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 unwilling5 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 laden6 vessel7, frightened passengers and overworked stewards8, he had every facility afforded him for speculation9 as to whether his Antarctic enterprise would not be prematurely10 accounted [Pg 66] for by a telegram in the Times, headed "Another shipwreck11. All hands supposed to be lost."
This, and other discouraging thoughts, passed through the mind of the voyager during the forty-eight hours of supreme12 discomfort13, not unmingled with danger, while the gale14 ceased not to menace the labouring vessel. However, being what is called "a good sailor," and his present frame of mind rendering15 him resigned, if not defiant16, 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 abated17, how the weather cleared; how, as the voyage progressed, the passengers became companionable, has often been narrated18 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 wayfarers19 the charms of a landscape which in many respects equals, and in others surpasses, the world-famed haven21 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 volcanic23 origin—and the North Head. Passing this guardian24 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 panorama25 of enchanting26 variety.
[Pg 67]
The city of Auckland, which he had come so far to see, rose in a succession of graduated eminences27 from the waters of a sheltered bay. Bold headlands alternated with winding28 creeks29 and estuaries30; 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 villas31 and even more pretentious32 mansions33 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, wharves35 and warehouses36, 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 attire37, he recognized, by various slight marks and tokens, the English aristocrat39. Most probably the stranger had made similar deductions40, as he had commenced their first conversation with an unreserved condemnation41 of the weather, after a passing depreciation42 of the food, concluding by a query43 in the guise44 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 [Pg 68] 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 survivors45. 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 emigrant46, stimulated47 by this wholesale48 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 applied49. 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, insidiously50 working for the accumulation of vast estates, and oppressing a noble and interesting race, whose lands they proposed to confiscate51 under a miserable52 pretence53 of sale and barter54.
"I have heard and read a good deal of the proceedings55 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, [Pg 69] 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 colonizing56. 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 Cape20 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," promptly57 replied Mr. Slyde. "However, matter of taste. Every man manage his own affairs. Great maxim58. 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."
[Pg 70]
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 grilled59 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 incipient60 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 avocations61 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 heterogeneous63 crowd were informed, even illumined, with the glow of hope, the light of sanguine64 expectation.
Once landed on the shores of this magnificent [Pg 71] 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 throb65 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 opulence66 and landed estate, as he surveyed the transplanted food crops growing and burgeoning67 as in a glorified68 garden which "drank the rains of heaven at will." Before the professional man, whose high fees and abundant practice would soon absolve69 him from the necessity of professional toil70. Before the capitalist, who saw in the steady rise of land-values, whether in town or country, an illimitable field for judicious71 investment, ending with an early retirement72 and at least one fortune.
The town sloped upwards73 from the sea, thus necessitating74 steep gradients for the streets. The main street, broad and well laid out, was more level at its inception75, though Massinger saw by the hill immediately above it that he would not have to go far before his Alpine77 experiences would stand him in good stead. This was entirely78 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 ascent79, after the inaction of the voyage, rendered it far from inexpedient to admire the view. What a prospect80 it was! He stood upon an isthmus81 with an ocean on either hand. Far as eye could range, the boundless82 South Pacific lay glowing and shimmering83 under [Pg 72] 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 Lesser84 Barrier were plainly visible, as also the lofty ridge85 of Cape Colville; other islands and headlands loomed86 faintly in the shadowy horizon. Westward87 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 farmhouses88, 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 craters89 were perfect in form, though covered on side and base with richest herbage. In these he detected most of the British fodder90 plants, growing in unusual luxuriance. Observing the flattened91 summits and remains92 of graded terraces, he found on inspection93 that the hand of man had adapted these works of nature to his needs.
Scarped, terraced, and perfect of circumvallation, the remains of mouldering94 palisades indicated the abodes95 of a warlike people, who had in long-past days converted these hilltops into fortresses96, affording effective means of defence, as well as a wide outlook, in case of invasion.
Here for generations, perhaps centuries uncounted, [Pg 73] 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, garnered97 their simple harvest, and lived contentedly98 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 odds99? 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 immortal100 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 favourably101 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 spacious102 times of old, and the planter-life of the West Indian Islands, are [Pg 74] limned103 with such prodigality104 of colour, such wealth of humorous perception, such power of pathos105. 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 likeness106.
"What a man he is!" thought Massinger. "Six feet three or four, if an inch, broad-shouldered, deep-chested—a wondrous107 combination of strength and activity; supple108 as a panther, with the muscle of a Farnese Hercules. As to his features, the eyes and teeth are splendid, the complexion109 a clear bronze, hardly darker than that of Southern Europe."
Altogether he doubted if he had ever seen such a remarkable110 masculine specimen111 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 purely112 British race, with all the modern advantages of civilization?"
Thus pondering, he managed to discover his hotel, where he set himself resolutely113 to sketch114 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 plentifully115 supplied. One of the more immediate76 effects of this action was the outflow of an inordinate116 quantity of advice, from the recipients118 of which, as a newly arrived Englishman, he was deemed to be in urgent need.
These exhortations119 were compendious120 and exhaustive, but failed in effect upon him from their [Pg 75] very affluence121, 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 accredited122.
"Have nothing to do with that infernal New Zealand Company," said one grizzled colonist123, "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 tribal124 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 gunpowder125 or cases of Yankee axes—of course signs a bogus deed."
"But isn't he their accredited agent?" queried127 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 delude128 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 inquiry129."
"Depends upon whom you inquire from," said his experienced friend. "Advice is cheap, or rather dear enough, when the giver has an axe126 to grind."
[Pg 76]
"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 Commissioners130 are, perhaps, the safest. They have some character to lose, and are fairly impartial131."
"After what you have said, may I venture to ask counsel from you?"—instinctively trusting the open countenance132 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 lapsed134 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 expressive135 vernacular136 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 [Pg 77] warlike races upon earth, inured137 for centuries past to every species of bloodshed and rapine, and bred up in the belief that a man is a warrior138 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 concealment139."
"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 ministry140 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 feuds141 and hereditary142 enemies, as bitter and remorseless as ever my Hieland ancestors enjoyed themselves with. Others, like Waka Nene, since they were Christianized by the early missionaries143, have cast in their lot with the whites. They fought shoulder to shoulder with us, and will again, even if they disapprove144 of our policy."
"What an extraordinary people!" said Massinger. "And if war breaks out, as you think likely, what will become of the colonists145?"
"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 [Pg 78] folly146 and injustice147, 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 straightforward148 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 grit149 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 degenerate150 days! It raises one's spirits awfully151. 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 violation152 of a reserve, the same being tapu under ceremonies of a particularly awful and [Pg 79] sacred nature, were indulging themselves with a war-dance by way of dissipating the tedium153 necessitated154 by official delay. A crowd of the townspeople had collected at the corner of Shortland Street, while the tattooed155 braves were with the utmost gravity going through the evolutions of their horrific performance. Chiefly unclothed, they stamped and roared, grimaced156 and threatened, as in actual preparation for conflict. Musket157 in hand, they leaped and yelled like demoniacs; their countenances158 distorted, the eyes turned inward, their tongues protruded159 as with wolfish longing160. Each man was possessed161 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 thigh162 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 offender163, 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, stunned164 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 meddle165 wi' me?"
This incident impressed our Englishman more than weeks of description could have done, with the peculiar166 characteristics of the strange race among whom [Pg 80] he had elected to dwell. Pride and sensitiveness, to the point of frenzy167, 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 discomfiture168, 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 obstinate169 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 conflagration170 over the whole island, necessitating an expenditure171 of blood and treasure which years of peace would have been insufficient172 to repay. All, too, occasioned by the idiotic173 folly of a worthless member of society.
Revolving174 such reflections, which, with other ideas and considerations, effectually excluded the image of Hypatia, Roland Massinger betook himself to his [Pg 81] hotel, having discovered, as many a gentleman unfortunate in his love affairs has done before him, that this life of ours holds sensational175 interests, which, if not sufficing to assuage176 the pangs177 of unrequited love, yet act as a potent178 anodyne179.
To such an extent did the subject of the diplomacy180 urgently required at such a juncture181 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 fully2 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 commendable182 diligence to the study of the Maori language and traditions. Thus, though properly diffident as to his colloquial183 powers, he was in a position to more easily acquire a practical proficiency184 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 sonorous185 voice of his marine friend of the morning, Captain Macdonald.
"Yes, indeed! Ticklish186 situation—you may well say so. Jack187 Maori sitting on a powder barrel, filling cartridges188 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 touchy189 [Pg 82] 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 mere190 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 vice117, 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 martial191 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 vocation62 of a merchant—one of the sea-roving, fearless breed of adventurers peculiar to [Pg 83] Britain, whose wide-reaching mercantile transactions have included the mobilizing of armies and the levying192 of taxes; "in whose lumber-rooms," as in those of the Great Company now merged193 in Imperial rule, "are the thrones of ancient kings."
Here Massinger advanced, and bringing himself within the ken38 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, kindly194 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 standing195, 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."
[Pg 84]
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 bluff196 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 noted22 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 [Pg 85] 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 spoke197 rapidly to the insulted warrior, who sat moodily198 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, resonant199 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 [Pg 86] 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 assent200 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 [Pg 87] 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 defiance201, the greater part of the assembled warriors202 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 slaughtering203 of any chance pakehas whom they might meet.
"This was not by any means intended for a declaration of war," Mr. Lochiel averred204. "The Maoris are very demonstrative in oratory205, 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 tints206 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 [Pg 88] 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 incarnate207 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 savage133 warfare208. 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 landmarks209 which must be paid for in blood?"
"All depends upon whether the peace party in the House is strong enough to defeat the machinery210 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."
[Pg 89]
Nothing could possibly have been suggested more in accordance with our hero's tastes and inclinations211, and he congratulated himself on his prospects212 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 dispense213 with any change of attire, as the dusk was closing in and Mrs. Lochiel was absent on a visit. When they reached the mansion34, beautifully situated214 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, replete215 with pictures, casts, curios—a most generous assortment216 of objets d'art, evidently the fruits of a lengthened217 continental218 ramble219; "things are much changed since Thornton and I bought that island you see out under the line of moon-rays, from the reigning220 chief, more than thirty years ago. He and I lived there for many a day, chiefly upon pork, fish, potatoes, and oysters221. 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 solitary222 acre, where Auckland now stands—'nor roof, nor latched223 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, [Pg 90] 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, destined224 to perform its function notably225 as a component226 part of the British Empire.
"This is hardly progress," he exclaimed. "It is transformation227!"
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1 decided | |
adj.决定了的,坚决的;明显的,明确的 | |
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2 fully | |
adv.完全地,全部地,彻底地;充分地 | |
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3 marine | |
adj.海的;海生的;航海的;海事的;n.水兵 | |
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4 glide | |
n./v.溜,滑行;(时间)消逝 | |
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5 unwilling | |
adj.不情愿的 | |
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6 laden | |
adj.装满了的;充满了的;负了重担的;苦恼的 | |
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7 vessel | |
n.船舶;容器,器皿;管,导管,血管 | |
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8 stewards | |
(轮船、飞机等的)乘务员( steward的名词复数 ); (俱乐部、旅馆、工会等的)管理员; (大型活动的)组织者; (私人家中的)管家 | |
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9 speculation | |
n.思索,沉思;猜测;投机 | |
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10 prematurely | |
adv.过早地,贸然地 | |
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11 shipwreck | |
n.船舶失事,海难 | |
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12 supreme | |
adj.极度的,最重要的;至高的,最高的 | |
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13 discomfort | |
n.不舒服,不安,难过,困难,不方便 | |
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14 gale | |
n.大风,强风,一阵闹声(尤指笑声等) | |
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15 rendering | |
n.表现,描写 | |
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16 defiant | |
adj.无礼的,挑战的 | |
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17 abated | |
减少( abate的过去式和过去分词 ); 减去; 降价; 撤消(诉讼) | |
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18 narrated | |
v.故事( narrate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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19 wayfarers | |
n.旅人,(尤指)徒步旅行者( wayfarer的名词复数 ) | |
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20 cape | |
n.海角,岬;披肩,短披风 | |
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21 haven | |
n.安全的地方,避难所,庇护所 | |
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22 noted | |
adj.著名的,知名的 | |
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23 volcanic | |
adj.火山的;象火山的;由火山引起的 | |
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24 guardian | |
n.监护人;守卫者,保护者 | |
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25 panorama | |
n.全景,全景画,全景摄影,全景照片[装置] | |
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26 enchanting | |
a.讨人喜欢的 | |
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27 eminences | |
卓越( eminence的名词复数 ); 著名; 高地; 山丘 | |
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28 winding | |
n.绕,缠,绕组,线圈 | |
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29 creeks | |
n.小湾( creek的名词复数 );小港;小河;小溪 | |
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30 estuaries | |
(江河入海的)河口,河口湾( estuary的名词复数 ) | |
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31 villas | |
别墅,公馆( villa的名词复数 ); (城郊)住宅 | |
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32 pretentious | |
adj.自命不凡的,自负的,炫耀的 | |
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33 mansions | |
n.宅第,公馆,大厦( mansion的名词复数 ) | |
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34 mansion | |
n.大厦,大楼;宅第 | |
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35 wharves | |
n.码头,停泊处( wharf的名词复数 ) | |
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36 warehouses | |
仓库,货栈( warehouse的名词复数 ) | |
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37 attire | |
v.穿衣,装扮[同]array;n.衣着;盛装 | |
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38 ken | |
n.视野,知识领域 | |
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39 aristocrat | |
n.贵族,有贵族气派的人,上层人物 | |
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40 deductions | |
扣除( deduction的名词复数 ); 结论; 扣除的量; 推演 | |
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41 condemnation | |
n.谴责; 定罪 | |
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42 depreciation | |
n.价值低落,贬值,蔑视,贬低 | |
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43 query | |
n.疑问,问号,质问;vt.询问,表示怀疑 | |
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44 guise | |
n.外表,伪装的姿态 | |
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45 survivors | |
幸存者,残存者,生还者( survivor的名词复数 ) | |
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46 emigrant | |
adj.移居的,移民的;n.移居外国的人,移民 | |
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47 stimulated | |
a.刺激的 | |
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48 wholesale | |
n.批发;adv.以批发方式;vt.批发,成批出售 | |
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49 applied | |
adj.应用的;v.应用,适用 | |
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50 insidiously | |
潜在地,隐伏地,阴险地 | |
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51 confiscate | |
v.没收(私人财产),把…充公 | |
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52 miserable | |
adj.悲惨的,痛苦的;可怜的,糟糕的 | |
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53 pretence | |
n.假装,作假;借口,口实;虚伪;虚饰 | |
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54 barter | |
n.物物交换,以货易货,实物交易 | |
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55 proceedings | |
n.进程,过程,议程;诉讼(程序);公报 | |
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56 colonizing | |
v.开拓殖民地,移民于殖民地( colonize的现在分词 ) | |
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57 promptly | |
adv.及时地,敏捷地 | |
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58 maxim | |
n.格言,箴言 | |
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59 grilled | |
adj. 烤的, 炙过的, 有格子的 动词grill的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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60 incipient | |
adj.起初的,发端的,初期的 | |
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61 avocations | |
n.业余爱好,嗜好( avocation的名词复数 );职业 | |
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62 vocation | |
n.职业,行业 | |
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63 heterogeneous | |
adj.庞杂的;异类的 | |
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64 sanguine | |
adj.充满希望的,乐观的,血红色的 | |
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65 throb | |
v.震颤,颤动;(急速强烈地)跳动,搏动 | |
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66 opulence | |
n.财富,富裕 | |
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67 burgeoning | |
adj.迅速成长的,迅速发展的v.发芽,抽枝( burgeon的现在分词 );迅速发展;发(芽),抽(枝) | |
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68 glorified | |
美其名的,变荣耀的 | |
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69 absolve | |
v.赦免,解除(责任等) | |
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70 toil | |
vi.辛劳工作,艰难地行动;n.苦工,难事 | |
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71 judicious | |
adj.明智的,明断的,能作出明智决定的 | |
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72 retirement | |
n.退休,退职 | |
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73 upwards | |
adv.向上,在更高处...以上 | |
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74 necessitating | |
使…成为必要,需要( necessitate的现在分词 ) | |
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75 inception | |
n.开端,开始,取得学位 | |
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76 immediate | |
adj.立即的;直接的,最接近的;紧靠的 | |
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77 alpine | |
adj.高山的;n.高山植物 | |
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78 entirely | |
ad.全部地,完整地;完全地,彻底地 | |
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79 ascent | |
n.(声望或地位)提高;上升,升高;登高 | |
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80 prospect | |
n.前景,前途;景色,视野 | |
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81 isthmus | |
n.地峡 | |
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82 boundless | |
adj.无限的;无边无际的;巨大的 | |
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83 shimmering | |
v.闪闪发光,发微光( shimmer的现在分词 ) | |
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84 lesser | |
adj.次要的,较小的;adv.较小地,较少地 | |
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85 ridge | |
n.山脊;鼻梁;分水岭 | |
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86 loomed | |
v.隐约出现,阴森地逼近( loom的过去式和过去分词 );隐约出现,阴森地逼近 | |
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87 westward | |
n.西方,西部;adj.西方的,向西的;adv.向西 | |
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88 farmhouses | |
n.农舍,农场的主要住房( farmhouse的名词复数 ) | |
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89 craters | |
n.火山口( crater的名词复数 );弹坑等 | |
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90 fodder | |
n.草料;炮灰 | |
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91 flattened | |
[医](水)平扁的,弄平的 | |
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92 remains | |
n.剩余物,残留物;遗体,遗迹 | |
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93 inspection | |
n.检查,审查,检阅 | |
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94 mouldering | |
v.腐朽( moulder的现在分词 );腐烂,崩塌 | |
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95 abodes | |
住所( abode的名词复数 ); 公寓; (在某地的)暂住; 逗留 | |
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96 fortresses | |
堡垒,要塞( fortress的名词复数 ) | |
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97 garnered | |
v.收集并(通常)贮藏(某物),取得,获得( garner的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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98 contentedly | |
adv.心满意足地 | |
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99 odds | |
n.让步,机率,可能性,比率;胜败优劣之别 | |
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100 immortal | |
adj.不朽的;永生的,不死的;神的 | |
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101 favourably | |
adv. 善意地,赞成地 =favorably | |
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102 spacious | |
adj.广阔的,宽敞的 | |
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103 limned | |
v.画( limn的过去式和过去分词 );勾画;描写;描述 | |
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104 prodigality | |
n.浪费,挥霍 | |
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105 pathos | |
n.哀婉,悲怆 | |
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106 likeness | |
n.相像,相似(之处) | |
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107 wondrous | |
adj.令人惊奇的,奇妙的;adv.惊人地;异乎寻常地;令人惊叹地 | |
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108 supple | |
adj.柔软的,易弯的,逢迎的,顺从的,灵活的;vt.使柔软,使柔顺,使顺从;vi.变柔软,变柔顺 | |
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109 complexion | |
n.肤色;情况,局面;气质,性格 | |
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110 remarkable | |
adj.显著的,异常的,非凡的,值得注意的 | |
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111 specimen | |
n.样本,标本 | |
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112 purely | |
adv.纯粹地,完全地 | |
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113 resolutely | |
adj.坚决地,果断地 | |
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114 sketch | |
n.草图;梗概;素描;v.素描;概述 | |
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115 plentifully | |
adv. 许多地,丰饶地 | |
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116 inordinate | |
adj.无节制的;过度的 | |
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117 vice | |
n.坏事;恶习;[pl.]台钳,老虎钳;adj.副的 | |
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118 recipients | |
adj.接受的;受领的;容纳的;愿意接受的n.收件人;接受者;受领者;接受器 | |
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119 exhortations | |
n.敦促( exhortation的名词复数 );极力推荐;(正式的)演讲;(宗教仪式中的)劝诫 | |
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120 compendious | |
adj.简要的,精简的 | |
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121 affluence | |
n.充裕,富足 | |
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122 accredited | |
adj.可接受的;可信任的;公认的;质量合格的v.相信( accredit的过去式和过去分词 );委托;委任;把…归结于 | |
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123 colonist | |
n.殖民者,移民 | |
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124 tribal | |
adj.部族的,种族的 | |
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125 gunpowder | |
n.火药 | |
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126 axe | |
n.斧子;v.用斧头砍,削减 | |
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127 queried | |
v.质疑,对…表示疑问( query的过去式和过去分词 );询问 | |
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128 delude | |
vt.欺骗;哄骗 | |
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129 inquiry | |
n.打听,询问,调查,查问 | |
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130 commissioners | |
n.专员( commissioner的名词复数 );长官;委员;政府部门的长官 | |
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131 impartial | |
adj.(in,to)公正的,无偏见的 | |
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132 countenance | |
n.脸色,面容;面部表情;vt.支持,赞同 | |
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133 savage | |
adj.野蛮的;凶恶的,残暴的;n.未开化的人 | |
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134 lapsed | |
adj.流失的,堕落的v.退步( lapse的过去式和过去分词 );陷入;倒退;丧失 | |
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135 expressive | |
adj.表现的,表达…的,富于表情的 | |
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136 vernacular | |
adj.地方的,用地方语写成的;n.白话;行话;本国语;动植物的俗名 | |
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137 inured | |
adj.坚强的,习惯的 | |
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138 warrior | |
n.勇士,武士,斗士 | |
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139 concealment | |
n.隐藏, 掩盖,隐瞒 | |
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140 ministry | |
n.(政府的)部;牧师 | |
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141 feuds | |
n.长期不和,世仇( feud的名词复数 ) | |
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142 hereditary | |
adj.遗传的,遗传性的,可继承的,世袭的 | |
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143 missionaries | |
n.传教士( missionary的名词复数 ) | |
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144 disapprove | |
v.不赞成,不同意,不批准 | |
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145 colonists | |
n.殖民地开拓者,移民,殖民地居民( colonist的名词复数 ) | |
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146 folly | |
n.愚笨,愚蠢,蠢事,蠢行,傻话 | |
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147 injustice | |
n.非正义,不公正,不公平,侵犯(别人的)权利 | |
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148 straightforward | |
adj.正直的,坦率的;易懂的,简单的 | |
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149 grit | |
n.沙粒,决心,勇气;v.下定决心,咬紧牙关 | |
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150 degenerate | |
v.退步,堕落;adj.退步的,堕落的;n.堕落者 | |
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151 awfully | |
adv.可怕地,非常地,极端地 | |
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152 violation | |
n.违反(行为),违背(行为),侵犯 | |
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153 tedium | |
n.单调;烦闷 | |
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154 necessitated | |
使…成为必要,需要( necessitate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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155 tattooed | |
v.刺青,文身( tattoo的过去式和过去分词 );连续有节奏地敲击;作连续有节奏的敲击 | |
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156 grimaced | |
v.扮鬼相,做鬼脸( grimace的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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157 musket | |
n.滑膛枪 | |
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158 countenances | |
n.面容( countenance的名词复数 );表情;镇静;道义支持 | |
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159 protruded | |
v.(使某物)伸出,(使某物)突出( protrude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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160 longing | |
n.(for)渴望 | |
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161 possessed | |
adj.疯狂的;拥有的,占有的 | |
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162 thigh | |
n.大腿;股骨 | |
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163 offender | |
n.冒犯者,违反者,犯罪者 | |
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164 stunned | |
adj. 震惊的,惊讶的 动词stun的过去式和过去分词 | |
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165 meddle | |
v.干预,干涉,插手 | |
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166 peculiar | |
adj.古怪的,异常的;特殊的,特有的 | |
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167 frenzy | |
n.疯狂,狂热,极度的激动 | |
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168 discomfiture | |
n.崩溃;大败;挫败;困惑 | |
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169 obstinate | |
adj.顽固的,倔强的,不易屈服的,较难治愈的 | |
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170 conflagration | |
n.建筑物或森林大火 | |
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171 expenditure | |
n.(时间、劳力、金钱等)支出;使用,消耗 | |
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172 insufficient | |
adj.(for,of)不足的,不够的 | |
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173 idiotic | |
adj.白痴的 | |
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174 revolving | |
adj.旋转的,轮转式的;循环的v.(使)旋转( revolve的现在分词 );细想 | |
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175 sensational | |
adj.使人感动的,非常好的,轰动的,耸人听闻的 | |
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176 assuage | |
v.缓和,减轻,镇定 | |
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177 pangs | |
突然的剧痛( pang的名词复数 ); 悲痛 | |
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178 potent | |
adj.强有力的,有权势的;有效力的 | |
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179 anodyne | |
n.解除痛苦的东西,止痛剂 | |
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180 diplomacy | |
n.外交;外交手腕,交际手腕 | |
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181 juncture | |
n.时刻,关键时刻,紧要关头 | |
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182 commendable | |
adj.值得称赞的 | |
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183 colloquial | |
adj.口语的,会话的 | |
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184 proficiency | |
n.精通,熟练,精练 | |
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185 sonorous | |
adj.响亮的,回响的;adv.圆润低沉地;感人地;n.感人,堂皇 | |
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186 ticklish | |
adj.怕痒的;问题棘手的;adv.怕痒地;n.怕痒,小心处理 | |
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187 jack | |
n.插座,千斤顶,男人;v.抬起,提醒,扛举;n.(Jake)杰克 | |
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188 cartridges | |
子弹( cartridge的名词复数 ); (打印机的)墨盒; 录音带盒; (唱机的)唱头 | |
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189 touchy | |
adj.易怒的;棘手的 | |
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190 mere | |
adj.纯粹的;仅仅,只不过 | |
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191 martial | |
adj.战争的,军事的,尚武的,威武的 | |
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192 levying | |
征(兵)( levy的现在分词 ); 索取; 发动(战争); 征税 | |
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193 merged | |
(使)混合( merge的过去式和过去分词 ); 相融; 融入; 渐渐消失在某物中 | |
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194 kindly | |
adj.和蔼的,温和的,爽快的;adv.温和地,亲切地 | |
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195 standing | |
n.持续,地位;adj.永久的,不动的,直立的,不流动的 | |
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196 bluff | |
v.虚张声势,用假象骗人;n.虚张声势,欺骗 | |
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197 spoke | |
n.(车轮的)辐条;轮辐;破坏某人的计划;阻挠某人的行动 v.讲,谈(speak的过去式);说;演说;从某种观点来说 | |
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198 moodily | |
adv.喜怒无常地;情绪多变地;心情不稳地;易生气地 | |
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199 resonant | |
adj.(声音)洪亮的,共鸣的 | |
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200 assent | |
v.批准,认可;n.批准,认可 | |
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201 defiance | |
n.挑战,挑衅,蔑视,违抗 | |
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202 warriors | |
武士,勇士,战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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203 slaughtering | |
v.屠杀,杀戮,屠宰( slaughter的现在分词 ) | |
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204 averred | |
v.断言( aver的过去式和过去分词 );证实;证明…属实;作为事实提出 | |
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205 oratory | |
n.演讲术;词藻华丽的言辞 | |
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206 tints | |
色彩( tint的名词复数 ); 带白的颜色; (淡色)染发剂; 痕迹 | |
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207 incarnate | |
adj.化身的,人体化的,肉色的 | |
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208 warfare | |
n.战争(状态);斗争;冲突 | |
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209 landmarks | |
n.陆标( landmark的名词复数 );目标;(标志重要阶段的)里程碑 ~ (in sth);有历史意义的建筑物(或遗址) | |
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210 machinery | |
n.(总称)机械,机器;机构 | |
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211 inclinations | |
倾向( inclination的名词复数 ); 倾斜; 爱好; 斜坡 | |
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212 prospects | |
n.希望,前途(恒为复数) | |
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213 dispense | |
vt.分配,分发;配(药),发(药);实施 | |
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214 situated | |
adj.坐落在...的,处于某种境地的 | |
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215 replete | |
adj.饱满的,塞满的;n.贮蜜蚁 | |
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216 assortment | |
n.分类,各色俱备之物,聚集 | |
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217 lengthened | |
(时间或空间)延长,伸长( lengthen的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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218 continental | |
adj.大陆的,大陆性的,欧洲大陆的 | |
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219 ramble | |
v.漫步,漫谈,漫游;n.漫步,闲谈,蔓延 | |
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220 reigning | |
adj.统治的,起支配作用的 | |
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221 oysters | |
牡蛎( oyster的名词复数 ) | |
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222 solitary | |
adj.孤独的,独立的,荒凉的;n.隐士 | |
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223 latched | |
v.理解( latch的过去式和过去分词 );纠缠;用碰锁锁上(门等);附着(在某物上) | |
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224 destined | |
adj.命中注定的;(for)以…为目的地的 | |
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225 notably | |
adv.值得注意地,显著地,尤其地,特别地 | |
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226 component | |
n.组成部分,成分,元件;adj.组成的,合成的 | |
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227 transformation | |
n.变化;改造;转变 | |
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