"We are now on historic ground," said Warwick; "for, without counting Hinemoa—there is her island—all manner of legends abound7; some of them horrible enough in all conscience, ghastly to a degree," he continued, gazing across the lake. "Mokoia looks peaceful enough now, with scarcely a hundred people on it all told. Yet what tales those rocks could tell! The island was a grand resort for the tribe in the days before gunpowder8. In war-time they could paddle over from this side, and defy any enemy that had arrived on foot. There was no waterway to Rotorua. However, Hongi-ika-kai-tangata taught them a lesson."
"What was that?"
"When the tribe retired9 there, as usual, they did not [Pg 169] reckon on an unexpected move of the fiercest and most crafty10 chief of his day, and that is saying a good deal if all tales be true."
"How did he get over without boats; for I take it they didn't leave any canoes on the hither side?"
"Of course not. But he had plenty of man-power; so, after sacking the Arawa stronghold (in 1823) on the east coast, he dragged his fleet of canoes across by a road which he made to Lake Rotoiti, and, entering Rotorua, appeared with his fleet before the astonished lake tribes. He made straight for Mokoia, fell upon them with his customary ferocity, and, carrying all before him, put to death all who escaped the first assault. Of the whole seven hundred of the Arawa, not one is said to have escaped."
"What a tragedy! But, of course, such stratagems11 belonged to the accepted method of warfare12 of the period?"
"Yes," assented14 Warwick. "Almost where we stand now a chief's widow killed in cold blood (with the tribe and the mission school children looking on) a woman taken in war, as an offering to the memory of her husband. The missionary15 in vain attempted to prevent the sacrifice, the poor victim appealing piteously to some relative to help her. But the good man only endangered his own life, and did not succeed in saving hers. At Matamata, Te Waharoa's great fortress17, when he was besieged18 by the Ngapuhi under Tareha, he made an unexpected sortie, and, capturing several prisoners, crucified them on the tall posts of the pah—just like those you see there—in the very sight of their friends, who retired in confusion. But I see Erena coming this way, so I must [Pg 170] stop these bloodcurdling stories; she has a strong dislike to them."
While their appointed camp was being made ready, they were taken by Warwick to the site of the Lost Village, the scene of the extinction20 of a hapu of the tribe as sudden and complete as the destruction of that of Te Heu Heu.
They stood on a point of land running into the lake. It was floored with masses of pumice-stone, which the waves had worn into strange and fantastic shapes. Here had been the encampment. The sites of the dwellings21, by no means unsubstantial, were marked by walls, of which the lower stones only remained. The apertures22 showed where the entrances had been. On one fatal night the whole promontory23 sank downwards24, drowning the sleepers25, and submerging for ever the homes where generations had lived and died.
Arrived at the camp, all things wore a most cheerful aspect. The chief, according to Maori custom with distinguished26 visitors, had sent down cooked food, mats, and other gifts, intimating through a messenger that he would be pleased to receive a visit from the pakeha rangatira at his convenience on the morrow.
Erena arranged to abide27 with her friends or relations until the morrow. The humbler natives asked leave of Warwick to bestow28 themselves in the village, while the sullen29 Ngarara, who had of late remained among the rank and file, announced his intention of coming for his pay in the morning, and terminating his engagement there and then.
Warwick displayed no surprise at this announcement, but told him that he might have his pay at [Pg 171] once. This offer he accepted, and departed with ill-concealed satisfaction.
"I am not sorry to get clear of him," he said; "he is a dangerous brute30, and for some reason has taken a dislike to both of us. I can see it in his face. I had a hint, too, from one of the women not to trust him."
"What earthly reason can he have? He has been treated fairly all the way."
"It's hard to say. Maoris are like other people, good and bad. I hope there will be no war-scare till we get to Auckland, at any rate. He might take the occasion to do you a bad turn; so it will be well to be on your guard."
"Perhaps he will get as good as he brings," said Massinger, with the careless confidence of youth. "I shall keep my powder dry, at any rate."
It was late before the two men separated for the night. Warwick was led into legendary31 lore32, of which he had a prodigious33 quantity. He told so many tales of battle, murder, and sudden death, that the Englishman dreamed of cannibal feasts, sieges, and pitched battles, with all manner of disquieting34 incidents, so that the sun had risen when he awakened35 after a broken night's rest.
His attendants were already in waiting, and before he had finished breakfast Erena arrived, looking fresh and animated36. She had made some slight alteration37 in her dress, and had placed some of the beautiful feathers of the huia in her hair. Altogether, there was a change in her mien38, a sparkle in her expressive39 eyes, a lightness in her step, an added tone of cheerfulness, which Massinger could hardly account for.
[Pg 172]
He could not avoid remarking upon it. "You are surely not pleased at our parting, Erena?" he said. "Warwick and I must start for Auckland almost at once."
"So soon?" she said. "I hoped you might find something to interest you here for a few days. There's nothing so beautiful as Te Terata or Rotomahana; still, there are strange things here too."
"It must all depend upon our news of the war. It would be unwise to linger here after real fighting has commenced."
"I would not have you do it for the world," said she. "But I have a reason for not wishing you to return before Monday which I cannot tell you now. You will trust me, will you not?"
The girl's deep eyes seemed to glow with unusual lustre40 as she made this appeal, stretching forth41 her hands pleadingly, while her lip quivered as she looked at him with a wistful expression he had never noticed before.
"I dare say you know best," he said; "and after all your kindness I could not refuse you anything. But really this life is too pleasant—too much in the way of holiday-making. I must begin to do some of the work for which I came so far."
"You need not fret42 yourself over that part of it," she said. "You will have plenty of time to do all that is necessary. Many Englishmen come out to buy land, but they all wish they had waited before investing their money."
"You only tell me what my friends said in Auckland," he answered. "I am sure your advice is good. And now for our friend the Ariki of the lake tribes."
[Pg 173]
Being joined by Warwick, they walked forward to the spot where the chief had located himself. He was surrounded by the elders of the tribe, as well as by a considerable body of natives, among whom Massinger noticed the ill-omened countenance43 of Ngarara.
"That fellow has been talking to the natives," said Warwick, "and whatever he has said, it is against us; I can see by the chief's face. I am glad that Erena is with us; she has great weight with the tribe."
The chief received them with a show of civility, but was evidently on his guard, as having had his suspicions aroused. He was anxious to know for what reason Massinger had travelled to Taupo and Rotorua after having come so far over the great sea.
"The pakeha is fond of strange sights. He has never seen anything like Te Terata before, and was most anxious to visit Rotorua, of which he had heard much; also to pay his respects to the chief Hika-iro, of whom he was told before he left Auckland."
"A word has been brought to me that the pakeha has come to see the nga iwi (the tribes), and to bring back to the man who rides at the head of the soldiers and to the Mata Kawana the names of the men that can be found for war in Rotorua."
"All untrue. This pakeha dislikes war, and only fights when men insult him. He desires to return to Auckland now that he has seen Te Terata, where he will buy land from the Maoris—perhaps set up a whare-koko."
"The pakeha's words are good, but who will say that they are straight? He may return to Waitemata, and tell the man who rides in front of the soldiers [Pg 174] with red clothes that the pah at Rotorua is old and has rotten timbers, so that it would be easy for the men with red coats and the men with blue ones to take it. Why is the daughter of Mannering among the women who are bearing burdens for the pakeha? Will she follow him, and plant kumeras in his fields?"
"She will speak for herself," said Erena, stepping forward with flashing eyes and scornful mien. "If my father were here he would teach that evil-minded man"—pointing to Ngarara—"to speak with respect of his daughter. What can he say? Have I not a right to walk in the same company as this pakeha, or any other? Is not the daughter of a war-chief free to choose her friends? Has not that always been the law and the custom of the Arawa?"
Here there was a murmur44 of assent13 among the spectators, particularly from the side where the women of the tribe were assembled, while contemptuous looks were directed at Ngarara, who stood with lowering countenance, unable to face the withering45 scorn with which the indignant maiden46 regarded him.
Here Warwick took up the argument, not unreasonably47 considering that the just anger of the girl might carry her beyond the limits of prudence48, as she stood, with burning eyes and heaving bosom49, ready to invoke50 the wrath51 of the gods upon the head of the traitor52 who had dared to misinterpret her motives53. He pointed19 out that she had joined the party with the express sanction of the great chief of the Ngapuhi, whose written authority and safe conduct she held; that the other natives, male and female, had been hired for the expedition on liberal terms; that they had been already paid in part (here he [Pg 175] pointed to certain articles of apparel and ornament54 which they had lost no time in purchasing in Ohinemutu); that Ngarara, also, who had proved ungrateful and mischievous—"slave-like" and "a liar55" were the Maori terms—had benefited by the pakeha's liberality: he had been paid in full. Here he named the sum, and pointed to a new hat, which the disloyal one had incautiously bought for himself. Upon him the eyes of the whole assembly were at once turned, and his countenance changed as a murmur of disapproval56 arose. Finally, the pakeha had assured him that he would send his friends from beyond the sea to see the wonders of Te Terata and Rotorua; they would bring trade and spend money like water for the benefit of the Arawa and the Ngapuhi.
Having thus spoken, using no mean quality of the oratorical58 power which is a natural gift of the Maori race, he produced Waka Nene's passport. This the chief (fortunately one of those who, like that veteran, had been taught to read and write by the early missionaries) perused59 with attention, while the whole tribe gazed with awe60 and reverence61 at the mysterious paper—the written word; the magic scroll62! How often the herald63 of fate!
In this case, however, a triumphant64 success followed the perusal65 of the few lines in the handwriting, and signed with the name, of the great chief of the Ngapuhi, who, with more than a thousand warriors66 at his back, had formerly67 raided the Waikato and the Ngatimaru, carrying war and devastation68 through the length of the land.
"It is enough," he said, handing back the paper to Warwick. "The pakeha is a great rangatira. He [Pg 176] is the friend of Waka Nene, who sent Erena to show him the great fountain and the hot breath of Ruapehu; he is now the friend of Hika-iro and all the lake tribes. As for you"—turning to Ngarara—"you are a bad man, a kuri, a tut?. Go!"
The discomfited69 Ngarara slunk away, pursued by groans70 and hisses71 from the converted crowd, who, as is usual in such cases, were more vehement72 in their anger in proportion to the feeling of distrust which had marked their first impressions.
Peace having been restored, and the enemy routed with loss and dishonour73, there remained no reason why Massinger should not devote the few days that remained to the exploration of this fascinating province of the wonderland. Rarely did the weather in that portion of the island remain steadfast74 to "set fair" for so many successive days as in this halcyon75 time.
Whether it was the excitement of the coming strife76, which he could see by the manner of Warwick and Erena that they expected, the physical exhilaration produced by the medicated atmosphere, the association with the half-savage race, who now seemed ready to bow down before him almost with adoration,—one of these causes, or the whole combined, certainly found him in a condition of spiritual exaltation such as he had never before experienced, and in vain essayed to comprehend.
"After all," he told himself, "it will be my last holiday for months, possibly for years. I shall never, perhaps, have such another ideal wandering through a 'londe of faerye,' certainly never again have 'so fair a spirit to be my minister.' A region of marvels77 [Pg 177] and magic, a tribe of simple children of nature, ready to do my bidding! In this life of ours, so sad and mysterious at times, such conditions cannot last; why, then, should not one frankly78 accept a fragment of Arcadia?"
He lost no time in communicating his change of plan to Erena, whose features wore so radiant a smile at the announcement that he saw in it the fullest confirmation79 of the wisdom of his decision.
"I am so glad," she said, "that you are going to honour my country, my tribe, by your last visit among them. I was born here, have swum and paddled in the lake since I could walk; and though my father changed our abode80 to Hokianga, and dwelt there latterly, I have always loved Rotorua best in my heart."
For the next few days they roamed over the lakes and woods, the hills and dales, of this enchanted81 ground in unfettered companionship and joyous82 converse83. They went in a canoe to Hinemoa's Isle84, rowed by two Maori girls, and beheld85 the bath which bears her name to this day. They saw the beach on which stood the doomed87 Arawas, confident in the power of their hitherto inviolate88 wave. Here had they fallen; here had the cannibal feast, with all its horrid89 accompaniments, been held; here, where the grass grew thick and wild flowers waved to the very margin90 of the peaceful lake, had assailants and defenders91 waded92 in blood amid the dead and the dying.
And yet now how calm, how peaceful, was the historic water, how tranquil93 were all things, how happily flowed on the village life! Who could have believed that such horrors were transacted94 in this fairy [Pg 178] isle, where now the voices of children at play, the crooning, low-voiced song of the girls, as they plaited the flax mats or made with deft95 fingers the neat provision-baskets, were the only sounds that met the ear?
Together they climbed the rocky summit of the island, and viewed the strangely compounded landscape, heard the dire3 sounds as of groans and murmurings of imprisoned96 fire-spirits, while from time to time an impatient geyser in the haunted valley of Whakarewarewa would fling itself in cloud and steam heavenwards with wildest fury.
Together they stood before the curious stone image, sacred under penalty of awful doom86 in the minds of the simple people, as having been brought in an ancestral canoe from the half-mythical Hawaiki in the dim traditionary exodus97 of the race. Together they forced their canoes up the glittering channel of Hamurama, and held their hands in the ice-cold fountain at its source, where it flows bubbling out of the breast of the fern-clad hill.
The moon was slowly rising over the dark range of Matawhaura as they left the further shore to return to Ohinemutu. The air was delicious, the lake a mirrored water-plain, across which the moonbeams showed silver-gleaming pathways, as if leading to other happy isles98. The paddles of the Maori girls dipped softly into the placid99 water as the canoe stole silently across the lake's broad bosom.
"On such a night as this," said Massinger, "it would be most appropriate for you to tell, and for me to listen to, the legend of Hinemoa."
"It is a silly tale at best," answered Erena, with [Pg 179] a tone half of sadness, half of playfulness, in her voice—"a tale of woman's love and man's fidelity100. They had better fortune in those old days."
"And, of course, nowadays," said Massinger, "there can be almost no love and less fidelity."
"The pakeha is wrong," said one of the girls, as they rested on their paddles, evidently anxious not to miss Erena's version of the legend (like that of Antar among the Arabs), ever new and deepening in interest with every generation—"the pakeha is wrong; girls' love is just the same as ever it was. It is always fresh, like the foliage101 of the pohutu kawa, with its beautiful red flowers. It does not fade and fall off, like the leaves of the trees the pakeha brought to the land."
"Hush102, Torea!" said Erena; "you must not talk so to this pakeha. He is a great rangatira. And besides, you cannot know."
"Do I not?" answered the forest maiden. "If he is a rangatira, he will know too. But are you going to tell us the Taihia?"
"To stop your mouth, perhaps I had better; so I will begin. You must know that there was a young chief called Tutanekai, who resided with his family on this island of Mokoia. He was handsome and brave, but because of certain circumstances, and being a younger son, he was neither of high rank nor consideration in his tribe. He was, however, gifted in various ways, which made the young women of the tribe look favourably103 upon him. He was fond of music. On account of this, he and his friend Tiki constructed a stage or balcony on the slope of the hill there, which he called Kaiweka. There they used [Pg 180] to sit in the evenings, while Tutanekai played on a trumpet104 and his friend upon a flute105, the soft notes of which were wafted106 across the lake to the village of O-whata, where dwelt Hinemoa.
"Now, Hinemoa was the most beautiful maiden in the tribe, and her reputation had travelled far. All the young men had paid court to her, but could get no mark or sign of favour. Among her admirers was Tutanekai, but he was not certain of his feelings being returned, and had not dared to pay her attention openly. So he used, lover-like, to breathe his woes107 into his melodious108 instrument; and night after night, as he and his friend sat on their balcony, the tender melancholy109 notes of the lover's trumpet floated over the lake, and were audible amid the sighs of the evening breeze and the plashing of the waves on the shore.
"After many moons, and when the summer was advanced, he found means to send a message to her by a woman of her hapu, to whom Hinemoa answered, 'Have we both, then, had such thoughts of each other?' And from that time she began to think daily of the love which had sprung up in her heart for Tutanekai, and to wander about by herself, and refuse food and company, after the manner of lovesick maidens110. All her friends and relations began to say, 'What has happened to Hinemoa—she who was formerly so gay?' They also noticed that Tutanekai shunned111 the company of the young men, save only of his heart's brother, Tiki. Her feelings at length became so uncontrollable, that if there had been a canoe she would have paddled over to the point where her lover's trumpet, like the voice of the sea Atua [Pg 181] which none may disobey and live, seemed to draw her very heartstrings towards his abode on Mokoia. But her friends, thinking of this, had secured all the canoes.
"So it happened that on one warm night, when the moon was nearly full, she resolved in her heart what to do. She tied together six empty gourds112 to float around her, lest she might become faint before she reached the island, and softly slid into the lake near this very point, Wai-rerekai, which we are now approaching, and as often as she felt tired she floated with the help of the gourds. At last, when nearly exhausted113, she reached the rock near the warm spring, which is still known by her name. Here she bathed and rested, also warmed herself, as she was trembling all over, partly from cold, and partly at the thought of meeting Tutanekai.
"While the maiden was thus warming herself in the hot spring, Tutanekai felt thirsty, and sent a slave to bring him water. So this slave went to the lake close to where Hinemoa was, and dipped in a calabash. The maiden, being frightened, called out to him in a gruff voice like a man's, 'Who is that water for?' He replied, 'It is for Tutanekai.' 'Give it to me, then,' said Hinemoa. Having finished drinking, she purposely threw down the calabash and broke it. The slave went back, and told Tutanekai that a man in the bath had broken it. This occurred more than once. Then Tutanekai in a rage went down to the bath, and searching about, caught hold of a hand. 'Who is this?' said he. 'It is I, Hinemoa.' So they were married, and lived happily," said Erena, concluding rather abruptly114. "Oh, the next trouble [Pg 182] which occurred was that Tiki, the friend of Tutanekai's heart, grew ill and like to die because he had no wife, after being deprived of his friend and heart's brother. However, he was consoled with the hand of Tupe, the young sister of Tutanekai, and all was joy and peace."
At this happy ending the two Maori girls clapped their hands and shouted, "Kapai, Kapai!" till the lake-shore echoed again. Then dashing in their paddles, they rowed with such power and pace that they were soon landed at the legendary point of rock whence Hinemoa, love-guided, tempted16 the night, the darkness, and the unknown deeps.
The allotted115 days passed all too quickly. They had wandered through the forest aisles116 and silent over-arching glades117 of Tikitapu; had stood on the saffron-hued flooring of Sulphur Point; had revelled118 in the life-renewing waters of the "Rachel" and the "Priest's" hot springs, whence all who bathe in faith issue cured of earthly ailments119. The Oil Bath, the Blue Bath, the Spout120 Bath were successively tested, until, as it seemed to Massinger, he had acquired a new skin, almost a new soul and body, so exalted121 seemed every motion of sense and spirit.
At Whakarewarewa the great Pohutu Geyser, with its eruptive column of steam and water, nearly eighty feet in height, had been visited; also the grim and terrible Brain Pot, unknowing of the tragedy of which it was to be the scene, concluding with the dread122 and noisome123 Dantean valley redolent of the sights and sounds of the Inferno124, even Tikitere.
But one more day remained, and the trio were [Pg 183] engaged in debate as to the manner in which it should be spent, so as to compress the greatest possible enjoyment125 into the "grudging126 hours," when a party of natives was observed to come through the fern-covered flat between Whakarewarewa and the lake, and at once proceed to the carved house. Here a number of the tribe, including the chief and certain elders, at once assembled.
"News of importance," said Warwick. "Something is in the wind; I must go over and see."
There was no doubting the fact that highly important intelligence had been received. The whole tribe was astir, and buzzing like a swarm127 of angry bees. When Warwick returned his face was grave and anxious.
"As I feared," he said. "The Governor has been obstinate128 in the wrong place; he would not give way in the case of the Waitara block. Blood has been shed. The Waikato tribes are massing their men, and threaten to attack Taranaki. War is declared. Outlying settlers have been killed. There is no going back now."
"This looks serious indeed," said Massinger, not, however, without a certain alertness of manner which showed that the romance of war was uppermost in his mind. "What is to be done? or where must we go?"
"It has come at last; I was certain that it would," said Erena. "What a terrible thing it is that men should be so foolish, so selfish! But we must do something, and not talk about it. I am for making across to Hokianga, and must go and prepare at once."
[Pg 184]
"Her idea is a good one," said Warwick, as the girl ran down to her end of the camp and called up her women. "We can get over to Horaki and go down the river by boat. The neighbourhood will be quiet as yet. We can trust the Ngapuhi, with Waka Nene to keep them steady, to be loyal to England. He never wavered in Heke's war, and is not likely to do so now. We must take leave of this chief, and get away without loss of time. But who comes now—with a following, too? This looks like a taua."
Here a fresh excitement arose, while shouts of "Haere mai!" and other words of welcome, more strongly emphasized than usual, denoted the arrival of a personage of importance. A comparatively large body of men, well armed, and superior to the ordinary natives of the district in height and warlike appearance, had come in sight. They marched regularly, and as they came up, all carrying muskets129 and cartridge-pouches, they presented a highly effective and martial130 appearance. Their leader was a white man.
At this moment Erena, who had been busied with her female attendants, reappeared. The moment she caught sight of the contingent131 she uttered a cry of joy, and, turning to Massinger, said—
"This is indeed most fortunate. We shall have no more trouble about routes. Yonder is my father. Let us go to meet him."
As she spoke57 Massinger noticed that the leader of the party, after a few words of greeting to the chief, had turned in their direction, and commenced to walk slowly towards them. As they approached [Pg 185] one another, Erena seemed anxious to explain to him the fact of her father's appearance at Rotorua at this particular time.
"He has, no doubt, had news of the likelihood of war, and has been to some portion of the tribe at a distance on some message for Waka Nene. He ranks as a war chief in the tribe since the old war, and has much influence."
By the time the explanation was concluded they were almost face to face, and Massinger was enabled to note the appearance and bearing of Allister Mannering, perhaps the most remarkable132 man among the by no means inconsiderable number of distinguished persons who from time to time had elected to cast in their lot with the children of Maui.
Massinger, in later years, always asserted that never in his whole life had he been so much impressed by the personality of any living man as by the remarkable individual who now stood before him. Tall beyond the ordinary stature133 of manhood, but of matchless symmetry, and moulded not less for activity than strength, there was a compelling air of command in his eye which every motion confirmed. His expression was grave and stern, but as he approached Erena, who ran to meet him, a wave of tenderness crossed his features like the ripple134 on a slumbering135 sea. Then he folded his daughter in his arms with every token of paternal136 fondness.
Whatever somewhat belated explanation of the position Massinger was arranging in his mind, was arrested by the meeting between father and child. After a short colloquy137 Mr. Mannering advanced, and [Pg 186] with perfect courtesy expressed his pleasure in welcoming him to Rotorua.
"I see that Erena has, with the help of Warwick here, done her part in showing you some of our wonders. Like her historic ancestress, she has a strong will of her own, but had I not the most thorough confidence in her prudence, as well as in the honour of an English gentleman, you will acknowledge that I might have cause for disapproval."
Here his steady, searching gaze was fixed138 full upon Massinger, who felt how poor a chance an unworthy adventurer would have, standing139 thus before him. But he met his accost140 frankly.
"I am indeed gratified to have met you, Mr. Mannering," he made answer. "I owe much of the charm of this month's travel and adventure to your daughter's companionship. It will be a lifelong memory, I assure you."
"You are neither of you to say any more about it," interposed Erena, with a playful air of command, hanging on her father's arm and menacing Massinger. "I am sure I enjoyed myself very much; so we are all pleased,—which ends that part of the story. But oh! father, is it true that the war has commenced? If so, what are we to do, and how is Mr. Massinger to get back to Auckland? I thought of going straight to Hokianga."
"Exactly what we are to do, not later than tomorrow morning. That is, I am going, you are going, also my taua, whose only prayer is to fall in with some of the Waikatos, not more than double their number, and have a good old-fashioned bloodthirsty battle. They are all men who have grown up since [Pg 187] Heke's war, and are spoiling for a fight. As for this gentleman's and Warwick's movements, they can settle them independently. I suggest that they avail themselves of my escort to Hokianga, whence they can easily find a passage to Auckland."
"Nothing could suit my purpose better," said Massinger. "I shall feel honoured by your company. Warwick will probably return with me."
Here the guide nodded assent.
"That is settled. You will find a hearty141 welcome from our chief, who has returned. I am proud to call him my earliest and best friend. So, as you are interested in Maori life and customs, you will never have a better opportunity of studying them under their natural conditions—I mean in time of war."
"In the land and the people I take an interest so deep that it will fade only with my life. Deeds, however, are more in my line, and by them I trust to be judged."
"There is a time coming for all of us," said Mr. Mannering, gravely, "when the valour and wisdom of both races will be put to the test. I have no doubt of the first. I only hope that the second may not be found wanting in the day of trial. And now, if you will excuse me, I must go back and hold diplomatic palaver142 with Hiki-aro, the chief here, and his most potent143, grave, and reverend seigneurs. My men will be off duty, and will amuse themselves with games—most probably a war-dance, which you may like to see."
"I have seen one already in Auckland, but I will look on."
"And I will not," said Erena. "It is an abominable144 [Pg 188] heathen custom, making these ignorant natives worse than they are, and recalling the bad old times which every one should be ashamed to speak about. I shall pack up and get ready for an early start."
"You won't change 'Tangata Maori' just yet, my dear Erena," said Mannering. "This war will throw him back a few years. But I agree with you that these old customs should be suffered to die out, and as we shall have ample time to discuss the war on the road home, I will reserve mention of it till tomorrow."
So saying, he departed to his taua, who, not until he dismissed them, piled their muskets, over which, in despite of their friendly relations with Rotorua, they set an adequate guard. They were soon observed to join their compatriots in a copious145 and hospitable146 meal provided by the women of the tribe.
"How relieved I am!" said Warwick, when father and daughter had departed on their respective errands. "Nothing could have been more fortunate than meeting Mr. Mannering here. Even in travelling to Hokianga, a friendly route, we might have met a skirmishing taua like his own, and, in spite of Waka Nene's passport, would have stood but little show of escaping. Maori blood has been shed, as well as white, and any murder of stray Europeans or hostile natives would be justifiable147, according to inter-tribal law."
"Then we are safe as far as Hokianga?"
"I should say perfectly148 so. Mr. Mannering is a tower of strength; no single taua dares tackle his. His bodyguard149 are picked men, known to be equal [Pg 189] to almost double their number. Then, of course, he has the whole Ngapuhi tribe, five thousand strong, at his back."
"And when we get to this Hokianga, as it is called? Is it a township?"
"It's a noble river, miles wide near the sea, with towns and villages on it. In the grand forests of Kauri Totara and other pine woods within reach, a great timber trade has flourished for many years past. Sailing-vessels ply150 between Horaki, Rawini, and Auckland, so there will be no difficulty in getting back."
The ceremonies proper to leave-taking having been transacted, the reinforced party set out for the Hokianga, through what are mostly described as pathless woods interspersed151 with morasses152.
When the march was less difficult, and there was leisure for conversation, Mannering beguiled153 the way with tales and reminiscences which caused Massinger to wonder unceasingly that a man so variously gifted, possessed154 of such social charm, so wide an experience of men and books, should have elected to wear out his life amid a barbaric race. "Doubtless," thought he, "this man belongs to the true Viking breed, a born leader of men, impatient of the restraints of civilization, not to be contented155 without the quickening presence of danger, 'the dust of desperate battle,' the savour of blood, even. Such men have always been thrown off, from time to time, by our sea-roving race; have nobly done their parts in subduing156 for the empire the waste places of the earth. His hair is tinged157 with grey, but how springy his long elastic158 strides, how youthful are all his movements, how joyous his laugh, [Pg 190] how keen his sense of humour! An Anax andrōn—a king of men, without doubt. No wonder that his daughter should have inherited, along with her glorious physical perfection, which she owes in part to her mother's race, the higher intelligence and lofty ideals which ennoble 'the heirs of all the ages, and the foremost files of Time!'"
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1
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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2
chapel
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| n.小教堂，殡仪馆 | |
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3
dire
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| adj.可怕的，悲惨的，阴惨的，极端的 | |
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4
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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pervading
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| v.遍及，弥漫( pervade的现在分词 ) | |
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fumes
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| n.(强烈而刺激的)气味，气体 | |
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7
abound
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| vi.大量存在；(in，with)充满，富于 | |
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gunpowder
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| n.火药 | |
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retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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10
crafty
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| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
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stratagems
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| n.诡计，计谋( stratagem的名词复数 )；花招 | |
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12
warfare
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| n.战争(状态)；斗争；冲突 | |
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13
assent
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| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
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14
assented
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| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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15
missionary
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| adj.教会的，传教(士)的；n.传教士 | |
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16
tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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17
fortress
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| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
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18
besieged
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| 包围，围困，围攻( besiege的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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19
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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20
extinction
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| n.熄灭，消亡，消灭，灭绝，绝种 | |
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21
dwellings
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| n.住处，处所( dwelling的名词复数 ) | |
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22
apertures
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| n.孔( aperture的名词复数 )；隙缝；（照相机的）光圈；孔径 | |
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23
promontory
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| n.海角；岬 | |
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24
downwards
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| adj./adv.向下的（地），下行的（地） | |
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25
sleepers
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| n.卧铺（通常以复数形式出现）；卧车( sleeper的名词复数 )；轨枕；睡觉（呈某种状态）的人；小耳环 | |
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26
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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abide
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| vi.遵守；坚持；vt.忍受 | |
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28
bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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29
sullen
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| adj.愠怒的，闷闷不乐的，(天气等)阴沉的 | |
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30
brute
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| n.野兽，兽性 | |
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31
legendary
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| adj.传奇（中）的，闻名遐迩的；n.传奇（文学） | |
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32
lore
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| n.传说；学问，经验，知识 | |
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33
prodigious
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| adj.惊人的，奇妙的；异常的；巨大的；庞大的 | |
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34
disquieting
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| adj.令人不安的，令人不平静的v.使不安，使忧虑，使烦恼( disquiet的现在分词 ) | |
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35
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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36
animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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37
alteration
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| n.变更，改变；蚀变 | |
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38
mien
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| n.风采；态度 | |
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39
expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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40
lustre
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| n.光亮，光泽；荣誉 | |
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41
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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42
fret
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| v.(使)烦恼；(使)焦急；(使)腐蚀，(使)磨损 | |
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43
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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44
murmur
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| n.低语，低声的怨言；v.低语，低声而言 | |
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45
withering
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| 使人畏缩的，使人害羞的，使人难堪的 | |
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46
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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47
unreasonably
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| adv. 不合理地 | |
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48
prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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49
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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50
invoke
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| v.求助于(神、法律)；恳求，乞求 | |
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51
wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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52
traitor
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| n.叛徒，卖国贼 | |
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53
motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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54
ornament
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| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
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55
liar
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| n.说谎的人 | |
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56
disapproval
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| n.反对，不赞成 | |
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57
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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58
oratorical
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| adj.演说的，雄辩的 | |
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59
perused
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| v.读（某篇文字）( peruse的过去式和过去分词 )；（尤指）细阅；审阅；匆匆读或心不在焉地浏览（某篇文字） | |
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60
awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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reverence
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| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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62
scroll
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| n.卷轴，纸卷；(石刻上的)漩涡 | |
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63
herald
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| vt.预示...的来临，预告，宣布，欢迎 | |
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64
triumphant
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| adj.胜利的，成功的；狂欢的，喜悦的 | |
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65
perusal
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| n.细读，熟读；目测 | |
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66
warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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67
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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68
devastation
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| n.毁坏；荒废；极度震惊或悲伤 | |
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69
discomfited
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| v.使为难( discomfit的过去式和过去分词)；使狼狈；使挫折；挫败 | |
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70
groans
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| n.呻吟，叹息( groan的名词复数 )；呻吟般的声音v.呻吟( groan的第三人称单数 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
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hisses
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| 嘶嘶声( hiss的名词复数 ) | |
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72
vehement
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| adj.感情强烈的；热烈的；(人)有强烈感情的 | |
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73
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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74
steadfast
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| adj.固定的，不变的，不动摇的；忠实的；坚贞不移的 | |
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75
halcyon
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| n.平静的，愉快的 | |
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76
strife
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| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
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77
marvels
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| n.奇迹( marvel的名词复数 )；令人惊奇的事物（或事例）；不平凡的成果；成就v.惊奇，对…感到惊奇( marvel的第三人称单数 ) | |
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78
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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79
confirmation
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| n.证实，确认，批准 | |
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80
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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81
enchanted
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| adj. 被施魔法的，陶醉的，入迷的 动词enchant的过去式和过去分词 | |
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82
joyous
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| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
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83
converse
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| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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84
isle
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| n.小岛，岛 | |
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85
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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86
doom
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| n.厄运，劫数；v.注定，命定 | |
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87
doomed
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| 命定的 | |
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88
inviolate
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| adj.未亵渎的，未受侵犯的 | |
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89
horrid
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| adj.可怕的；令人惊恐的；恐怖的；极讨厌的 | |
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margin
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| n.页边空白；差额；余地，余裕；边，边缘 | |
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91
defenders
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| n.防御者( defender的名词复数 )；守卫者；保护者；辩护者 | |
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92
waded
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| （从水、泥等）蹚，走过，跋( wade的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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93
tranquil
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| adj. 安静的, 宁静的, 稳定的, 不变的 | |
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transacted
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| v.办理（业务等）( transact的过去式和过去分词 )；交易，谈判 | |
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deft
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| adj.灵巧的，熟练的（a deft hand 能手） | |
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96
imprisoned
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| 下狱，监禁( imprison的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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exodus
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| v.大批离去，成群外出 | |
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98
isles
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| 岛( isle的名词复数 ) | |
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placid
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| adj.安静的，平和的 | |
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100
fidelity
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| n.忠诚，忠实；精确 | |
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101
foliage
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| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
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102
hush
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| int.嘘，别出声；n.沉默，静寂；v.使安静 | |
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103
favourably
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| adv. 善意地，赞成地 =favorably | |
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104
trumpet
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| n.喇叭，喇叭声；v.吹喇叭，吹嘘 | |
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105
flute
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| n.长笛；v.吹笛 | |
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106
wafted
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| v.吹送，飘送，（使）浮动( waft的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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107
woes
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| 困境( woe的名词复数 )； 悲伤； 我好苦哇； 某人就要倒霉 | |
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108
melodious
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| adj.旋律美妙的，调子优美的，音乐性的 | |
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109
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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110
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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111
shunned
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| v.避开，回避，避免( shun的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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112
gourds
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| n.葫芦( gourd的名词复数 ) | |
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113
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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114
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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115
allotted
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| 分配，拨给，摊派( allot的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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116
aisles
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| n. (席位间的)通道, 侧廊 | |
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117
glades
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| n.林中空地( glade的名词复数 ) | |
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118
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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119
ailments
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| 疾病（尤指慢性病），不适( ailment的名词复数 ) | |
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120
spout
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| v.喷出，涌出；滔滔不绝地讲；n.喷管；水柱 | |
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121
exalted
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| adj.(地位等)高的，崇高的；尊贵的，高尚的 | |
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122
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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123
noisome
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| adj.有害的，可厌的 | |
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124
inferno
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| n.火海；地狱般的场所 | |
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125
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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126
grudging
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| adj.勉强的，吝啬的 | |
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127
swarm
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| n.(昆虫)等一大群；vi.成群飞舞；蜂拥而入 | |
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128
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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129
muskets
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| n.火枪，（尤指）滑膛枪( musket的名词复数 ) | |
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130
martial
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| adj.战争的，军事的，尚武的，威武的 | |
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131
contingent
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| adj.视条件而定的；n.一组，代表团，分遣队 | |
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132
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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133
stature
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| n.（高度）水平，（高度）境界，身高，身材 | |
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134
ripple
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| n.涟波，涟漪，波纹，粗钢梳；vt.使...起涟漪，使起波纹； vi.呈波浪状，起伏前进 | |
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135
slumbering
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| 微睡，睡眠（slumber的现在分词形式） | |
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136
paternal
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| adj.父亲的，像父亲的，父系的，父方的 | |
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137
colloquy
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| n.谈话，自由讨论 | |
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138
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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139
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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140
accost
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| v.向人搭话，打招呼 | |
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141
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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142
palaver
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| adj.壮丽堂皇的；n.废话，空话 | |
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143
potent
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| adj.强有力的，有权势的；有效力的 | |
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144
abominable
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| adj.可厌的，令人憎恶的 | |
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145
copious
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| adj.丰富的，大量的 | |
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146
hospitable
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| adj.好客的；宽容的；有利的，适宜的 | |
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147
justifiable
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| adj.有理由的，无可非议的 | |
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148
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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149
bodyguard
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| n.护卫，保镖 | |
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150
ply
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| v.(搬运工等)等候顾客，弯曲 | |
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151
interspersed
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| adj.[医]散开的；点缀的v.intersperse的过去式和过去分词 | |
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152
morasses
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| n.缠作一团( morass的名词复数 )；困境；沼泽；陷阱 | |
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153
beguiled
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| v.欺骗( beguile的过去式和过去分词 )；使陶醉；使高兴；消磨（时间等） | |
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154
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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155
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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156
subduing
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| 征服( subdue的现在分词 )； 克制； 制服； 色变暗 | |
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157
tinged
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| v.（使）发丁丁声( ting的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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158
elastic
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| n.橡皮圈，松紧带；adj.有弹性的；灵活的 | |
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