Fully1 convinced that it behoved him to walk warily2, 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 determined3 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 collateral4 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 favourably5 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, musingly6, "that these marvellous islands should have remained unknown, unoccupied wastes, and, but for a few tribes of splendid barbarians7, unpeopled, until the early years of the present century! Providence8 has marked them out for another home of our restless race. Another England, beneath the Cross of the South! An outlet9, how gracious and timely, for the 'hardly entreated10 brother' who so often [Pg 92] languishes11 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 nominal12 purchase-money?"
Then, not intending to confine himself entirely13 to one set of advisers14, he decided15 to look up Mr. Dudley Slyde. He found that gentleman in an upper chamber16 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 promptly17 relinquished18 his task, and, taking a chair near a press marked "Native Titles," drew forth19 a box of cigars, and, lighting20 one, exhorted21 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. Touchy22 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."
[Pg 93]
"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?"
"Precisely23. I see you're getting colonized24. 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 premises25 is more likely than not to be at the expense, literally26 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 obstinate27 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 holder28 in this said block, is a [Pg 94] 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 Provincial29 Council, the Ministry30, 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 wondrous31 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 gnome32, "the mid-earth's swarthy child," still murmured audibly; where boiling fountains hissed34 and gurgled, unchilled by the wintry blast; where fairy terraces, lustrous35 in lace-like tracery, lay shining, [Pg 95] translucent36, under summer moon or winter dawn; where the unsophisticated inhabitants of this weird37 and magical region, all ignorant of the clothes philosophy, revelled38 from morn to eve in the luxurious39 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 beheld40 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 missionary41, 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 bazaar42 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."
[Pg 96]
Acting43 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 stout45 half-bred grey mare46 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 emigrant48 Briton, with his thick boots, his rough tweeds, Crimean shirt, and brand-new valise or saddlebags, [Pg 97] that such an apparition49 hardly excited more surprise than in the Australian colonies. There, a hundred years of colonization50 have settled the race in personal habitudes descriptive of every shade of road travel, town dwelling51, ordinary wayfaring52 or desert exploration. One glance there is sufficient to determine, not only the station in life, but the immediate53 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 "garb54 of old Gaul," which the clansmen from Aberfoil or Glengarry not infrequently sported, as useful, dignified55, and ornamental56, only received a passing glance, or gave rise to a transient observation from a native as to the peculiar57 description of lunacy to which the pakehas were subject.
When, therefore, Roland Massinger left Auckland one fine morning, riding his gallant58 grey, with the trusty double-barrel on his shoulder, a navy revolver in his belt, and a miscellaneous assortment60 of useful articles dispersed61 about himself and his charger, no one seemed disposed to remark unnecessarily, or to make jeering62 remarks upon his outfit63.
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.
[Pg 98]
"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 Herald64, 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 murmur33 an assent65 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 calf66, above laced-up shooting-boots of great strength and thickness of sole. A wide-brimmed felt hat, and [Pg 99] a Crimean shirt, completed attire67 which was eminently68 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 perfectly69 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?" queried70 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 trifling71 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 encumber72 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."
[Pg 100]
"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 astonishment73.
"The land of wonders, indeed!" he soliloquized. "The people, as well as the land, seem mysteries and enigmas74. 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 immortal75 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 invaluable76 as an interpreter."
Preliminaries are hateful things at best, but after the usual hindrances77 a start was made tolerably early in the day, and ere long our hero was inducted into the peculiarities78 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 noted80 for their pedestrian prowess.
So, with Warwick leading the way with the packhorse, and he himself doughtily81 surmounting82 rock or [Pg 101] log, or thrusting between brambles and climbers, he realized that he was at length actively83 engaged in the adventurous84 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 bestowing86 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 previously87 described. All the available stopping-places on the road were thoroughly88 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 prone89 to linger, no great progress was made. However, time being no object, they wandered along in a leisurely90 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 bosom91 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 groves92—actual groves, as he exclaimed—of peach and cherry trees planted by the missionaries93 in past days. Then leaving the river, they entered on the great Waikato plain.
[Pg 102]
"All this is very pleasant," he said one morning; "though, but for the absence of red-tiled farmhouses94 and smock-wearing yokels95, 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 pristine96 glory unsullied by pakeha companionship."
"I think I can manage that for you," replied Warwick, with an amused smile, "between here and Oxford97."
"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 wayfarer98. "I must have chiefs. A real Rangatira."
"I believe Waka Nene, warrior99, 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 necessitated100 a considerable detour101, not always accomplished102 without difficulty, and obstacles which seemed to multiply the fatigues103 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 [Pg 103] 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 foliage104, 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 parasites105, 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 encumbered106 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 covert107. What chance, then, Massinger thought, would British regulars have against the guerilla tactics of this stubborn, fearless, yet crafty108 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 bestowed109 behind a fallen tree, or protected by a thicket110 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 refreshment111. Rows of that magnificent fern, Dicksonia, fully thirty feet in height, towered [Pg 104] over the banks of the rushing streamlet; a level patch of verdure near the bank provided a tempting112 lounge, as well as a table on which to arrange their humble113 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 loomed115 the curved shoulder of a snow-crowned mountain. The ocean again rose to view. A winding116 river threaded the fields and pastures of a broad meadow. Tiny columns of smoke ascended117 from a collection of reed-constructed cabins. And with a distinct relaxation118 of feature, the guide pronounced the word Kainga—"Here is our stage for the night."
It was, indeed, a native village, or more strictly119 speaking, a "township." For there were, besides a considerable population, distinctive120 and representative features which in ancient Britain would have entitled it to the appellation121 of a castrum—witness Doncaster, Colchester, Winchester, and the like.
Above the alluvial122 flat, on the scarped and terraced hill, rose the pah, or fortress123 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 [Pg 105] no rifle-pits. Fancy climbing up these precipices124 to find a double line of desperate warriors125 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 garrison126 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 tortuous127 forest range, girt on each side by precipitous gorges128 and rugged129 intervening eminences130.
"Triple lines of palisading guarded the front, while the crest131 of the ridge44 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 junction47 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 wilderness132 for to see"—specially and in spite of its being a tolerably large and important hapu, or section of the great Ngatiawa tribe, with [Pg 106] whom relations were certainly strained. His adventurous soul was stirred within him, as he marked the position of the wharepuni, or council-hall, imposing133 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 ponies134, straying about in careless intermixture; the warriors of the tribe holding aloof135 in haughty136 independence, the "grave and reverend seigneurs" sitting in a circle, indulging in converse137—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 bestow85.
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 standing138, relinquished their attitudes of dignified ease for those of watchful139 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 foresight141 and judgment142. Overlooking the river, winding through a fertile meadow, which showed by its careful and intense cultivation143 how the principal food-supply of the tribe was furnished, it was protected by the almost [Pg 107] perpendicular144 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 dread145 majesty146 and sublimity147, and but a few miles to the eastward148, calm in the fading light, lay the placid149 waters of a lake. Strangely beautiful as was the whole landscape, wanting no element which in other lands excites wonder or arouses admiration150, there was yet a feeling of undefined doubt, amounting to suspicion of evil, as his eye roved over the unfamiliar151 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 firmament152. 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 majestic153 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 appreciation155 of elocutionary effort; and a free translation by his guide would have doubtless confirmed [Pg 108] the entente156 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 sufficiently157 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, apparently158 of great age, approached to greet the strangers, and, after exchanging a few sentences of an interrogatory nature, pointed159 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 tenement160 was indicated, in a less formal way, as provided for his companion, the difference of their positions being accurately161 understood. Indeed, the socialists162 of the day would be rather scandalized at the gulf163 which separates the Maori aristocrat79, 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 deference164, mingled140 with apprehension165, by the women, the slaves and the rank and file of the tribal166 section, or hapu, to which he was born, no wonder that he grew up with the traditional qualities imputed167 to the medi?val aristocrat.
He was the robber-baron of the Rhine; he was the untrammelled seigneur of the time of Louis [Pg 109] Quatorze; he was the piratical Viking of the Norse legends.
He raided his weaker neighbours; he descended168 upon defenceless coast settlements; he organized carefully thought-out plans of invasion, alliance, or reprisal169. He was comprehensively merciless in war, slaying170 and enslaving at will. But he possessed171, by the strongest contemporary evidence, the corresponding virtues172. He was brave to recklessness, chivalrous173 to a degree unknown in modern warfare174, sending notice of attack, in ordinary cases, before the commencement of hostilities175; and, in well-authenticated instances, even forwarding ammunition176 to the enemy who had run short of powder, invariably choosing death before dishonour177. And he was religious after his own fashion, recognizing superior as well as inferior deities178 and supernatural personages, whom it was important to honour and conciliate. He was at all times ready to die for his principles, or in vindication179 of his dignity and hereditary180 position.
Roland Massinger, when he found himself in full possession of the whare, which had been floored with clean fern, and even adorned181 with several bunches of the beautiful crimson182 rata and pohutukawa blossoms, began to revolve59 the strange chain of circumstances which had led to his finding himself the honoured guest of this sub-section of a more or less ferocious183 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 [Pg 110] aroused, and the boding184 scream of the Hokioi thrilling all hearts, the position of an isolated185 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 abstain186 from exploration of this wonderful country. It was not worse than Africa, whence many an Englishman had returned rich and distinguished187. Whatever happened, he was embarked188 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 civilized189 habitation was visible. No sound broke the stillness of the night, save the murmuring voices of the dwellers190 in this strange settlement of primitive191 humanity. Habitudes common to all societies, rude or civilized, were not wanting. Women talked and laughed, children prattled192 or lamented193, 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 [Pg 111] 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 abode194. 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 dissent195, 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 maidens196, who, with flashing eyes, animated198 gestures, and caressing199 tones, sought to make the pakeha rangatira understand that the arrangement would be much to his advantage.
The guide spoke154 to them in the native tongue, extolling200 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 persistency201 with which they urged their argument, that, after asking [Pg 112] 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 complexions202 had he seen before, due to the intermixture of the races, by no means uncommon203 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, [Pg 113] 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, laboriously204 prepared, till it almost resembled silk in texture205 and appearance; a portion of it was dyed black, and worked in small diamond-shaped patterns, surmounted206 by long white fringes.
It might almost have been woven in a loom114, such was the precision with which the fine twisted flax threads crossed each other at intervals207. 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 unreasonable208 time to devote to its manufacture. Gracefully210 draped over one rounded shoulder, it fell in folds over a striped woollen undergarment reaching below the knees, permitting the free, graceful209, 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 Ph?bus 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."
[Pg 114]
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 emboldened211, 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 maiden197, in a low rich voice, and with perfect intonation212. "For the danger, I cannot speak. There may be, if war breaks out; but Maoris do not kill white strangers unless they have a motive213. 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 belle214 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 fixedly215 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 glided216 forward, and, threading [Pg 115] the group, stood before the chief, with whom she conversed217 earnestly for some minutes, after which she reappeared.
"The chief says that you must go at your own peril218. There might be danger if war is declared. But he does not think you will be interfered219 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 Christian220. 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 [Pg 116] night; the savage221 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 innocence222.
"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 countenance223 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 promising224 or more in accordance with Roland's feelings. His guide, who had contented225 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, [Pg 117] 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 inclination226 to do; so, after smoking a couple of pipes in front of their temporary castle, producing tobacco, and distributing largesse227 of the same in free fashion, which conduced to his instant popularity, he lay down in his whare enveloped228 in rugs and coverings, where the rippling229 river lulled230 him into sleep so sound that the chatter231 of the village gossips, and even the baying of the dogs, which occasionally broke into chorus, had no power to disturb it.
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1
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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warily
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| adv.留心地 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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collateral
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| adj.平行的；旁系的；n.担保品 | |
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favourably
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| adv. 善意地，赞成地 =favorably | |
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musingly
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| adv.沉思地，冥想地 | |
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7
barbarians
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| n.野蛮人( barbarian的名词复数 )；外国人；粗野的人；无教养的人 | |
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providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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outlet
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| n.出口/路；销路；批发商店；通风口；发泄 | |
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entreated
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| 恳求，乞求( entreat的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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languishes
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| 长期受苦( languish的第三人称单数 )； 受折磨； 变得（越来越）衰弱； 因渴望而变得憔悴或闷闷不乐 | |
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12
nominal
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| adj.名义上的；(金额、租金)微不足道的 | |
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13
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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14
advisers
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| 顾问，劝告者( adviser的名词复数 )； （指导大学新生学科问题等的）指导教授 | |
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15
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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16
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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17
promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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18
relinquished
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| 交出，让给( relinquish的过去式和过去分词 )； 放弃 | |
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19
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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20
lighting
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| n.照明，光线的明暗，舞台灯光 | |
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21
exhorted
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| v.劝告，劝说( exhort的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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22
touchy
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| adj.易怒的；棘手的 | |
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23
precisely
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| adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地 | |
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24
colonized
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| 开拓殖民地，移民于殖民地( colonize的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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25
premises
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| n.建筑物，房屋 | |
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26
literally
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| adv.照字面意义，逐字地；确实 | |
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27
obstinate
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| adj.顽固的，倔强的，不易屈服的，较难治愈的 | |
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28
holder
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| n.持有者，占有者；(台，架等)支持物 | |
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29
provincial
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| adj.省的，地方的；n．外省人，乡下人 | |
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30
ministry
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| n.(政府的)部；牧师 | |
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31
wondrous
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| 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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32
gnome
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| n.土地神；侏儒，地精 | |
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33
murmur
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| n.低语，低声的怨言；v.低语，低声而言 | |
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34
hissed
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| 发嘶嘶声( hiss的过去式和过去分词 )； 发嘘声表示反对 | |
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35
lustrous
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| adj.有光泽的；光辉的 | |
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36
translucent
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| adj.半透明的；透明的 | |
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37
weird
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| adj.古怪的，离奇的；怪诞的，神秘而可怕的 | |
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38
revelled
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| v.作乐( revel的过去式和过去分词 )；狂欢；着迷；陶醉 | |
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39
luxurious
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| adj.精美而昂贵的；豪华的 | |
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40
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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41
missionary
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| adj.教会的，传教(士)的；n.传教士 | |
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42
bazaar
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| n.集市，商店集中区 | |
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43
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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44
ridge
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| n.山脊；鼻梁；分水岭 | |
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46
mare
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| n.母马，母驴 | |
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47
junction
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| n.连接，接合；交叉点，接合处，枢纽站 | |
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48
emigrant
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| adj.移居的，移民的；n.移居外国的人，移民 | |
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49
apparition
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| n.幽灵，神奇的现象 | |
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50
colonization
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| 殖民地的开拓，殖民，殖民地化； 移殖 | |
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51
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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52
wayfaring
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| adj.旅行的n.徒步旅行 | |
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53
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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54
garb
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| n.服装，装束 | |
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55
dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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56
ornamental
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| adj.装饰的；作装饰用的；n.装饰品；观赏植物 | |
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57
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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58
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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59
revolve
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| vi.(使)旋转；循环出现 | |
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60
assortment
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| n.分类，各色俱备之物，聚集 | |
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61
dispersed
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| adj. 被驱散的, 被分散的, 散布的 | |
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62
jeering
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| adj.嘲弄的，揶揄的v.嘲笑( jeer的现在分词 ) | |
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63
outfit
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| n.（为特殊用途的）全套装备，全套服装 | |
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64
herald
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| vt.预示...的来临，预告，宣布，欢迎 | |
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assent
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| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
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66
calf
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| n.小牛，犊，幼仔，小牛皮 | |
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67
attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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68
eminently
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| adv.突出地；显著地；不寻常地 | |
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69
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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70
queried
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| v.质疑，对…表示疑问( query的过去式和过去分词 )；询问 | |
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71
trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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72
encumber
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| v.阻碍行动，妨碍，堆满 | |
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73
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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74
enigmas
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| n.难于理解的问题、人、物、情况等，奥秘( enigma的名词复数 ) | |
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75
immortal
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| adj.不朽的；永生的，不死的；神的 | |
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76
invaluable
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| adj.无价的，非常宝贵的，极为贵重的 | |
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77
hindrances
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| 阻碍者( hindrance的名词复数 )； 障碍物； 受到妨碍的状态 | |
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78
peculiarities
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| n. 特质, 特性, 怪癖, 古怪 | |
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79
aristocrat
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| n.贵族，有贵族气派的人，上层人物 | |
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80
noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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81
doughtily
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| adv.强地，勇敢地 | |
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82
surmounting
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| 战胜( surmount的现在分词 )； 克服（困难）； 居于…之上； 在…顶上 | |
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83
actively
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| adv.积极地，勤奋地 | |
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84
adventurous
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| adj.爱冒险的；惊心动魄的，惊险的，刺激的 | |
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85
bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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86
bestowing
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| 砖窑中砖堆上层已烧透的砖 | |
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87
previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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88
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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89
prone
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| adj.(to)易于…的，很可能…的；俯卧的 | |
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leisurely
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| adj.悠闲的；从容的，慢慢的 | |
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91
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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92
groves
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| 树丛，小树林( grove的名词复数 ) | |
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93
missionaries
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| n.传教士( missionary的名词复数 ) | |
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94
farmhouses
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| n.农舍，农场的主要住房( farmhouse的名词复数 ) | |
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95
yokels
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| n.乡下佬，土包子( yokel的名词复数 ) | |
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96
pristine
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| adj.原来的，古时的，原始的，纯净的，无垢的 | |
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97
Oxford
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| n.牛津（英国城市） | |
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98
wayfarer
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| n.旅人 | |
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99
warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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100
necessitated
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| 使…成为必要，需要( necessitate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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101
detour
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| n.绕行的路，迂回路；v.迂回，绕道 | |
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102
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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103
fatigues
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| n.疲劳( fatigue的名词复数 )；杂役；厌倦；（士兵穿的）工作服 | |
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104
foliage
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| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
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105
parasites
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| 寄生物( parasite的名词复数 )； 靠他人为生的人； 诸虫 | |
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106
encumbered
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| v.妨碍，阻碍，拖累( encumber的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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107
covert
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| adj.隐藏的；暗地里的 | |
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108
crafty
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| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
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109
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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110
thicket
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| n.灌木丛，树林 | |
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111
refreshment
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| n.恢复，精神爽快，提神之事物；（复数）refreshments:点心，茶点 | |
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112
tempting
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| a.诱人的, 吸引人的 | |
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113
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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114
loom
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| n.织布机，织机；v.隐现，(危险、忧虑等)迫近 | |
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115
loomed
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| 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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116
winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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117
ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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118
relaxation
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| n.松弛，放松；休息；消遣；娱乐 | |
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119
strictly
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| adv.严厉地，严格地；严密地 | |
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120
distinctive
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| adj.特别的，有特色的，与众不同的 | |
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121
appellation
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| n.名称，称呼 | |
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122
alluvial
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| adj.冲积的；淤积的 | |
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123
fortress
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| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
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124
precipices
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| n.悬崖，峭壁( precipice的名词复数 ) | |
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125
warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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126
garrison
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| n.卫戍部队；驻地，卫戍区；vt.派(兵)驻防 | |
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127
tortuous
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| adj.弯弯曲曲的，蜿蜒的 | |
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128
gorges
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| n.山峡，峡谷( gorge的名词复数 )；咽喉v.（用食物把自己）塞饱，填饱( gorge的第三人称单数 )；作呕 | |
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129
rugged
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| adj.高低不平的，粗糙的，粗壮的，强健的 | |
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130
eminences
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| 卓越( eminence的名词复数 )； 著名； 高地； 山丘 | |
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131
crest
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| n.顶点；饰章；羽冠；vt.达到顶点；vi.形成浪尖 | |
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132
wilderness
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| n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等，荒漠 | |
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133
imposing
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| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
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134
ponies
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| 矮种马，小型马( pony的名词复数 )； ￡25 25 英镑 | |
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135
aloof
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| adj.远离的；冷淡的，漠不关心的 | |
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136
haughty
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| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
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137
converse
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| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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138
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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139
watchful
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| adj.注意的，警惕的 | |
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140
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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141
foresight
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| n.先见之明，深谋远虑 | |
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142
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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143
cultivation
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| n.耕作，培养，栽培（法），养成 | |
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144
perpendicular
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| adj.垂直的，直立的；n.垂直线，垂直的位置 | |
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145
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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146
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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147
sublimity
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| 崇高，庄严，气质高尚 | |
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148
eastward
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| adv.向东；adj.向东的；n.东方，东部 | |
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149
placid
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| adj.安静的，平和的 | |
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150
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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151
unfamiliar
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| adj.陌生的，不熟悉的 | |
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152
firmament
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| n.苍穹；最高层 | |
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153
majestic
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| adj.雄伟的，壮丽的，庄严的，威严的，崇高的 | |
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154
spoke
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| 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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155
appreciation
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| n.评价；欣赏；感谢；领会，理解；价格上涨 | |
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156
entente
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| n.协定；有协定关系的各国 | |
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157
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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158
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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159
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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160
tenement
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| n.公寓；房屋 | |
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161
accurately
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| adv.准确地，精确地 | |
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162
socialists
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| 社会主义者( socialist的名词复数 ) | |
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163
gulf
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| n.海湾；深渊，鸿沟；分歧，隔阂 | |
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164
deference
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| n.尊重，顺从；敬意 | |
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165
apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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166
tribal
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| adj.部族的，种族的 | |
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167
imputed
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| v.把（错误等）归咎于( impute的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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168
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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169
reprisal
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| n.报复，报仇，报复性劫掠 | |
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170
slaying
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| 杀戮。 | |
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171
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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172
virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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173
chivalrous
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| adj.武士精神的；对女人彬彬有礼的 | |
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174
warfare
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| n.战争(状态)；斗争；冲突 | |
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175
hostilities
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| n.战争；敌意(hostility的复数)；敌对状态；战事 | |
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176
ammunition
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| n.军火，弹药 | |
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177
dishonour
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|
| n./vt.拒付（支票、汇票、票据等）；vt.凌辱，使丢脸；n.不名誉，耻辱，不光彩 | |
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178
deities
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| n.神，女神( deity的名词复数 )；神祗；神灵；神明 | |
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179
vindication
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| n.洗冤，证实 | |
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180
hereditary
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| adj.遗传的，遗传性的，可继承的，世袭的 | |
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181
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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182
crimson
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| n./adj.深(绯)红色(的)；vi.脸变绯红色 | |
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183
ferocious
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| adj.凶猛的，残暴的，极度的，十分强烈的 | |
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184
boding
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| adj.凶兆的，先兆的n.凶兆，前兆，预感v.预示，预告，预言( bode的现在分词 )；等待，停留( bide的过去分词 )；居住；（过去式用bided）等待 | |
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185
isolated
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| adj.与世隔绝的 | |
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186
abstain
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| v.自制，戒绝，弃权，避免 | |
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187
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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188
embarked
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| 乘船( embark的过去式和过去分词 )； 装载； 从事 | |
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189
civilized
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| a.有教养的，文雅的 | |
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190
dwellers
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| n.居民，居住者( dweller的名词复数 ) | |
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191
primitive
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| adj.原始的；简单的；n.原(始)人，原始事物 | |
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192
prattled
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| v.（小孩般）天真无邪地说话( prattle的过去式和过去分词 )；发出连续而无意义的声音；闲扯；东拉西扯 | |
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193
lamented
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| adj.被哀悼的，令人遗憾的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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194
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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195
dissent
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| n./v.不同意，持异议 | |
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196
maidens
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| 处女( maiden的名词复数 )； 少女； 未婚女子； （板球运动）未得分的一轮投球 | |
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197
maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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198
animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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199
caressing
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| 爱抚的，表现爱情的，亲切的 | |
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200
extolling
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| v.赞美( extoll的现在分词 )；赞颂，赞扬，赞美( extol的现在分词 ) | |
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201
persistency
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| n. 坚持(余辉, 时间常数) | |
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202
complexions
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| 肤色( complexion的名词复数 )； 面色； 局面； 性质 | |
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203
uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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204
laboriously
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| adv.艰苦地；费力地；辛勤地；（文体等）佶屈聱牙地 | |
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205
texture
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| n.(织物)质地；(材料)构造；结构；肌理 | |
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206
surmounted
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| 战胜( surmount的过去式和过去分词 )； 克服（困难）； 居于…之上； 在…顶上 | |
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207
intervals
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| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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208
unreasonable
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| adj.不讲道理的，不合情理的，过度的 | |
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209
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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210
gracefully
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| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
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211
emboldened
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| v.鼓励，使有胆量( embolden的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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212
intonation
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| n.语调，声调；发声 | |
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213
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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214
belle
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| n.靓女 | |
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215
fixedly
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| adv.固定地；不屈地，坚定不移地 | |
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216
glided
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| v.滑动( glide的过去式和过去分词 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
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217
conversed
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的过去式 ) | |
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218
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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219
interfered
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| v.干预( interfere的过去式和过去分词 )；调停；妨碍；干涉 | |
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220
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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221
savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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222
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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223
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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224
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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225
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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226
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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227
largesse
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| n.慷慨援助，施舍 | |
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228
enveloped
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| v.包围，笼罩，包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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229
rippling
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| 起涟漪的，潺潺流水般声音的 | |
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230
lulled
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| vt.使镇静，使安静（lull的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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231
chatter
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| vi.／n.喋喋不休；短促尖叫；(牙齿)打战 | |
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