger's room with the couch. -This they placed upon the litter on which he had lain for so many a -weary mile. They saw Erena take her place beside it as the bearers -moved silently away. A dark form glided before them on the narrow path, -the _cortége_ followed through the darksome arches of the forest, and -was swallowed up in the midnight gloom. - -After their departure, the household engaged in prayer. When Cyril -Summers addressed the Almighty Disposer of events in earnest -supplication that His servants might be spared the last terrible -penalties of savage warfare, it cannot be doubted that each hearer's -inmost heart responded most fervently to the appeal. Mrs. Summers wept -as, with her hand in her husband's, she echoed his cry for deliverance, -and rising from her knees with streaming eyes, threw her arms around -Hypatia's neck. - -"We have brought you into these horrors," she said. "Oh, why did I ever -encourage you to come to this fatal shore?" - -From Hypatia's eyes there fell no tears. An intense and glowing lustre -seemed to burn in her deep blue eyes, as she gazed into the distance, -as one who sees what is hid from ordinary mortals. One could fancy -her a virgin martyr in the days of Nero, receiving her summons to the -arena. Unquestioning faith, dauntless courage, and an almost divine -pity, made radiant her countenance as she looked on Mary Summers and -her sleeping children. - -"I am not afraid of what man can do to us," she said softly. "The God -whom we serve has power to deliver us in this dread hour. Did not -Erena say that a body of the Ngapuhi men were marching on the track -of the Hau-Hau band? 'Oh, rest in the Lord, and He will give thee thy -heart's desire.' As her sweet voice rose, and the beautiful words of -Mendelssohn's immortal work resounded through the room, a ray of hope -illumined the forlorn household, as with a final hand-clasp all retired -to their couches, though not to sleep." - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - - -The hour before dawn, when "deep sleep falls upon men," found the whole -household wrapped in that slumber which was the natural outcome of an -anxious and exciting day. But the quick loud bark of an angry dog, -subsiding into a sustained suspicious growl, and joined to a woman's -scream from the camp of their native adherents, told Cyril Summers that -the enemy was at hand. A confused murmur of voices, the trampling of -feet, with the ordinary indefinable accompaniments of a body of men, -aroused the sleepers with startling suddenness. - -Mrs. Summers and Hypatia, like women on a sinking ship, displayed -unwonted courage. Dressing themselves and the wondering children in -haste, they joined Mr. Summers in the living-room of the cottage at -the same moment that it was filled by an excited crowd of the wildest -natives which any of the party had ever seen. - -The leader, a ferocious-looking Maori, whom Mr. Summers had no -difficulty in recognizing as Kereopa, advanced with threatening air -towards him; but, seeing that the missionary had no weapon, nor -apparently the wish or means to defend himself, he halted abruptly. -Behind him stood a crowd of natives, the greater part of whom had -advanced into the room, while others could be seen through the open -door between the cottage and the outbuildings. Looking more closely in -order to discover if by chance there were among them any of his former -servants, Mr. Summers saw, to his horror and disgust, a white man. -This renegade, dead to every feeling of manhood, a deserter from his -regiment, was one of those abandoned wretches to be found in all new -countries, who, associating with savages, encourage them in outrage and -rapine. Outcasts from their race, aware that a speedy death by bullet -or halter awaits them on capture, they have always been noted as the -most remorseless foes of their own people. - -Feeling, however, that by interrogating the man he might procure more -accurate information than from the dangerously excited chief and his -followers, he addressed him. - -"What is the meaning of this intrusion at this hour? Ask Kereopa if he -has not made some mistake." - -The renegade, apparently pleased at being civilly addressed, translated -the question, and repeated it to the chief, who in a loud and -threatening voice replied-- - -"Tell the Mikonaree that I, a prophet of the Pai Marire, have received -authority from the angel Gabriel to kill or take into captivity all the -pakehas, with their wives and daughters, as did the Israelites with the -Amalekites." - -"Have I ever done you harm? Have I not taught your people to grow the -bread-grain, the potato, the vegetables on which they grow strong and -healthy?" - -"What have you done--what have the white men done?" shouted the -wild-eyed chief, now working himself into an insane fury. "You have -taught us your prayers and stolen our lands. You have given us the -grain and taken the fields. Where are our brothers, our sons, our -chiefs? Slain by your soldiers, after robbing them of their lands--even -Waitara and Tataraimaka. They are cold in the ground on which they -planted and feasted, but which now only serves them for graves." - -"Surely you would not kill people with no arms in their hands. Which of -our missionaries has ever fired a gun even in defence of his life?" - -"The priests of your people do not fight, but they act as spies; they -have betrayed our plans to the pakeha general. They will all be killed, -like Volkner, to show the world that we shall have no spies, no false -prophets, no priests of Baal, amongst us. Prepare to die, even as -Volkner died, whose head, with that of the pakeha Boyd, is with us. Let -their hands be tied." - -At once several eager warriors sprang forward, by whom the women and -the missionary were seized. Their hands were bound behind them with -strips of the native flax, which effectively rendered them helpless -captives. - -"You will die when the sun goes down," he said, indicating Cyril -Summers. "Call on your God to help you. The rope is ready, and the tree -on which you will hang, as did Volkner. But all are not here. Where is -the wounded pakeha, and the Ngapuhi girl Erena?" - -"They have gone; they went yesterday." - -"Which path was theirs? If you deceive me, great suffering will be -yours before you die." - -"They went into the forest; that is all I can say. The God in whom I -trust will save me from cruelty at your hands." - -A native at this time said some words in the Maori tongue which seemed -for the time to allay the wrath of the raging wild beast into which -Kereopa was transformed. - -"It is well. Their tracks will be found; Ngarara is a keen hunter -when the prey is near. He is pursuing the Ngapuhi girl Erena, whose -heart the pakeha soldier has stolen from him. He will cut _his_ heart -out of his breast and eat it before her eyes. I will give her to him -for a slave. All the pakeha women shall be slaves to the men of the -Pai Marire when the day of deliverance shall come. _Hau-Hau, Hau-Hau, -Hau-Hau!_" - -Here the countenance of the half-insane savage became changed into -the likeness of a ferocious beast, as he yelled out the war-cry of -the sect, which was immediately caught up and re-echoed, dog-like, by -every individual in the maniacal crowd. With eyes almost reversed in -their sockets, with tongue protruding, with the foam flying from his -lips, and every human feature lost in the bestial transformation, he -resembled less a human being than a monstrous demon from the lowest pit -of Acheron. - -Mrs. Summers fainted, the children screamed piteously, and Cyril made -one step forward, as if, even with his fettered hands, he essayed to -do battle with the destroying fiend. He was immediately seized by two -powerful natives, who had been standing near him, and forced back to -his former position. Realizing his utter helplessness, he groaned -aloud as he saw Hypatia bending over his wife's drooping form, while -she adjured her to preserve her presence of mind for the sake of the -terrified children and her unhappy husband. - -"We shall need all our strength to carry us through this ordeal," she -said. "We need it for prayer and faith, which, even in this dark hour, -will save us." - -As she spoke, the brave spirit of the devoted wife and mother recalled -her to life and consciousness. She gazed on the strange surroundings of -their once peaceful home, and after giving vent to her emotions in one -wild burst of tears, resumed her efforts at composure. - -Fortunately for the overwrought feelings of the captives, a diversion -at this critical moment was effected through an unusual noise beginning -among the natives clustered beyond and around the open door. A cry, -whether of warning or triumph, came from the forest path; gradually it -swelled into greater distinctness, until it resolved itself into the -well-known shout of triumph which proclaimed the capture of an enemy -of note. It was then seen, by the full dawn light now breaking through -the masses of gloom, to proceed from a body of men emerging from the -forest. The leaders of the party were dancing and singing with an -exuberance which betokened victory and triumph. When the whole body -debouched from the wood, it was seen to have in its midst a litter -borne by four men, beside whom walked a girl with haughty and defiant -mien. She looked more like a barbaric queen than a captive taken in -war, as her fettered wrists showed her to be. Her attendants had been -similarly treated, with the exception of the bearers, who were so -closely surrounded that their escape had been considered improbable. -By the time they had reached the open space behind the cottage, the -whole party, including Kereopa, had quitted the room, and joined in the -tremendous volume of triumphant yells and cries which rent the air. - -"Let the pakeha wahine come forth and look upon their friends," said -Kereopa, with devilish malice. "They will see how the prophets of the -Pai Marire obey the message of the angels, how the sword of the Lord -and Gideon is made sharp for the evil-doer, and how the convert from -the Ngapuhi is rewarded in the hour of victory." - -Fearful of further violence, Cyril Summers had partially supported -his wife, followed by the shuddering children, to the porch, around -which in happier days he had pleased himself with training a clematis. -Hypatia stepped forward with wide eyes, as expectant of instant -tragedy. Almost unheeding of her own danger, and the fearful position -in which all were placed, she could not repress her interest in -Massinger, as with almost equal eagerness she looked at Erena. He -lay back on the rude pillow which had been placed below his head, -deathly pale, and only exhibiting consciousness through his heaving -breast and the movements of his eyes. But when she turned her gaze -upon the dauntless form of Erena Mannering, all womanly jealousy was -obliterated by the glow of admiration which the girl's regal bearing -and fearless spirit evoked in her. She moved among the fierce crowd of -half-doubtful, half-bloodthirsty Hau-Haus with the air of a princess -among pariahs. Upon those who pressed closely to her side she from time -to time bestowed a glance of scorn and menace, accompanied by a few -words in their own tongue, from which they shrank as from a missile. -Her eyes blazed as they were turned upon Kereopa, who with sneering -smile approached her, pointing to the half-inanimate form of Massinger. - -"The pakeha is sick; the pakeha is tired," he said with affected -regret. "It is wrong that he was carried so far. His wound must be -unhealed. The Pai Marire grieve. _He will not stand the fire well_, -tomorrow. There will be a _haka_ too, in honour of Ngarara's marriage, -which he must first witness." - -"Dog of the Hau-Haus!" said the indignant maiden, with all the -scorn and wrath of a line of chiefs shining from her storm-litten -eyes. "Speak you to a war-chief's daughter of the Ngapuhi as to a -slave-woman? What false tohunga have ye, that thy doom and that -of thy herd of swine is concealed from thee? See thy future fate, -as in that darkening cloud, coming nearer and yet nearer!" As she -spoke, she pointed to a thunder-cloud which, after the mists of the -morning, had gathered size and volume, and was now moving with the -course of the dawn-wind towards them. Such was the majesty of her -mien, such the tragic earnestness of her tones, as she stood, like a -priestess of old, denouncing wrong and oppression, that the crowd, -deeply superstitious as is the race, turned instinctively towards the -approaching phenomenon; and when the thunder rolled, and the jagged -fire-stream issued from the ebon, a shuddering sound was audible, which -showed how deeply fear of the supernatural was rooted in the native -mind. "Behold!" said the fearless, inspired maiden, as she raised her -hand and pointed to the sky, "the Atua of the Storm has spoken! Beware -how you touch a hair of our heads. Shed the blood of these pakehas, who -have never done your nation aught but good, who are now helpless in -your hands--torture this sick soldier--and not a man here will be alive -when the moon is dark!" - -As Erena uttered the words of doom, she paused for a moment, while the -audience gazed around, as if waiting for some physical manifestation -in answer to her words. Kereopa preserved his expression of malicious -unbelief, as though willing to torment his captives with all the -dreadful uncertainty which might comport with a treacherous delay. -Glancing at him for a moment with unutterable scorn, she left her -position, and, moving to the side of the litter, gazed into the face of -the sick man with anxious tenderness. - -But it was evident that the natives generally had attached more meaning -to her words than could have been expected. She had stirred their blood -and aroused their superstitious fears. This killing of pakehas, except -in fair fight, had always been regarded as unlucky. Terrible penalties -had been exacted, even when the offence in war-time had seemed to them -trifling and unimportant. Then, this Erena Mannering was the daughter -of a man more fierce and implacable even than their own warriors--a -war-chief of the Ngapuhi, and as such likely to exact a memorable -revenge. The Pai Marire was only of recent date. There were even now -rival seers and prophets, as in the case of Parata, who withstood -Kereopa, and had bitterly reproached him for the barbarous murder of -the missionary Volkner. There was a movement of doubt and opposition -afoot, which was evidently strengthened, as an aged warrior came -forward and addressed the natives. - -"Men of the Pai Marire," he said, "let us beware of going too far in -this matter, lest we offend a more powerful Atua than those of the -Hau-Haus, whom we knew of but a short while since. If we kill the -soldiers of the pakehas, who have killed our sons and brothers"--here -the old man's features worked convulsively--"taken our lands, and -burned our kaingas, that is just, that is _utu_. But to kill the -Mikonaree, who fights not with guns or swords, who teaches the children -the pukapuka, who heals the sick and feeds the hungry, that is not -_tika_. The Atua of the Storm has spoken." Here another volley of -heaven's artillery shook the air, as the lightning played in menacing -proximity to the disturbed and upturned faces of his hearers. "Beware -lest worse things than the slaughter of chiefs at Te Ranga happen to -us." - -A strong feeling of indecision was now apparent in the excited crowd, -who but an hour since were eager for blood and flames, the death of -the men, the leading into captivity of the women and children. It is -possible that the mass vote of the Hau-Haus would have gone against -Kereopa, who was not an hereditary chief of importance, only an obscure -individual, lifted by superior cunning and energy to power in disturbed -times. But at that moment the malignant face of Ngarara was seen to -emerge from among the last arrivals, and his voice was heard. - -"Men of the Pai Marire, listen not to the words of age and fear! He -speaks the words of the pakehas and their lying priests. The prophets -of the Pai Marire have foretold that the Hau-Haus are to rule the -land, to drive the pakeha into the sea, whence in an evil hour they -came, to inhabit their towns, and to take their wives and daughters as -slaves. Even now, the Ngatitoa are marching to Omata, whence they will -capture Taranaki with all the pakeha's treasure. It has been foretold -that the Pai Marire shall increase as the sands of the sea, that all -the tribes shall join from the Hokianga to Korararika. I have left the -Ngapuhi to follow the Pai Marire, and I know that the tribe, except a -few old men, have resolved to abandon Waka Nene and his pakeha friends, -and to give the young chiefs authority to lead. You have but to join -the march to Waikato, and the land of Maui is yours again." - -"You have well spoken," shouted Kereopa, whose fierce visage was now -aflame with wrath, and the half-insane gleam of whose eyes told of -that fanatical ecstasy which is akin to demoniacal possession. "The -land will be ours, the pakeha's treasures shall be ours; his women -shall work in our fields and carry burdens, even as the women of the -South were wont to do after our raids. Place the head on the _niu_, and -let the war-dance begin. The angel has again spoken to me, and I am -commanded to cause the sword of the Lord and Gideon to be reddened with -the blood of the Amorites." - -Then commenced a scene of savage triumph, appalling, revolting, almost -beyond the power of words to describe. The fury of the excited natives -appeared to have transformed them into the brutish presentments of -the herd of animals which surrounded the fabled enchantress. The head -of the unfortunate Captain Boyd, raised on a pole planted in the -ground, was surrounded by a yelling mass dancing around it, with -fiendish gestures of rage and derision. All likeness of manhood seemed -obliterated, and the ancient world would seem to have been reproduced, -with a company of anthropoids devoid of human speech, and capable only -of the purely animal expression of the baser passions. - -What the feelings of the forlorn captives were, thus delivered into -the hands of the most remorseless foes of their race, can scarcely -be imagined or described. They deemed themselves at that moment to -be abandoned by man, forgotten of God. A dreadful death, horrors -unspeakable, degradation irrevocable, awaited them. Like a fated crew -awaiting their doom upon a sinking ship, all sensation was perhaps -deadened, absorbed in despairing expectation of the last agony -immediately preceding death. - -The Christians summoned from their cells to the arena in the reign of -Nero must have had like experiences. Alike the agony of despair, the -doubt of Eternal Justice, the shrinking of the frail flesh about to -be delivered to the hungry beasts of prey, the torturing flame, the -gloating regard of the pitiless populace. All these were apparently to -be their portion in this so-called civilized century, this boasted age -of light, of freedom, of art, and intellectual environment. - -Similar thoughts may have passed through the mind of Hypatia -Tollemache, as she recalled her classical studies, and saw the -blood-soaked arena of the Roman amphitheatre before her, of which the -essential features were now in rude and grotesque presentment. - -And had it all come to this? Was all the labour, the self-denial, the -toilsome day, the weary night, the exile, the home-sickness, but to -end thus? Not for herself did she mourn, perhaps, so much; not for -the warrior maid, whose high courage and inherited traditions enabled -her to defy insult and brave death. They had courted the danger and -must now pay the price. With Massinger, too, his chief regret would -be that he could not stand in the ranks as at Rangariri and Orakau, -dealing death around, and fighting breast to breast with the ruthless -foe. And though death by tortures, dreadful and protracted, such as all -had heard of in old Maori wars (and it was whispered around camp-fires -was not wholly obsolete), was gruesome and unnatural, still it was, -in a rude sense, the payment lawfully exacted by the victors. But -for these mild and gentle teachers of the Word, who had, for nearly -a decade, wearied every faculty of mind and body in the service of -their heathen destroyers, it was indeed a hard and cruel fate. She -saw, in imagination, Cyril Summers dragged to the fatal tree, with the -rope around his neck, as was that steadfast servant of the Lord, Carl -Volkner. She saw the ashen face and stricken limbs of Mary Summers, as, -all-expectant of her own and her children's fate, she would witness -the death and mutilation of her beloved partner. What was the mercy, -the justice, of that Supreme Being to whom they had bowed the knee -in prayer since infancy, where was an overruling Providence, if this -tragedy was permitted to be played out to the last dreadful scene? -Where, alas! could one turn for aid or consolation? - -Such thoughts went coursing through her brain, mingled with such -curious and even trifling observation, unconsciously made, as during -the fast-fleeting moments of life have often been noted to occupy the -mind. She looked mechanically at the war-dance still being performed -by the exulting savages, varied by the devilish rites, if such they -could be called, performed around the dead officer's head, which with -awful eyes appeared to stare down upon the unholy crew. Cyril Summers -and his wife were kneeling in prayer; the children, having exhausted -themselves in weeping, were examining the _débris_ of their household -gods. Hypatia herself, with her masses of bright hair thrown back from -her face, and carelessly tied in a knot behind her head, was leaning -against the doorsill, in position not unlike the Christian maiden -in a great picture, where each martyr is bound to a pillar in the -amphitheatre, when she saw Erena move more closely to Massinger's couch -and whisper in his ear. The Maori guard was temporarily occupied, as -an expert, in noting the evolutions of the war-dance, and had relaxed -his watch. The sick man lay motionless, but the languid eyes opened; -a gleam of hope--or was it the fire of despair?--was visible, with a -slight change of expression. - -"She knows something; she has told him," thought Hypatia, as she moved -cautiously but slowly, and very warily, within hearing. - -At this time the supreme saltatory expression of triumph was being -enacted. The noise was deafening, so that the clear tones of Erena's -rich voice were audible. - -"This is nearly the end of the war-dance; then the murders and the -torture will commence. The torture will last all night; they will take -out Roland and tie him to a stake, cutting pieces of flesh from his -body. Poor fellow! there is not much on his bones. As for us, we shall -be carried away to the Uriwera country." - -"You want to frighten me to death," said Hypatia. "What dreadful -things even to speak of! Can we not kill ourselves? I never thought I -should wish to do that. I can now feel for others who have done so." - -"They have prevented it. Our hands are tied. There is no river here; no -precipice, or we could throw ourselves over, as our women have often -done." - -"You seem strangely indifferent, Erena. I cannot think you heartless; -but on the verge of death, or a captivity infinitely worse, surely you -cannot jest about our position?" - -"Far from it. My whole heart is quivering with excitement and anxiety; -for _his_ life, which I value a thousand times more than my own, is -trembling in the balance. But, after all, I do not really think these -dreadful things will come to pass." - -"Why? What reason have you?" - -"You remember that I came in late, the day after our arrival--on the -day when I wished to go on with our journey?" - -"Now I do remember. You looked as though you had been a long way." - -"I had indeed. I went back on our tracks very nearly as far as the cave -where Roland lay concealed, when we brought him away from the Gate Pah. -I thought I might meet some of my father's people, who would have made -short work of these bloodthirsty Hau-Haus. But he had gone off towards -Opotiki, as a report had come of another rising. But luckily I met some -one, and it will go far to save our lives." - -"Who was it?" asked Hypatia, breathlessly. - -"It was Winiata. He had heard of these Hau-Haus being on the march, and -that Ngarara had persuaded Kereopa to follow us up." - -"And what aid did he give you?" - -"Merely this--that a body of Ngatiporu were following up this _taua_, -led by the most dreaded warrior in all New Zealand, Ropata Waha Waha." - -At the mention of this name, so well known throughout the length and -breadth of New Zealand-- - - "In close fight a champion grim, - In camps a leader sage"-- - -Hypatia could hardly repress a cry of joy. - -"Then perhaps we may be saved, after all." - -"If he comes in time; and God grant he may. He should be very close -now. And I know Winiata will travel without rest or food till he -strikes his trail. And yet I have a foreboding that one of us will die. -So said the tohunga, whose words never failed yet. I cannot shake off -the feeling." - -"You have overworked yourself," said Hypatia. "You can have had little -rest, food, or sleep since you left yesterday. It is the result of -fatigue and anxiety." - -"Anxiety has too often been my lot," said the girl, with a deep accent -of sadness. "But fatigue I never felt yet. These wretches are spinning -out their dance. They had better make the most of it. If all goes well, -it is the last some of them will ever join in. Now, listen! Do you hear -nothing?" - -Hypatia bent her ear towards the forest, and listened with all the -eagerness which the situation demanded. A faint murmur once, and once -only, made itself audible. - -"It is the sound of the breeze among the pines," said she at length. - -"Listen again! Do you hear nothing?" - -"Only a far-off sound like the rippling of the river. Once I thought I -heard the trampling of feet; but it must be a mistake." - -"It is no mistake," said Erena. "I hear the steady tramp of a large -body of men; and so would these fools, if they were not too much -occupied with their absurd dance, which they intend to finish up with -blood. And so it will; but not as they think." - -The war-dance, with its stamps and roars, its shuddering hisses and -accurate evolutions as if of one man, was drawing to a close. Already -one of the foremost warriors, at a sign from Kereopa, had placed a rope -round the neck of Cyril Summers, who had commenced in a final prayer to -commend his soul and his loved ones to the protection of their Maker, -when a shout from a number of unknown voices made the forest ring, and -caused the crowd of Hau-Haus to turn their faces in that direction. At -the same moment a close and well-directed volley was poured in, which -laid fully one-half of them low, and wounded a much larger number. Then -a man stalked calmly forward, sword in hand, whose sudden apparition -created as much consternation among the Hau-Haus as if he had been a -Destroying Angel specially commissioned for their extirpation. One -look at the stern features and martial form of him who stood calm and -unmoved amid the pattering hail of bullets, with which the Hau-Haus -strove to return the fire, was sufficient for most of the Pai Marire. -With a wild cry of "Ropata Waha Waha!" which came tremulously from -their lips, they fled in all directions in a state of the most abject -terror. And well might they or other rebels take panic at the sight of -him who stood exposed to danger, both from friends and foes, as though -the thick-flying bullets were thistledown. - -The hostile tribes were fully of opinion that he bore a charmed life, -that no shot had power to harm him, probably in consequence of Satanic -influence. Hence his _sobriquet_ of Waha Waha was strangely suggestive -of an unholy alliance between the Prince of Darkness and the cool -strategist and remorseless warrior, to whom fear and mercy were alike -unknown. A target for the best marksmen in a hundred fights, himself -chiefly unarmed, he had never received a wound or spared an enemy. As -he stood there, with an expression of scorn and concentrated rage upon -his expressive features, with dripping sword and blazing eyes, he might -well have stood for a portrait of an avenging angel, or indeed Azrael, -the minister of Death, in all his lurid majesty. - -Kereopa and his principal followers, who had fled at the first onset, -probably thought that they had a fair chance of escape. But Ropata, -with his usual astuteness, had formed a cordon around the Hau-Hau band, -into which the surprised natives ran, only to find themselves shot down -or captured. Among the latter were eleven members of his own tribe, the -Aowera. Of these he proceeded to make an example upon the spot. Calling -them out of the group of captives by name, he thus addressed them-- - -"You are about to die. I do not kill you because you are found in arms -against the pakehas. But I forbade you to join the Hau-Haus. You have -disobeyed me; you must now pay the penalty." - -Having revolvers handed to him, he then shot every man with his own -hand. - -"Bring forward the deserter." - -The soldier, a man of the 57th, bound and helpless, was then led up. - -"You," he said, addressing the renegade, "are a disgrace to your -regiment and to your country. You are said to have shot two of your -own officers in battle. You have helped these natives to commit crimes -which are a thousand times worse than open war. You will kill no -pakehas or natives after today." - -With the instinct of a born leader, Ropata had taken in the various -points of the situation at a glance, and issued his orders with the -promptitude which the crucial moment demanded. - -"Release the pakehas. Kill that Hau-Hau dog holding the rope, and hang -up the deserter with it; he is not worthy of a soldier's death. Bind -that Ngapuhi; he shall answer to his own chief." - -These orders, coming from a man who rarely had occasion to speak twice, -were obeyed on the instant. The amateur executioner was tomahawked -before his surprise permitted him to drop the rope. Cyril Summers -was freed, and the deserter was run up to the branch of the willow -tree destined for his martyrdom. The cords which bound Erena and her -attendants were loosed by willing hands, the men and even the women -promptly possessing themselves of weapons from their dead captors. - -Ngarara's countenance, when he saw himself at once baulked of his -revenge and cheated of his prey, was a study of all the evil passions -which degrade the human race to the level of the brute. Such is the -phrase, unfair indeed to the animal creation, which, however unsparing -in its allotted course of action, is never guilty of the calculated -cruelty of _la bête humaine_. For one moment he stood indifferent -to his coming fate as Ropata himself; then, drawing his revolver, -fired point-blank at Massinger, who had raised himself to a sitting -posture with Erena's assistance, and was watching the conflict with an -eagerness which betokened a partial renewal of strength. As he raised -the weapon Erena flung herself before her lover, with an instinctive -movement of protection. Passing her right arm around his neck, she -lowered him to his pillow, with all the heroic tenderness which from -time immemorial has characterized the woman as nurse and ministering -angel. With a grin of fiendish malice Ngarara parried the tomahawk blow -aimed at him by a blood-bespattered Aowera, and, eluding his clutch, -dashed into the forest and disappeared. - - * * * * * - -The fray was over. The Hau-Hau prisoners were securely bound. Sullen -and despairing, they stood in a circle on the spot where their -war-dance and the Pai Marire rites had been performed. The derision of -their captors was openly expressed. The bodies of their comrades and -relations lay around in all the hideous abandon of the death-agony. -From the tall pole the head of the ill-fated soldier still stared with -eyeless sockets and bared teeth on the ghastly scene--it might have -been fancied with grim triumph and exultation; while from the willow -tree dangled the corpse of the deserter, an unconscious witness, where -he had so lately posed as an actor. - -As if the dreadful spectacle had a fascination which they could -not resist, or that their miraculous deliverance had rendered them -incapable of connected thought, the destined victims had remained -almost in their positions taken up previous to the arrival of Ropata -and his contingent. - -Mrs. Summers had sunk down on a sofa which had been dislodged from its -position, with her children, wondering and tearful, beside her. The -female attendants of Erena were clustered around their mistress. Cyril -Summers, over whom the bitterness of death had passed, stood by his -wife, gazing with awe-struck eyes into the distance, while his moving -lips from time to time gave token that he was returning thanks to that -Almighty Being to whom he had appealed in his darkest hour. While -Hypatia, wrapped in a world of strange and awful phantasy, still stood -by the outer entrance of the porch, looking straight in front of her, -at this weird melodrama of human life, in which the reality so often -transcends the unrealities of the "fantastic realm." - -Erena and Roland Massinger had preserved their position unaltered, -except that, from one of support, the girl gradually sank forward, -until her head rested on her lover's breast. A cry from one of the -Maori girls arrested the attention of all. Hypatia, roused from -her trance, rushed over to find two of them raising Erena from her -reclining position, with looks of alarm, while the arterial blood which -welled up from her bosom told of a mortal wound. Massinger's death-pale -countenance, stained with blood, as were the coverings of his couch, -seemed to denote that these lovers, thrown together by such fortuitous -circumstances in life, were fated to be undivided in death. - -Though Massinger was unwounded by the bullet which, aimed with fatal -accuracy, had pierced the bosom of Erena, his situation was most -critical. For her there was no hope. The lung had been perforated; the -laboured breathing showed but too truly that death was imminent. In -Massinger's case the appearances were hardly more promising. The rude -treatment to which he had been subjected after his capture had caused -the partly healed wound to break out afresh. He was rapidly approaching -the state of mortal weakness to which Erena was succumbing. Such was -only too probable; but Cyril Summers, who had gone through a course of -instruction in surgery, was enabled to stop his bleeding, and to afford -temporary relief to Erena. - -Massinger at first resented the proffered aid. "Why trouble me?" he -said resentfully. "She has given her life to save mine; it were base of -me to survive her at such a cost. Let us die together. My life belongs -to her, who has now saved it for the third time." - -"Then it is mine to dispose of," came the answer, in her low rich -tones. "I die happy, since you are saved. If the bullet of Ngarara had -found your breast instead of mine, I would have followed you to the -spirit-land. You do not doubt that--oh, my darling--my own beloved! The -sun would not have gone down before I should have commenced my journey -to the reinga." - -"Erena," said Massinger, "have I ever doubted your love, true alike in -life and the dark realm, to which we are hastening?" - -"Raise me," she said, "that I may see his face once more. My eyes are -darkening. Oh, my beloved!"--and her soft voice faltered, and became -hollow and inexpressibly mournful--"I have loved you with every fibre -of my being, with every motion of my heart! The pakeha girl loves you -also, though she cared not to own it, in her own land. She will live -for you in the days that are to come--days of peace and happiness, -now that the war is over. Would she die for you as I have done? Yes; -for she is noble, she is true. She would have scorned to take your -love from poor Erena, even had you offered it. Her soul lay open to -me--and yours. You were true to your word. She was too proud to steal -your heart from the poor Maori girl. And now, farewell--farewell -for ever--oh, my loved one! I die happy. I have given my life for -yours--what does a daughter of the Ngapuhi wish more?" - -She leaned forward and hid her head on the breast of her lover, while -her long black tresses flowed over his pillow, as her arms strained him -to that faithful bosom, still warm with the heart's purest feelings. -Reverently the little group of spectators gazed on the dying girl. -Sobs and lamentations came from the women of her own race, while tears -flowed fast from the eyes of Mary Summers and Hypatia. - -Raising herself for a moment, she motioned to Hypatia to come nearer. -Her dark eyes glowed with transient light as she kissed her hand; then -laying it in that of Massinger, she whispered-- - -"He is yours now. May all happiness befall you! Yet forget not--oh! -forget not--poor Erena." - -A deep sigh followed the last words. Her head fell back; the hand which -Massinger and Hypatia held was pulseless. The faithful spirit of the -nymph of the wood and stream, the fabled Oread of the old-world poets, -had passed away. - - * * * * * - -The tragedy at Oropi, so nearly completed, might have been averted, -but for an unlucky accidental circumstance, the occurrence of which -embittered the remainder of Allister Mannering's life. And yet he could -not wholly abandon himself to self-accusation and ceaseless regrets, -inasmuch as he had quitted the trail on which, as the avenger of -blood, he was pursuing the Hau-Hau band, in order to save the lives of -innocent and helpless people. - -He, indeed, with his contingent, would have arrived at Oropi on the -same day as Ropata, or, perhaps, earlier. He would then have been able -to prevent the preliminary sufferings of the missionary household, and -could have ensured the safety of his beloved daughter and only child. -The cause of his leaving the direct track to the mission station of -Cyril Summers was sufficiently imperative--such as, indeed, no man of -ordinary humanity could disregard. - -A panting messenger, speeding along the track from Whakatane, arrived -with the news that another band of Hau-Haus had killed the crew of the -_Jane_ schooner at Opotiki, had murdered Mr. Fulloon, and captured -the Reverend Mr. Grace, whom there was every reason to believe they -intended to murder. - -It was not known to Mannering at this time that there was any -likelihood of Kereopa's band being in near proximity to Erena and -her wounded charge. By ordinary computation she should have reached -Tauranga several days before that bloodthirsty fanatic could have -overtaken her party. Cyril Summers and his household, having been -warned by the bishop, would probably have moved into one of the coast -settlements. - -Thus one danger was contingent, the other was a pressing and instant -summons. Life and death were in the decision. Murder and outrage, -perhaps, even now, had taken place. The full complement of horrors -could only be averted by a forced march and the sudden appearance of -his _hapu_ upon the scene. "Angel of God was there none" to whisper -that loved daughter's name, darling of his heart, apple of his eye, -that she was? Was there no mysterious spirit-warning such as, if tales -be true, has often, through invisible sympathetic chords, eliminated -time and space? Did not the traditional second sight, inherited from -Highland ancestors, and of which he and Erena claimed their portion, -prove faithful in that dread hour? Long afterwards--in years when he -could talk calmly of his loss, dwell upon her courage, her beauty, and -extol her intellectual range--he confessed to his closest friend and -comrade that he had felt, from the time he turned aside to Opotiki, an -overshadowing, inexplicable gloom and despondency. He was convinced in -his own mind that (as he said) some dreadful deed had taken place, or -was even then about to happen. Therefore he was hardly surprised, after -hours of feverishly fast travelling, to find Mr. Volkner's mutilated -corse beneath the willow tree which he had himself planted. Mr. Grace, -after being in hourly expectation of a violent death, had been rescued -by Captain Levy, one of the survivors of the crew of the _Jane_, and -put on board H.M.S. _Eclipse_, Captain Fremantle. - -Burning with wrath, and maddened with the doubt as to whether Erena -and Massinger might not even yet be within the region traversed by the -Hau-Hau scouts, Mannering made a forced march, halting neither by day -nor night, rendered still more furious and despairing by the freshness -of the trail, leading straight for the Oropi mission station. Kereopa -had sworn, as rumour had it, that he would kill the third Mikonaree -pakeha and carry off his wife and children as a prey, before proceeding -to join the Kingites in the sack and plunder of Auckland. - -It was midnight when the mission was reached. An unwonted stillness -reigned; no dog barked, no voice was heard from the native camp--an -unusual state of things within his experience, the wakeful Maori being -always ready for converse at any hour of the night. The mission house -itself was partially closed only, but silent and deserted. The trim -garden was trampled over. The shrubs and fruit trees had been broken -down. The keen eyes of the Maoris discerned a spot where the ground had -been disturbed. A short search exhumed more than one body, on which -bullet and tomahawk had written the history of the engagement. The -furniture in some rooms was intact, in others recklessly broken up. A -handkerchief, a shoe, a neck-ribbon, told of recent occupation. One -article of female Maori headgear, a plume of the beautiful _huia_, the -distracted parent recognized as an ornament of Erena's. - -Meanwhile, like questing hounds, the Ngapuhi warriors traversed the -surrounding thickets with all the keenness of a savage race. Imprints -and signs, so faint as to be almost invisible to the white man, told -all too plainly to them the history of the occupation of the Hau-Haus, -the arrival of Ropata and his men, the fight (if such it could be -called) and finally the departure of the whole party, including the -family, the victorious contingent, and the prisoners, in full march for -Tauranga. - -Hoping against hope, yet with a cruel doubt eating at his heart, -Mannering sat with his head between his hands for a stricken hour, -before he gave orders for his troop to be in readiness to march, when -the Southern Cross pointed towards dawn. Long before the stars had -paled, he strode fast and eagerly at the head of his faithful band, on -the well-marked Tauranga track. - -It was past midday when they arrived. The place was astir, the streets -were filled. There was murmur of voices, and that indescribable feeling -in the air as of woe, or death imminent. Such was the conviction which -smote the strong soul of Allister Mannering as, with his warriors -ranked in battle line, he joined the throng, evidently converging -towards a lofty cliff, which reared itself above the harbour. - -An enclosure in which shrubs were in luxuriant growth now came into -view, and marble columns showed themselves amid the dark green foliage. -It was the cemetery. - -The truth flashed across him. He had been afraid to ask. Was it, could -it be, the funeral procession of his darling daughter--of Erena, the -bright, beautiful, fearless maiden, whom he had so lately seen in the -pride of her stately maidenhood and joyous youth? Lovely and beloved, -was it possible that she could be now, even now, before his haggard -eyes, borne to her tomb? He gazed on the little band of mourning girls -who carried the flower-decked coffin. The native attendants of the -missionary family walked behind with Mrs. Summers and Hypatia, while -Cyril Summers, in full canonicals, with another clergyman, the army -chaplain, preceded the _cortége_. - -Behind them, again, came a company of the 43rd with their officers, -another of the 68th, and the Forest Rangers, with Von Tempsky at their -head. Also Messrs. Slyde and Warwick, who had been granted special -leave for that day only by the army surgeon, looking weak and pale -after their enforced seclusion. - -Then came the native allies, the Arawa, the Ngapuhi, the Ngatiporu, all -stern and warlike of appearance, proud to do honour to the maiden whose -mother was of their race, with the blood of chiefs in her veins, whose -descent could be traced back to the migration from Hawaiki. - -Those who knew of the love, so deep, so passionate, which subsisted -between the daughter and the sire, could partly realize the dull -despair, the agonizing grief, which filled his heart at the moment. But -none of the ordinary signs of sorrow betrayed the storm of anguish, -the volcanic wrath and stifled fury, which raged within. His stern -countenance preserved a rigid and awful calm. His voice faltered not -as, walking forward when the _cortége_ halted, he respectfully made -request that the coffin-lid should be raised. - -"Let me look upon the face once more," he said, "even in death, that I -shall never see again on earth." - -His request was granted. He stooped, and raising the cerecloth, gazed -long and fixedly on the face of the dead girl. Then moving forward, -he signed to the clergyman to proceed with the service, remaining -uncovered until the last sad words were, with deepest feeling, solemnly -pronounced. - -As the irrevocable words were spoken, and the clay-cold form, which had -held the fiery yet tender soul of Erena Mannering, was lowered into -the grave, a tempest of sobs, cries, and wailing lamentation, until -then repressed, burst forth from the Maoris in the great gathering. -Then Mannering slowly turned away, and after dismissing his following, -accompanied Mr. Summers. From him he learned the full particulars of -the Hau-Hau invasion--of their captivity, their fearful anticipation -of death by torture, the sudden appearance of Ropata and his warriors, -their miraculous escape, and the death of Erena in the very moment of -deliverance. - -"She gave her life to save that of the man she loved," said Mannering. -"Her mother, long years since, did the same in my case. She is her -true daughter. It was her fate, and could not be evaded. She had the -foreknowledge, of which she spoke to me more than once." - -Roland Massinger, on the way to recovery, but too weak for independent -action, still lay in the military hospital. - -Mannering, as he stood beside his couch, and gazed on his wasted -features, looked, with his vast form and foreign air, like some fabled -genie of the Arabian tale. - -"She is gone," said the sick man, as he raised himself and held out -the trembling fingers, which feebly grasped the iron hand of his -visitor--"she is gone; she died in shielding me. I feel ashamed to be -alive. I cannot ask your pardon. I was the cause of her death." - -The rigid features of the father relaxed, as he watched the grief-worn -countenance of the younger man, and noted the sincerity and depth of -his despairing words. - -"My boy," he said, "you have played your part nobly, as did she; and -you have, by a hair's breadth, escaped being buried beside her this -day. She died for the man she loved, as only a daughter of her race can -love. There must be no feeling but affection and respect between us. I -mourned her mother as do you her daughter. Poor darling Erena! Oh, my -child--my child!" - -Mannering's freedom from ordinary human weakness deserted him here. He -threw himself on his knees by the side of Massinger's bed, who then -witnessed a sight unseen before by living eyes--the strong man's tears -as he abandoned himself to unrestrained grief. Sobs and muffled cries, -groans and lamentations of terrible intensity, shook his powerful -frame. Weakened by his wound, and compelled to thus relieve his -intolerable anguish, Roland Massinger's tears flowed fast in unison, as -for a brief interval they mingled their sorrow. Then raising himself, -and regaining the impassive expression which his features, save in -familiar converse, ordinarily wore, the war-chief of the Ngapuhi bade -adieu to the man whom he had looked forward to acknowledging with pride -as the husband of the darling of his heart, the idol of his latter -years. - -"Fate has willed it otherwise," he said. "You may have happy years -before you in your own land, with perhaps a wife and children to -perpetuate your name and inherit your lands. I wish you such happiness -as I know _she_ would have done. Her generous heart would so will it, -if she could speak its promptings from 'the undiscovered country.' -In her name, and with her authority, knowing her inmost thoughts, I -say--May God bless you and prosper you in the future path! In this life -we shall meet no more." - - * * * * * - -Kereopa and Ngarara had escaped; but Ropata, who had started as soon -as he delivered up his Hau-Hau prisoners, was hot on their trail. -Kereopa, in spite of his keen and eager pursuit, fled to the Uriwera -country, where he found shelter for a time, but led the hunted life of -the outcast until it suited his protectors to betray him. Forwarded to -Auckland, he was duly tried, convicted, and hanged. - -Ngarara had a shorter term of comparative freedom. One morning, shortly -after the attack on the mission, a small party of the Aowera appeared -at Whakarewarewa, the main body of the tribe being encamped on Lake -Rotorua. A bound prisoner was in their midst, on whose movements they -kept watchful guard. It was Ngarara! A sub-chief, having been apprised -of the capture, arrived with leading warriors. One glance at his stern -features assured the captive that he had no mercy to expect. Contrary -to Maori usage, he did not disdain to beg for it. - -"I tried to kill the pakeha," he said. "What harm was there in that? He -stole the heart of the girl I loved; who, but for him and his cunning -ways, might have loved me. I would have given my life for her. Other -men have killed pakehas--Rewi, Rawiri, even Te Oriori; why should I be -the sacrifice?" - -The chief listened with an air of disgust, but did not deign to reply. -Meanwhile an order had been given, and the party marched on, taking -the prisoner with them, preserving a strict silence, which evidently -impressed him more deeply than any other treatment. In about three -hours they arrived at the mission station of Ngae. Here a feeling of -misgiving appeared to arise in the captive's mind, and he muttered the -word "Tikitere" with an accent of inquiry. But no man answered or took -notice of his speech. - -But when they reached that desolate and awful valley, and saw the mud -volcanoes and steaming springs in furious motion, his courage failed -him. He saw the hissing, bubbling lakes separated by a narrow ridge, -aptly named the Gate of Hell, standing on which the traveller shudders, -while breathing sulphuretted hydrogen and beholding the turbid waves on -either side--the while the tremulous soil suggests the enormous power -of the central fires, which at any time might rend and ruin all around -with earthquake shock and suddenness. - -He knew also, none better, of the dread blackness of the inferno, in -which the sombre billows of a tormented sea of boiling mud are heaving -and seething continually. - -As with careful steps his guards half dragged, half carried him across -the treacherous flat, seamed with fissures, where death lay in wait for -the heedless stranger, he appeared to comprehend fully the fate that -awaited him. He yelled aloud and struggled so wildly, even despite his -bonds, that, at a motion of Ropata's arm, two stalwart natives stepped -forward to the aid of their comrades as he neared the fatal abyss. - -"Dog of a murderer, coward and slave besides," said the chief, as, -halting on the brink, the guards awaited his signal--"a disgrace to -the tribe which never was known to flee! Did Erena show fear when the -bullet pierced her breast? Did the pakeha soldier shriek like the night -owl when thy traitor's bullet struck his back--his back, I say, and he -with thee in the same battle against the Ngaiterangi at Peke-hina? Did -the pakeha girl, the white Rangatira, or the Mikonaree cry for mercy -when Kereopa was ready to commence the torture? It is not fitting for -thee to die the death of a warrior or a soldier. A coward's death, a -slave's, a cur's, is thy only fitting end. Such, and no other, shalt -thou have." He motioned with his hand. - -A yell which made the deeps and hollows resound came from the unhappy -wretch, as his captors lifted him on high and raised him for a moment -above the Dantean abyss. As the miserable traitor fell from their -grasp, he seized in his teeth the mat (_purere_) of the nearest man, -who, but for the prompt action of his comrade, might have been dragged -with him into the inferno. But that wary warrior, with lightning -quickness, struck such a blow on the nape of his neck with the back of -the tomahawk hanging to his wrist with a leather thong, that he fell -forward, nerveless and quivering, into the hell cauldron beneath. For -one moment he emerged, with a face expressive of unutterable anguish, -madness, and despair, then raising his fettered arms to the level of -his head, fell backward into the depths of the raging and impure weaves. - - * * * * * - -"_Tutua-kuri-mokai!_" said the chief, as he gave the signal for return, -and sauntered carelessly homeward. "He will cost nothing for burial. -There are others that are fitting themselves for the same place." - - * * * * * - -Cyril Summers with his family returned to England, rightly judging -that, in the present state of Maori feeling, it was unfair to expose -his wife to the risk of a repetition of the horrors from which they had -escaped. Hypatia accompanied them, unwilling to forsake her friend, -whose state of health, weakened by their terrible experiences, rendered -her companionship indispensable. On reaching England the Reverend Cyril -was offered an incumbency in the diocese of his beloved bishop, now of -Lichfield, in the peaceful performance of the duties of which he has -found rest for his troubled spirit. His wife's health was completely -re-established. Without in any way derogating from the importance of -his work among the heathen, which, after having reached so encouraging -a stage, had been ruthlessly arrested, he arrived at the conclusion -that he had a worthy and hardly less difficult task to perform in the -conversion of the heathen in the Black Country. His bishop acknowledged -privately with regret that their savages, though not less truculent, -were devoid of many of the redeeming qualities of the Maori heathen. - -Roland Massinger remained in New Zealand until his health was -thoroughly re-established, when, having received the welcome -intelligence that Mr. Hamon de Massinger, an old bachelor and a distant -relation, had left him a very large fortune, he so far modified his -thirst for adventure and heroic colonization as to take his passage to -England, where his lawyers advised that his presence was absolutely -necessary. - -Upon his arrival, he lost no time in visiting his county and looking -up his friends, who made a tremendous hero of him, and would by no -means allow him to deny astonishing feats of valour performed during -the Maori war. He also discovered that his Australian successor, though -most popular in the county, had become tired of the unrelieved comfort -and too pronounced absence of adventure in English country life. The -sport, the society, the farming even, so restricted as to be minute -in his eyes, all had become uninteresting to the ex-pioneer, not -yet old enough to fall out of the ranks of England's empire-makers. -These considerations, coupled with a fall in wool, and the rumour -of a drought, widespread and unprecedented in severity, decided Mr. -Lexington to return to the land of his birth. - -His elder daughter had married satisfactorily, and settled in the -county. "She had," she averred, "no ultra-patriotic longings. England, -with an annual trip to the Continent, was good enough for her. She -doubted whether George would care for Australia. Then there was the -dear baby, who was too young to travel. She was truly sorry to part -from her family, but as the voyage was now only a matter of five weeks -by the P. and O. or the Messageries boats, she could come out and see -them every other year, at any rate." - -As for the younger girl, she began to pine for the plains and forests -amid which her childhood had been passed. England was a sort of -fairyland, no doubt. Climate lovely and cool, and the people kind and -charming; but somehow the old country--that is, the new country--where -they had been born and bred, seemed to have prior claims. She would not -be sorry to see the South Head Lighthouse again and Sydney Harbour. - -The eldest son had gone more than a year ago. He was very glad, he -wrote, that he had done so. One manager had become extravagant; another -had taken to drinking. Everybody seemed to think that they (the family) -had left Australia for good. There was such a thing as the master's -eye, without doubt. Such had been his experience. He would tell them -more when he saw them. - -One of the reasons which actuated Mr. Lexington, a shrewd though -liberal man in business matters, was a dislike to paying the income-tax -in two countries at the same time. He could afford it, certainly, -but it struck him as wasteful, and in a measure unfair, to make an -Australian pay extravagantly for desiring to live in the mother-land. -Then, after assisting to enlarge the empire abroad, the price of -landed estates in England had gone down seriously--was, indeed, going -down still. With a probability of a serious fall in values in both -hemispheres, it was better to part with his English investment while he -could get a purchaser for it, who, like himself, was not disposed to -stand upon trifles. - -So it came to pass that, after a conference between his own and the -Massinger solicitors, Mr. Lexington accepted the proposal to sell -Massinger Court, with the Hereford herd of high-bred cattle, hacks, -hunters, carriage-horses, vehicles, saddlery--indeed, everything just -as it stood. All these adjuncts to be taken at a valuation, and added -to the price of the estate, the re-purchase of which by a member of the -family was what most probably, though his solicitor declined to say, -old Mr. Hamon de Massinger, the testator, had in view all along. - -The county was ridiculously overjoyed, as some acidulated person -said, that the rightful heir, so to speak, was come to his own again. -Independently of such feeling, nowhere stronger than in English county -society, few localities but would feel a certain satisfaction at the -return of a county magnate--rich, unmarried, and distinguished, as a -man must always be who has fought England's battles abroad, and shed -his blood in upholding her honour. Thus, although the free-handed and -unaffected Australian family was heartily regretted, and "farewelled" -with suitable honours, the sentimental corner in all hearts responded -fervently to the news that the young squire had returned to the home -of his ancestors, and would henceforth, as he declared at the tenants' -enthusiastically joyous reception, live among his own people. - -Of course, all sorts of exaggerated versions of his life in the -far South prevailed. These comprised prowess in war, hairbreadth -escapes, wounds, and captivity, the whole rounded off with a legend -of a beautiful native princess, who had brought him as her dower a -principality beneath the Southern Cross. To these romantic rumours he -paid no attention whatever, refusing to be drawn, and giving the most -cursory answers to direct questions. But when, after spending a quiet -year on his estate, in the management of which he took great interest, -it was announced that he was about to be married to the beautiful, -distinguished, fascinating, eccentric Hypatia Tollemache, all the -county was wildly excited. When the event took place, the particulars -of the quiet wedding were read and re-read by every one in his own and -the adjacent counties. - -Fresh tales and legends, however, continued to be circulated. His first -wife--for he had married a beautiful Maori princess; at any rate, a -chief's daughter--was killed fighting by his side in a tribal war. She -was jealous of Miss Tollemache, and had committed suicide. Not at all. -Her father, a great war-chief, disapproved of the union, and, carrying -her off, had immured her in his stronghold, surrounded by a lake, which -her despairing husband could not cross. So she pined away and died. -_That_ was the reason for his occasional fits of depression, and his -insensibility to the charms of the local belles. - -He was obdurate with respect to giving information as to the truth -or otherwise of these interesting narratives; indeed, so obviously -unwilling to gratify even the most natural curiosity, that at length -even the most hardened inquisitor gave up the task in despair. - -The county had more reason for complaint when it was further announced -that Sir Roland and his bride had left for the Continent immediately -after the wedding, whence they did not propose returning until the near -approach of Christmas-tide. Then such old-world festivities as were -still remembered by the villagers in connection with former lords of -the manor would be conscientiously kept up, while the largesse to the -poor, which under the new _régime_ had not by any means fallen into -disuse, would be disbursed with exceptional profusion. - -After the sale Mr. Lexington had been besought to consult his own -convenience, absolutely and unreservedly, as to the time and manner -of his departure. The purchase-money having been received, and all -legal forms completed, he was to consider the house and all things -appertaining thereto at his service. Messrs. Nourse and Lympett had -instructions to take delivery of the estate whenever it suited him to -vacate it. The Australian gentleman, having had much experience in the -sale and taking over of "stations" in Australia--always regarded as a -crucial test of liberality--was heard to declare that never in his life -had he purchased and resold so extensive a property with so little -trouble, or concluded so considerable a transaction with less friction -or misunderstanding on either side. - -And so, when the leaves in the woods around the Chase had fallen, and -the ancient oaks and elms were arrayed in all their frost and snow -jewellery, word came that the squire with his bride were returning from -their extended tour. They would arrive on a certain day, prepared to -inhabit the old hall which had sheltered in pride and power so many -generations of the race. Then the whole county went off its head, and -prepared for his home-coming. Such a demonstration had not been heard -of since Sir Hugo de Massinger, constable of Chester, came home from -the wars in Wales after the death of Gwenwyn. - -When the train drew up to the platform, such a crowd was there that -Hypatia looked forth with amazement, wondering whether there was a -contested election, with the chairing of the successful candidate -imminent. Every man of note in the county was there, from the Duke -of Dunstanburgh to the last created knight. Every tenant, every -villager, with their wives and daughters, sons and visitors; every -tradesman--in fact, every soul within walking, riding, or driving -distance--had turned up to do honour to Sir Roland of the Court, who, -after adventures by sea and land, through war and bloodshed, had been -suffered, doubtless by the direct interposition of Providence, to come -to his own again. - -As Sir Roland and his fair dame passed through the crowd towards their -chariot, it was quickly understood what was to be the order of the day. -The horses were taken out, and a dozen willing hands grasped the pole, -preparatory to setting forth for the Court, some three miles distant. -Waving his hand to request silence, the bridegroom said-- - -"My lord duke, ladies and gentlemen, and you my good friends, who have -known me from childhood, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for -the welcome which you have given to me and my dear wife on our return -to our native country and the home of my ancestors. My wife would -thank you on her part, if her heart was not too full. We trust that in -the future we may show by our lives, lived among you, how deeply, how -intensely, we appreciate your generous welcome. At present I can say -nothing more, than to invite you, one and all, to accompany us to the -Court, to do us the honour to accept the first hospitality we have been -in a position to offer since I left England." - -Due notice had been given. Preparations had been made on a scale -of unprecedented magnitude. A partial surprise awaited the wedded -pair as the carriage passed through the massive gates, above which -the triumphal arch seemed to have levied contributions on half the -evergreens in the park. The heraldic beasts, each "a demi-Pegasus -quarterly or in gules," on the moss-grown pillars, were garlanded with -hot-house flowers, as also with the holly-bush and berries appropriate -to the season. Marquees had been erected on the lawns, where all manner -of meats, from the lordly baron of beef to the humbler flitch of bacon, -were exhibited in such profusion as might lead to the inference that a -regiment had been billeted on the village. It would not have been for -the first time. Cromwell's Ironsides _had_, indeed, tried demi-saker, -arblast, and culverin on the massive walls of the old hall, without, -however, much decisive effect. Hogsheads of ale were there more than -sufficient to wash down the solid fare, for which the keen bright -atmosphere furnished suitable appetites. - -The nobility and gentry were entertained in the great dining-hall, -where a _déjeuner_ had been prepared, thoroughly up to date, abounding -in all modern requirements. Champagne and claret flowed in perennial -abundance. The plate, both silver and gold, heirlooms of the ancient -house, had been brought back from their resting-places. It was evident -that the whole thing--the cuisinerie, the decorations, the waiters, the -fruit, and flowers--had been sent down from London days before; and -as Sir Roland and Hypatia took their places at the head of the table, -mirth and joyous converse commenced to ripple and flow ceaselessly. -Even the ancestral portraits seemed to have acquired a glow of -gratification as the lovely and the brave, the gallant courtiers or -the grim warriors, looked down upon their descendant and his bride; on -those fortunate ones so lately restored to the pride and power of their -position--so lately in peril of losing these historic possessions, and -their lives at the same time. - -Did Hypatia, as an expression of thoughtful retrospection shaded her -countenance momentarily, recall another scene, scarcely two years -since, when the bridegroom, now rejoicing in the pride of manhood, lay -wounded, and a captive, helplessly awaiting an agonizing death; herself -in the power of maddened savages, as was Cyril Summers with his wife -and children? Then the miraculous interposition--the fierce Ropata -sweeping away the rebel fanatics, with the fire of his wrath! And -she--alas! the faithful, the devoted Erena, but for whose sacrificial -tenderness Sir Roland would not have been by her side today! What was -she, Hypatia, more than others, that such things should have been done -for her? The tears _would_ rise to her eyes, in spite of her efforts to -compose her countenance, as she looked on the joyous faces around. Mary -Summers and her husband sat in calm enjoyment of the scene. Then, with -a heartfelt inward prayer to Him who had so disposed their fortunes to -this happy ending, she strove to mould her feelings to a mood more in -accordance with her present surroundings. - -A change in the proceedings was at hand. The Duke of Dunstanburgh, -rising, besought his good friends and neighbours to charge their -glasses, and to bear with him for a few moments, while he proposed a -toast which doubtless they had all anticipated. - -His young friend, as he was proud to call him, whose father he had -known and loved, had this day been restored to the seat of his -ancestors, to the ancient home of the De Massingers in their county. -He would but touch lightly on his adventures, by flood and field, in -that far land, to which he had elected to find--er--an--outlet for -his energy. Danger had there been, as they all knew. Blood had been -shed. The lives of himself and his lovely bride, who now shed lustre -upon their gathering, had trembled in the balance, when by an almost -miraculous interposition succour arrived. He would not pursue the -subject, with which painful memories were interwoven. Enough to state -that under all circumstances, even the most desperate, Sir Roland -had maintained the honour of England, and had shed his blood freely -in defence of her time-honoured institutions. (Tremendous cheering.) -He had returned, thank God! he would say in all sincerity, and was -now, with his bride, a lady who in all respects would do honour to -the county and the kingdom, placed in possession of the hall of his -ancestors. He was come--they had his assurance--prepared to live -and die among them; among the friends of his youth, and those older -neighbours who, like the speaker, had hunted and fished and shot -with his father before him. He was proud this day to give them the -toast of Sir Roland and Lady de Massinger--to wish them long life and -prosperity--and he was sure he might add, in the name of the whole -county, to welcome them most heartily to their home. - -When the cheering had subsided, taken up again and again, as it -was from the outer hall and even from the lawn, by the tenants and -villagers, who, if they could not see, could at least judge by the -storm of voices as to the nature of the address which had called it -forth, Sir Roland stood up and faced the crowd of guests, who cheered -again and again as though they never intended to stop. He commenced -with studied calmness, thanking them all, his good friends and -neighbours, the old friends of the house, and those among whom he had -lived so long in friendship, he might say affectionate intimacy, until -circumstances, apparently, made it necessary for him to leave the home -of his childhood. They would doubtless appreciate the greatness of the -sacrifice, the bitterness of feeling, with which he quitted the home of -his race. He resolved to go as far as was possible from home and its -memories, and had, in fact, gone so far South that the Pole only would -have been the next abiding-place. It was a British outpost, however, -well deserving the name of the Britain of the South; destined in years -to come to be the home, the prosperous home, of millions of the men -of our race, and one of the brightest jewels in the Imperial crown. -Difficulties had arisen with the Maori nation, a proud, a brave, a -highly intelligent people, who had made the best defence in war against -British regulars by an aboriginal race since the days when the stubborn -valour of the ancient Britons scarce yielded to the legionaries of -Rome. (Tremendous cheering.) That war, fraught with disastrous losses -in men and officers to Britain's bravest regiments, was now over, he -was rejoiced to say. There might be irregular fighting from time to -time, but the high chiefs had surrendered, and vast areas of the most -fertile land in the world had now become the property of the Crown. He -himself held what might be considered an incredibly large domain, which -must prove of great value in time to come. He would not mention the -number of acres. He was _not_ going back there. (Redoubled cheering.) -He could assure them of that fact, though in days to come another -Massinger Court might arise beneath the Southern Cross. (Renewed -cheering.) He was as fixed here, under Providence (he told them now), -as the "King's Oak" in the Chase. (Loud and prolonged cheering.) He and -his wife had experienced a sufficiency of adventure, by land and sea, -to last them for their natural lives. They desired, in all humility, -to return heartfelt thanks to Almighty God for their restoration to -this pleasant home, and those dear friends whom at one time they never -thought to see again. They hoped to prove their gratitude, by lives of -usefulness in their day and generation. - - * * * * * - -The adventures of Sir Roland de Massinger and Hypatia his wife, -insomuch as regards peril and uncertainty of war or peace, travel by -land and sea, or even the stormy politics of a new nation, must be -said now to have lost much of their interest. Henceforth Sir Roland -was contented to pursue the ordinary course of the country gentleman -of England, which, if not exciting or adventurous, is surely one of -the happiest lives in the world. He was contented to manage his New -Zealand property through an agent. Indeed, after Mr. Slyde's appearance -in England--that gentleman having received a year's leave of absence, -on account of his wound and eminent services in the war--he was pleased -to place the whole management of Waikato Court and Chase, near the -flourishing township of Chesterfield, in his hands. Mr. Slyde was about -to relinquish his connection with the New Zealand Land Company, having, -as he said with his customary cynicism, been fool enough to encumber -himself with a picturesque and fertile block of land, on the same -river, and also to commit the crowning folly of matrimony with a young -lady to whom he had become engaged just after the war. New Zealand was -bad enough, he averred, but for a man who had been born without the -proverbial silver spoon, England was the worst country in the civilized -world. Therefore, if his comrade, Sir Roland, had sufficient faith in -his intelligence and honesty--rather rare endowments in a colony--he -supposed he could manage both properties with much the same outlay of -cash and industry as his own. - -The arrangement was completed, and worked so satisfactorily, that for -many a year Sir Roland had no duties connected with the antipodean -estates beyond supervising the sale of wool, frozen mutton, butter, -cheese, cocksfoot grass seed, and other annual products, which so -excited the admiration of his neighbours and tenants that they could -hardly be made to believe that such satisfactory samples could be -produced out of England, his frozen lamb, equal to "prime Canterbury," -notwithstanding. - -Hypatia is truly happy in her home--blessed with a growing family, -contented with her duties as the wife of a county member, and, above -all, firmly convinced that Roland was the only man she had ever loved. -She is almost convinced, as her outspoken friend Mrs. Merivale (_née_ -Branksome) often assured her, that it served her right for her absurdly -altruistic notions and general perversity that she so nearly lost him. -The days are only too short for her employments and enjoyments. Nor -did she abandon the philanthropical obligation, but as the kindly, -generous, and capable Lady Bountiful of the estate, is "earthlier -happy as the rose distilled" than in any imaginable state of "single -blessedness," however advanced and politically eminent. - - -THE END - - - LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED. - STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS. - - - - -Crown 8vo. 6s. - -ONE OF THE GRENVILLES - -By SYDNEY ROYSE LYSAGHT - -AUTHOR OF "THE MARPLOT" - - - _GUARDIAN._--"We shall tell no more of Mr. Lysaght's clever and - original tale, contenting ourselves with heartily recommending it to - any on the look-out for a really good and absorbing story." - - _SATURDAY REVIEW._--"Mr. Sydney Lysaght should have a future before - him among writers of fiction. _One of the Grenvilles_ is full of - interest." - - _BOOKMAN._--"Is so high above the average of novels that its readers - will want to urge on the writer a more frequent exercise of his - powers." - - _ACADEMY._--"There is freshness and distinction about _One of the - Grenvilles_.... Both for its characters and setting, and for its - author's pleasant wit, this is a novel to read." - - _SPEAKER._--"Let no man or woman who enjoys a good story, excellently - told, recoil from One of the Grenvilles because of length. From first - to last there is hardly a page in the book the reader would willingly - skip.... We expected much from him after his admirable story of _The - Marplot_. Our expectations are more than fulfilled by _One of the - Grenvilles_." - - _DAILY TELEGRAPH._--"Since he wrote _The Marplot_, Mr. Lysaght has - degenerated neither in freshness, originality, nor sense of humour." - - _SPECTATOR._--"It has proved a welcome oasis in the progress of at - least one reviewer through the never-ending Sahara of modern fiction." - - _PUNCH._--"His characters, and his brief analysis of them - individually in various phases of their career, are as amusing as his - story is interesting.... 'One of the best.'" - - _LITERATURE._--"Displaying qualities all too rare in the bulk of - modern fiction.... Mr. Lysaght is fortunate in his characters, who - are many in number and excellently well chosen to illustrate his - view of life. They are well drawn, too, with humorous perception and - a keen insight into human conduct.... A good novel--one of the best - we have seen for a considerable time. It comes near to being a great - novel." - - _LITERARY WORLD._--"A volume to be read in a leisurely manner, for it - is far too good to repay the reader who only skims through a book." - - - - -Crown 8vo. 6s. - -RHODA BROUGHTON'S NEW NOVEL - -THE GAME AND THE CANDLE - - - _OBSERVER._--"The story is an excellent one.... Miss Rhoda Broughton - well maintains her place among our novelists as one capable of - telling a quiet yet deeply interesting story of human passions." - - _SPECTATOR._--"The book is extremely clever." - - - - -Crown 8vo. 6s. - -THE TREASURY OFFICER'S WOOING - -By CECIL LOWIS - - - _GUARDIAN._--"An exceedingly well-written, pleasant volume.... - Entirely enjoyable." - - _LITERATURE._--"A capital picture of official life in Burma." - - _DAILY TELEGRAPH._--"Emphatically of a nature to make us ask for more - from the same source.... Those who appreciate a story without any - sensational incidents, and written with keen observation and great - distinction of style, will find it delightful reading.... Cannot fail - to please its readers." - - _SPECTATOR._--"Mr. Lowis's story is pleasant to read in more senses - than one. It is not only clever and wholesome, but printed in a type - so large and clear as to reconcile us to the thickness of the volume." - - _ATHENÆUM._--"The author writes in a clear, attractive style, and - succeeds in maintaining the reader's interest from the first page to - the last." - - _WORLD._--"One of the best stories that we have recently read. The - touches of Burmese ways and character are excellent. The local colour - is sufficient, and the little group which plays the skilful comedy - has rare variety and lifelikeness." - - _DAILY NEWS._--"We are grateful to it no less for its large and clear - type, than for its merits as a novel." - - _ACADEMY._--"The life of the station is admirably drawn by Mr. Lowis, - and the love-story holds, without exciting, the reader. A most - readable novel." - - _LITERARY WORLD._--"Charming.... The reader may be assured of - entertainment who trusts himself to Mr. Lowis's care." - - _SCOTSMAN._--"So much has been made of Anglo-Indian society in recent - fiction that it must be doubly difficult for a novelist to excel - in this field. But in this pleasant and refreshing story Mr. Lowis - fairly does so, and his book deserves to be widely read." - - - - -Crown 8vo. 6s. - -OFF THE HIGH ROAD - -By ELEANOR C. PRICE. - -AUTHOR OF "YOUNG DENYS," "IN THE LION'S MOUTH," ETC. - - - _ATHENÆUM._--"A pleasant tale." - - _SPEAKER._--"A charming bit of social comedy, tinged with just a - suspicion of melodrama.... The atmosphere of the story is so bright - and genial that we part from it with regret." - - _DAILY TELEGRAPH._--"At once ingenious, symmetrical, and - entertaining.... Miss Price's fascinating romance." - - _LITERATURE._--"A simple, but very pleasant story." - - _SPECTATOR._--"The notion of an orphan heiress, the daughter of an - Earl, and the cynosure of two London seasons, flying precipitately - from her guardians, who are endeavouring to force her into a match - with a man she detests, and hiding herself under an assumed name in - a remote rural district of the Midlands, is an excellent motive in - itself, and gains greatly from the charm and delicacy of Miss Price's - handling." - - _ACADEMY._--"A quiet country book in the main, with more emotion than - action, and continuous interest." - - _DAILY MAIL._--"One of the sweetest and most satisfying love stories - that we have read for many weeks past. To read _Off the High Road_ is - as mentally bracing as an actual holiday among the rural delights of - the farm, the orchard, and the spinney, in which the scenes of the - novel are so refreshingly set." - - _GUARDIAN._--"Is the story of a summer in the life of a high-spirited - and very charming heiress.... The book has a fresh open-air - atmosphere that is decidedly restful." - - _BLACK AND WHITE._--"An admirable specimen of the genus 'light - story.' Miss Eleanor C. Price tells her story with a gay good humour - which is infectious. We are not asked to think, only to allow - ourselves to be interested and amused.... We feel grateful to Miss - Price for her bright well-written book. The girl of the mysterious - advertisement is a charming character." - - _MANCHESTER GUARDIAN._--"A decidedly attractive little book, with a - pleasing atmosphere of green fields, orchards, and wild-rose hedges." - - - - -Crown 8vo. 6s. - -_Forty-third Thousand_ - -THE DAY'S WORK - -By RUDYARD KIPLING - - -CONTENTS - - THE BRIDGEBUILDERS--A WALKING DELEGATE--THE SHIP THAT FOUND - HERSELF--THE TOMB OF HIS ANCESTORS---THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP - SEA--WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR--007--THE MALTESE CAT--BREAD UPON THE - WATERS--AN ERROR OF THE FOURTH DIMENSION--MY SUNDAY AT HOME--THE - BRUSHWOOD BOY - - _ST. JAMES'S GAZETTE._--"This new batch of Mr. Kipling's short - stories is splendid work. Among the thirteen there are included at - least five of his very finest.... Speaking for ourselves, we have - read _The Day's Work_ with more pleasure than we have derived from - anything of Mr. Kipling's since the _Jungle Book_.... It is in the - Findlaysons, and the Scotts, and the Cottars, and the 'Williams,' - that Mr. Kipling's true greatness lies. These are creations that make - one feel pleased and proud that we are also English. What greater - honour could there be to an English writer?" - - _TIMES._--"The book, take it altogether, will add to Mr. Kipling's - high reputation both on land and by sea." - - _DAILY NEWS._--"They have all his strength." - - _DAILY TELEGRAPH._--"If _The Day's Work_ will not add to the author's - reputation in this kind of work, which, indeed, might be difficult, - it at all events will not detract from it. There is no lack of spirit - and power; the same easy mastery of technical details; the same broad - sympathy with the English-speaking race, wherever their life-tasks - may lie. The style is throughout Kipling's own--terse, nervous, often - rugged, always direct and workmanlike, the true reflection of Mr. - Kipling's own genius." - - _MORNING POST._--"The book is so varied, so full of colour and life - from end to end, that few who read the first two or three stories - will lay it down till they have read the last." - - _PALL MALL GAZETTE._--"There are the same masterful grip and wielding - of words that are almost surprised to find themselves meaning so - much; the same buoyant joy in men who 'do' things." - - _ACADEMY._--"With sure instinct he labels the volume _The Day's - Work_. That is just what these tales are--the day's work of a great - imaginative and observant writer, of a master craftsman who, when - he has no _magnum opus_ on hand, rummages in drawers, peers into - cupboards, for notions noted and not forgotten, for beginnings laid - aside to be finished in their proper season." - - _SCOTSMAN._--"A fine book, one that even a dull man will rejoice to - read." - - - - -Crown 8vo. 6s. - -A DRAMA IN SUNSHINE - -By HORACE ANNESLEY VACHELL - - -CONTENTS - - THE PROLOGUE - - CHAPTER I.--SAUSAGES AND PALAVER - - " II.--ILLUMINATION - - " III.--WILLIAM CHILLINGWORTH - - " IV.--CALAMITY CAÑON - - " V.--SPECULATIONS - - " VI.--WHICH CONTAINS A MORAL - - " VII.--OF BLOOD AND WATER - - " VIII.--WHICH ENDS IN FLAMES - - " IX.--"IS WRIT IN MOODS AND FROWNS AND - WRINKLES STRANGE" - - " X.--THE DAUGHTERS OF THEMIS - - _LITERATURE._--"It has the joy of life in it, sparkle, humour, - charm.... All the characters, in their contrasts and developments, - are drawn with fine delicacy; and the book is one of those few which - one reads again with increased pleasure." - - _DAILY TELEGRAPH._--"A story of extraordinary interest.... Mr. - Vachell's enthralling story, the dénouement of which worthily crowns - a literary achievement of no little merit." - - _PALL MALL GAZETTE._--"The tale is well told. Besides more than one - scene of vividly dramatic force, there is some really excellent - drawing of American character." - - _WORLD._--"Curious and engrossing.... The wife of the man chiefly - concerned is a finely presented character, and at the close the - author achieves the beautiful and the true." - - _ACADEMY._--"A virile and varied novel of free life on the Pacific - Coast of America." - - _ATHENÆUM._--"It is a story which the English reader will greet with - pleasure.... The book is good reading to the end." - - _SPECTATOR._--"Full of colour, incident, and human interest, while - its terse yet vivid style greatly enhances the impressiveness of the - whole." - - _SCOTSMAN._--"Showing the grasp of a powerful hand on every page.... - It is impossible in a brief sketch to give a grasp of all the threads - in this complicated story, but they are unravelled with so much skill - that the reader feels that everything happens because it must. The - characterization, generally speaking, is masterly, and the dialogue - is clever. The story increases in power and pathos from chapter to - chapter." - - _DAILY MAIL._--"Full of spirit as well as of all-round literary - excellence.... The scenes are vivid, the passions are strong, the - persons who move in the pages have life and warmth, and the interest - they arouse is often acutely eager. The book grips." - - _MANCHESTER GUARDIAN._--"A particularly clever and readable story." - - - - -Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s. - -THE PRIDE OF JENNICO - -_BEING A MEMOIR OF_ - -CAPTAIN BASIL JENNICO - -By EGERTON CASTLE - - - _ACADEMY._--"A capital romance." - - _COUNTRY LIFE._--"This story of the later years of the eighteenth - century will rank high in literature. It is a fine and spirited - romance set in a slight but elegant and accurate frame of history. - The book itself has a peculiar and individual charm by virtue of the - stately language in which it is written.... It is stately, polished, - and full of imaginative force." - - _LIVERPOOL DAILY MERCURY._--"The book is written in a strong and - terse style of diction with a swift and vivid descriptive touch. In - its grasp of character and the dramatic nature of its plot it is one - of the best novels of its kind since Stevenson's _Prince Otto_." - - _COSMOPOLIS._--"A capital story, well constructed and well written. - The style deserves praise for a distinction only too rare in the - present day." - - - - -Crown 8vo. 6s. - -STORIES FROM AMERICAN HISTORY - -BUCCANEERS AND PIRATES OF OUR COASTS - -By FRANK R. STOCKTON - -AUTHOR OF "RUDDER GRANGE" - -_WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY_ - -GEORGE VARIAN AND B. WEST CLINEDINST - - - _PALL MALL GAZETTE._--"A fine book.... They are exciting reading.... - Eminently informing." - - _ACADEMY._--"Mr. Frank R. Stockton is always interesting, whether he - writes for young or old." - - _SCOTSMAN._--"In these stirring romances of the sea he does not - profess to give anything fresh; he merely puts into bright, crisp, - modern language, the tales that were told in the seventeenth and - eighteenth centuries by the recognized chroniclers of the deeds of - the freebooters who disported themselves on the American coasts in - those picturesque times.... The book is very finely illustrated." - - _INDEPENDENT (NEW YORK)._--"This book of buccaneers will stir the - blood of young people who care for stories that tell of wild fighting - on pirate ships and lawless riots ashore in the time when the ocean - was not at command of steam's civilizing power.... Mr. Stockton has - given the charm of his genius to the book." - - - - -Crown 8vo. 6s. - -THE - -TREASURY OFFICER'S WOOING - -By CECIL LOWIS - - - _BRITISH WEEKLY._--"The scene is laid in India, and to our mind it is - quite as good as Mrs. Steel." - - _WHITEHALL REVIEW._--"A clever tale." - - _SPECTATOR._--"It is plain that the writer may yet be a formidable - rival to Mrs. Steel." - - - - -Crown 8vo. 6s. - -BISMILLAH - -By A. J. DAWSON - -AUTHOR OF "MERE SENTIMENT," "GOD'S FOUNDLING," ETC. - - - A romantic story of Moorish life in the Rift Country and in Tangier - by Mr. A. J. Dawson, whose last novel, _God's Foundling_, was well - received in the beginning of the year, and whose West African and - Australian Bush stories will be familiar to most readers of fiction. - _Bismillah_ is the title chosen for Mr. Dawson's new book, which may - be regarded as the outcome of his somewhat adventurous experiences in - Morocco last year. - - _ACADEMY._--"Romantic and dramatic, and full of colour." - - _GUARDIAN._--"Decidedly clever and original.... Its excellent local - colouring, and its story, as a whole interesting and often dramatic, - make it a book more worth reading and enjoyable than is at all - common." - - _SPEAKER._--"A stirring tale of love and adventure.... There is - enough of exciting incident, of fighting, intrigue, and love-making - in _Bismillah_ to satisfy the most exacting reader." - - _MANCHESTER GUARDIAN._--"An interesting and pleasing tale." - - _SCOTSMAN._--"Mr. Dawson sustains the interest of his readers to the - end. The characters are well defined, the situations are frequently - dramatic, the descriptive passages are clear and animated, and a rich - vein of genuine human nature runs through the narrative." - - _DUNDEE ADVERTISER._--"Mr. Dawson has caught the spirit of the - country, and his romance has the Moorish glamour about it delicious - as a memory of Tangiers in sunset." - - - - -Crown 8vo. 6s. - -HER MEMORY - -By MAARTEN MAARTENS - -AUTHOR OF "MY LADY NOBODY," ETC. - - - _DAILY TELEGRAPH._--"Full of the quiet grace and literary excellence - which we have now learnt to associate with the author." - - _DAILY NEWS._--"An interesting and characteristic example of this - writer's manner. It possesses his sobriety of tone and treatment, his - limpidity and minuteness of touch, his keenness of observation.... - The book abounds in clever character sketches.... It is very good." - - _ST. JAMES'S GAZETTE._--There is something peculiarly fascinating in - Mr. Maarten Maartens's new story. It is one of those exquisitely told - tales, not unhappy, nor tragic, yet not exactly 'happy,' but full of - the pain--as a philosopher has put it--that one prefers, which are - read, when the reader is in the right mood, with, at least, a subdued - sense of tears, tears of pleasure." - - _ATHENÆUM._--"Maarten Maartens has never written a brighter social - story, and it has higher qualities than brightness." - - _PALL MALL GAZETTE._--" It is a most delicate bit of workmanship, and - the sentiment of it is as exquisite as it is true. All the characters - are drawn with rare skill: there is not one that is not an admirable - portrait.' - - _LITERATURE._--"A powerful and sometimes painful study, softened - by many touches of pathos and flashes of humour--occasionally of - sheer fun. On the whole, it will stand comparison with any of its - predecessors for dramatic effect and strength of style." - - _TRUTH._--"Mr. Maarten Maartens' latest and, perhaps, finest novel." - - _SCOTSMAN._--"The book is one of singular power and interest, - original and unique." - - _LEEDS MERCURY._--"_Her Memory_ is a book which only a man of genius - could write, and as a study of character it is fascinating.... The - prevailing impression left by _Her Memory_ is that of beauty and - strength. Unlike the majority of contemporary novels, the story - before us is one which arrests thought, as well as touches some of - the deepest problems of life." - - - - -Crown 8vo. 6s. - -THE ADVENTURES OF FRANCOIS - -_Foundling, Thief, Juggler, and Fencing Master during the French -Revolution_ - -By S. WEIR MITCHELL, M.D. - -AUTHOR OF "HUGH WYNNE," ETC. - - - _DAILY TELEGRAPH._--"It is delightfully entertaining throughout, and - throws much instructive light upon certain subordinate phases of - the great popular upheaval that convulsed France between 1788 and - 1794.... Recounted with unflagging vivacity and inexhaustible good - humour." - - _DAILY MAIL._--"This lively piece of imagination is animated - throughout by strong human interest and novel incident." - - _LITERATURE._--"It is a charming book, this historical romance of - Dr. Weir Mitchell's; in narrative power, in dramatic effect, in - vivid movement, and in mordant and singularly effective style.... No - novelist of whom we know, not even Felix Gras, has so vividly brought - before us the life of lower Paris in the awful days of the Terror. A - dozen or so admirable reproductions of the drawings specially made - by A. Castaigne for 'François,' during its serial appearance, add - attraction to a romance as notable as it is delightful." - - _MANCHESTER GUARDIAN._--"The author meets with a master's ease every - call that is made upon his resources, and the calls are neither few - nor light. The design, bold though it is, lies so well within his - compass as to suggest a reserve of strength rather than limitations. - And a style that is versatile but always distinguished, delicate - but always virile, terse but never obscure, is in a strong hand an - instrument for strong work. The pictures by A. Castaigne are worthy - of the text." - - _GLASGOW HERALD._--"Dr. Weir Mitchell's story deserves nothing but - praise." - - _SHEFFIELD DAILY TELEGRAPH._--"There is plenty of movement, and the - interest culminates but never flags. It is quite the best picaresque - novel we have come across for a long time past.... The story could - hardly be bettered." - - _GLASGOW DAILY MAIL._--"It is altogether a most entertaining - narrative, witty and humorous in its dialogue, exciting in its - incidents, and not without its pathetic side." - - _DAILY CHRONICLE._--"Dr. Weir Mitchell is certainly to be - congratulated on the whole volume." - - - - -_Second Impression Now Ready_ - -Extra Crown 8vo. 6s. - -ELIZABETH AND HER GERMAN GARDEN - - - _LITERATURE._--"A charming book.... If the delightful wilderness - which eventually develops into a garden occupies the foreground, - there is still room for much else--for children, husbands, guests, - gardeners, and governesses, all of which are treated in a very - entertaining manner." - - _TIMES._--"A very bright little book--genial, humorous, perhaps a - little fantastic and wayward here and there, but full of bright - glimpses of nature and sprightly criticisms of life. Elizabeth is the - English wife of a German husband, who finds and makes for herself a - delightful retreat from the banalities of life in a German provincial - town by occupying and beautifying a deserted convent." - - _SCOTSMAN._--"The garden in question is somewhere in Germany.... Its - owner found it a wilderness, has made it a paradise, and tells the - reader how. The book is charmingly written.... The people that appear - in it are almost as interesting as the flowers.... Altogether it is - a delightful book, of a quiet but strong interest, which no one who - loves plants and flowers ought to miss reading." - - _ACADEMY._--"'I love my garden'--that is the first sentence, and - reading on, we find ourselves in the presence of a whimsical, - humorous, cultured, and very womanly woman, with a pleasant, - old-fashioned liking for homeliness and simplicity; with a wise - husband, three merry babes, aged five, four, and three, a few - friends, a gardener, an old German house to repose in, a garden to be - happy in, an agreeable literary gift, and a slight touch of cynicism. - Such is Elizabeth. The book is a quiet record of her life in her old - world retreat, her adventures among bulbs and seeds, the sayings of - her babies, and the discomfiture and rout of a New Woman visitor.... - It is a charming book, and we should like to dally with it." - - _GLASGOW HERALD._--"This book has to do with more than a German - garden, for the imaginary diary which it contains is really a - description, and a very charming and picturesque one, of life in a - north German country house." - - _MANCHESTER GUARDIAN._--"No mere extracts could do justice to this - entirely delightful garden book." - - _ATHENÆUM._--"We hope that Elizabeth will write more rambling and - delightful books." - - _SPEAKER._--"Entirely delightful." - - _OUTLOOK._--"The book is refreshingly good. It has a good deal of - stuff in it, and a great deal of affable and witty writing; and it - will bear reading more than once, which, in these days, is saying - much." - - - - -Crown 8vo. 6s. - -THE LOVES - -OF THE - -LADY ARABELLA - -By M. E. SEAWELL - - - _SPEAKER._--"A story told with so much spirit that the reader tingles - with suspense until the end is reached.... A very pleasant tale of - more than common merit." - - _PALL MALL GAZETTE._--"It is short and excellent reading.... Old - Peter Hawkshaw, the Admiral, is a valuable creation, sometimes quite - 'My Uncle Toby'.... The scene, when the narrator dines with him in - the cabin for the first time, is one of the most humorous in the - language, and stamps Lady Hawkshaw--albeit, she is not there--as one - of the wives of fiction in the category of Mrs. Proudie herself.... - The interest is thoroughly sustained to the end.... Thoroughly - healthy and amusing." - - _WORLD._--"Brisk and amusing throughout." - - _SATURDAY REVIEW._--"A spirited romance.... It is the brightest tale - of the kind that we have read for a long time." - - _DAILY MAIL._--"A robust and engaging eighteenth century romance." - - _SCOTSMAN._--"The story possesses all the elements of a good-going - love romance, in which the wooing is not confined to the sterner sex; - while its flavour of the sea will secure it favour in novel-reading - quarters where anything approaching sentimentality or sermonizing - does not meet with much appreciation." - - _MORNING POST._--"There is a spirit and evident enjoyment in the - telling of the story which is refreshing." - - _ACADEMY._--"A brisk story of old naval days." - - _SPECTATOR._--"Pleasant reading is furnished in _The Loves of the - Lady Arabella_." - - - - -Crown 8vo. 6s. - -A - -ROMANCE OF CANVAS TOWN - -_AND OTHER STORIES_ - -By ROLF BOLDREWOOD - - -CONTENTS - - A ROMANCE OF CANVAS TOWN - - THE FENCING OF WANDAROONA: A RIVERINA REMINISCENCE - - THE GOVERNESS OF THE POETS - - OUR NEW COOK: A TALE OF THE TIMES - - ANGELS UNAWARES - - _DAILY TELEGRAPH._--"Eminently readable, being written in the breezy, - happy-go-lucky style which characterizes the more recent fictional - works of the author of that singularly earnest and impressive - romance, _Robbery under Arms_." - - _DAILY MAIL._--"As pleasant as ever." - - _GLASGOW HERALD._--"They will repay perusal." - - _SCOTSMAN._--"A volume of five short stories by Mr. Rolf Boldrewood - is heartily welcome.... All are about Australia, and all are - excellent.... His shorter stories will enhance his popularity." - - - - -Crown 8vo. 6s. - -THAT LITTLE CUTTY - -_DR. BARRÈRE, ISABEL DYSART_ - -By MRS. OLIPHANT - -AUTHOR OF "THE CHRONICLES OF CARLINGFORD," ETC., ETC. - - - _SATURDAY REVIEW._--"It has all her tenderness and homely humour, and - in the case of all three stories there is a good idea well worked - out." - - _LITERATURE._--"To come across a work of Mrs. Oliphant's is to come - across a pleasant, little green oasis in the arid desert of minor - novels.... In these the author's refinement, tenderness, and charm of - manner are as well exemplified as in any of her earlier works.... The - book is one that we can most cordially recommend." - - _DAILY NEWS._--"Each story that comes to us from the hand of Mrs. - Oliphant moves us to admiration for its delicate craftsmanship, the - keen appreciation it displays of the resources of situation and - character. The posthumous volume, 'That Little Cutty, and other - Stories,' is an excellent example of Mrs. Oliphant's power of telling - a story swiftly and with dramatic insight. Every touch tells.... - The little volume is worthy of its author's high and well-deserved - reputation." - - _DAILY CHRONICLE._--"All three are admirably written in that easy, - simple narrative style to which the author had so thoroughly - accustomed us. It will be for many of Mrs. Oliphant's friends a - wholly unexpected pleasure to have a new volume of fiction with her - name on the title-page." - - _PALL MALL GAZETTE._--"They are models of what such stories should - be." - - _SHEFFIELD DAILY TELEGRAPH._--"Excellent examples of Mrs. Oliphant's - work." - - _SCOTSMAN._--"All three stories have a fine literary flavour and an - artistic finish, and within their limited scope present some subtle - analyses of character." - - _NORTHERN WHIG._--"Anything from the pen of the late Mrs. Oliphant - will always be welcome to a large number of readers, who will - therefore note with pleasant interest the publication by Messrs. - Macmillan of a neat volume containing three tales, 'That Little - Cutty,' 'Dr. Barrère,' and 'Isabel Dysart.' Of the three, although - all are most readable, the most skilfully constructed is the second - named, the plot and climax of which are decidedly dramatic. The last - story deals with the still unforgotten period of the horrible Burke - and Hare revelations in Edinburgh." - - - - -Crown 8vo. 6s. - -THE FOREST LOVERS - -A ROMANCE - -By MAURICE HEWLETT - - - _SPECTATOR._--"_The Forest Lovers_ is no mere literary _tour de - force_, but an uncommonly attractive romance, the charm of which is - greatly enhanced by the author's excellent style." - - _DAILY TELEGRAPH._--"Mr. Maurice Hewlett's _Forest Lovers_ stands - out with conspicuous success.... He has compassed a very remarkable - achievement.... For nearly four hundred pages he carries us along - with him with unfailing resource and artistic skill, while he unrolls - for us the course of thrilling adventures, ending, after many - tribulations, in that ideal happiness towards which every romancer - ought to wend his tortuous way.... There are few books of this - season which achieve their aim so simply and whole-heartedly as Mr. - Hewlett's ingenious and enthralling romance." - - _WORLD._--"If there are any romance-lovers left in this - matter-of-fact end of the century, _The Forest Lovers_, by Mr. - Maurice Hewlett, should receive a cordial welcome. It is one of - those charming books which, instead of analyzing the morbid emotions - of which we are all too weary, opens a door out of this workaday - world and lets us escape into fresh air. A very fresh and breezy - air it is which blows in Mr. Hewlett's forest, and vigorous are the - deeds enacted there.... There is throughout the book that deeper - and less easily defined charm which lifts true romance above mere - story-telling--a genuine touch of poetic feeling which beautifies the - whole." - - _DAILY MAIL._--"It is all very quaintly and pleasingly done, with - plenty of mad work, and blood-spilling, and surprising adventure." - - JAMES LANE ALLEN, Author of _The Choir Invisible_, writes of _The - Forest Lovers_: "This work, for any one of several solid reasons, - must be regarded as of very unusual interest. In the matter of style - alone, it is an achievement, an extraordinary achievement. Such a - piece of English prose, saturated and racy with idiom, compact and - warm throughout as living human tissues, well deserves to be set - apart for grateful study and express appreciation.... In the matter - of interpreting nature there are passages in this book that I have - never seen surpassed in prose fiction." - - - - -Crown 8vo. 6s. - -THE - -GOSPEL OF FREEDOM - -By ROBERT HERRICK - -AUTHOR OF "THE MAN WHO WINS," "LITERARY LOVE LETTERS, AND OTHER STORIES" - - - _DAILY MAIL._--"Distinctly enjoyable and suggestive of much - profitable thought." - - _SCOTSMAN._--"The book has a deal of literary merit, and is well - furnished with clever phrases." - - _ATHENÆUM._--"Remarkably clever.... The writing throughout is clear, - and the story is well constructed." - - W. D. HOWELLS in _LITERATURE_.--"A very clever new novel." - - _GUARDIAN._--"The novel is well written, and full of complex - interests and personalities. It touches on many questions and - problems clearly and skilfully." - - _DAILY CHRONICLE._--"A book which entirely interested us for the - whole of a blazing afternoon. He writes uncommonly well." - - _BOOKMAN._--"The excellence of Mr. Herrick's book lies not in the - solution of any problem, nor in the promulgation of any theory, nor - indeed in any form of docketing and setting apart of would-be final - answers to the enigmas of existence. He simply tells a story and - leaves us to draw what conclusion we like. The admirable thing is - that his story is a particularly interesting one, and that he tells - it remarkably well.... There are some delightful minor characters." - - _MANCHESTER GUARDIAN._--"The characters, all American, have - originality and life. The self-engrossed Adela is so cleverly drawn - that we are hardly ever out of sympathy with her aspirations, and - Molly Parker, the 'womanly' foil, is delightful." - - - - -Crown 8vo. 6s. - -THE - -GENERAL MANAGER'S - -STORY - -By HERBERT ELLICOTT HAMBLEN - -_ILLUSTRATED_ - - - _PALL MALL GAZETTE._--"Remarkable for the fulness of its author's - knowledge.... Nor does the interest of Mr. Hamblen's volume depend - solely on its vivid account of sensational escapes and dramatic - accidents, though there is no lack of exciting incidents of this kind - in his story.... What charmed us chiefly in the story was the close - and exact account of the everyday working of a great railroad.... - There was not a page that we did not find full of interest and - instruction. It was all real, and most of it new, while Mr. Hamblen's - vivid and straightforward style does much to enhance the intrinsic - merits of his narrative.... We venture to think that no one will be - able to leave the breathless and realistic account of such an episode - as the chase of the runaway engine--not a figment of the imagination, - but a sober and hideous fact, accounted for and explained by the - most intelligible of mechanical reasons--without a thrill of genuine - excitement." - - _SCOTSMAN._--"Mr. Hamblen shows a mastery of detail, and is easy and - fluent in American railwaymen's jargon, much of it more expressive - than polite. His book is well written, instructive, and of thrilling - interest. There are almost a score of capital illustrations." - - _DAILY MAIL._--"The pages are full of rough, but attractive, - characters, forcible language, brakemen, locomotives, valves, - throttles, levers, and fire-scoops; and the whole dashing record is - casually humorous amid its inevitable brutalities, and is of its kind - excellent." - - _ATHENÆUM._--"The story is vividly told, and decidedly well kept up - with tales of hairbreadth escapes and collisions commendable for - vigour and naturalness.... A book which holds the interest." - - _WORLD._--"Better worth reading than half the romances published, for - it contains matter that is as interesting as it is absolutely novel." - - _ACADEMY._--"A monstrous entertaining little book. Open it anywhere - and your luck will hardly fail you. And for real gripping adventure - you begin to doubt whether any career is worthy to show itself in the - same caboose with that of an 'engineer.'... His life is as full of - adventure as a pirate's.... A valuable contribution to the literature - that is growing around the Romance of Steam." - - _WESTMINSTER GAZETTE_.--"Singularly fascinating. It is just crammed - with moving episodes and hair-raising adventures, all set down with - a vivid and unadorned vigour that is a perfect example of the art of - narration. The pulses quicken, the heart bounds, as we read." - - _DAILY CHRONICLE._--"A most interesting volume." - - - - -100,000 copies of this work have been sold - -Fcap. 8vo. 6s. - -THE CHOIR INVISIBLE - -By JAMES LANE ALLEN - -AUTHOR OF "SUMMER IN ARCADY," "A KENTUCKY CARDINAL," ETC. - - - _ACADEMY._--"A book to read, and a book to keep after reading. Mr. - Allen's gifts are many--a style pellucid and picturesque, a vivid - and disciplined power of characterization, and an intimate knowledge - of a striking epoch and an alluring country.... So magical is the - wilderness environment, so fresh the characters, so buoyant the life - they lead, so companionable, so well balanced, and so touched with - humanity, the author's personality, that I hereby send him greeting - and thanks for a brave book.... _The Choir Invisible_ is a fine - achievement." - - _PALL MALL GAZETTE._--Mr. Allen's power of character drawing invests - the old, old story with renewed and absorbing interest.... The - fascination of the story lies in great part in Mr. Allen's graceful - and vivid style." - - _DAILY MAIL._--"_The Choir Invisible_ is one of those very few books - which help one to live. And hereby it is beautiful even more than by - reason of its absolute purity of style, its splendid descriptions of - nature, and the level grandeur of its severe, yet warm and passionate - atmosphere." - - _BRITISH WEEKLY._--"Certainly this is no commonplace book, and I have - failed to do justice to its beauty, its picturesqueness, its style, - its frequent nobility of feeling, and its large, patient charity." - - _SPEAKER._--"We trust that there are few who read it who will fail to - regard its perusal as one of the new pleasures of their lives.... One - of those rare stories which make a direct appeal alike to the taste - and feeling of most men and women, and which afford a gratification - that is far greater than that of mere critical approval. It is, - in plain English, a beautiful book--beautiful in language and in - sentiments, in design and in execution. Its chief merit lies in - the fact that Mr. Allen has grasped the true spirit of historical - romance, and has shown how fully he understands both the links which - unite, and the time-spaces which divide, the different generations of - man." - - _SATURDAY REVIEW._--"Mr. James Lane Allen is a writer who cannot well - put pen to paper without revealing how finely sensitive he is to - beauty." - - _BOOKMAN._--"The main interest is not the revival of old times, but a - love-story which might be of today, or any day, a story which reminds - one very pleasantly of Harry Esmond and Lady Castlewood." - - _ATLANTIC MONTHLY._--"We think he will be a novelist, perhaps even a - great novelist--one of the few who hold large powers of divers sort - in solution to be precipitated in some new unexpected form." - - _GUARDIAN._--"One of those rare books that will bear reading many - times." - - _DAILY NEWS._--"Mr. J. L. Allen shows himself a delicate observer, - and a fine literary artist in _The Choir Invisible_." - - _ST. JAMES'S GAZETTE._--"A book that should be read by all those who - ask for something besides sensationalism in their fiction." - - _SPECTATOR._--"Marked by beauty of conception, reticence of - treatment, and it has an atmosphere all its own." - - _DAILY CHRONICLE._--"It is written with singular delicacy and has an - old-world fragrance which seems to come from the classics we keep in - lavender.... There are few who can approach his delicate execution in - the painting of ideal tenderness and fleeting moods." - - - * * * * * - - -Transcriber's Notes. - -1. Italic text is indicated by _underscores_ and bold text by - =equal signs=. - -2. Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as - possible. - -3. Obvious punctuation, simple spelling, grammar, and typographical - errors have been silently corrected. - -4. 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