An insufficient5 commissariat tried the constitution of the hardiest6. Massinger was now in a position to comprehend thoroughly7 the fearful odds8 against which the British regulars fought in the American revolutionary war. There they confronted an enemy whose very children, as soon as they were strong enough to lift the long rifle of the period, were the deadliest of marksmen.
Behind the forest pillars or beneath the fallen logs, what perfect cover had the backwoodsmen, trained to all woodcraft and inured9 to a hunter's life, where subsistence often depended upon patient stalking and accuracy of aim!
Almost similar conditions prevailed in this guerilla warfare10 to which England's armaments stood committed. The "mute Maori" glided11 through the underbrush or amid the fern, himself invisible, until he arose in open order before the astonished troops.
[Pg 258]
"At times a warning trumpet13 note, At times a stifled14 hum,"
he had winded from afar. Reckless in assault as elusive15 in retreat, the desperate Maori seemed a demoniac foe17. Living on fern-root, shell-fish, or kumera, he needed no baggage. The women of the tribe, mingling18 with the warriors20, cooked the necessary food, carried off the wounded, and were not averse21 to occasional fighting. With ten thousand regular troops, as well as levies22 of militia23 and volunteers against them, with powerful tribes of their own race, rusés and daring as themselves, who fought for the pakeha with a ferocity not exceeded in the bloodiest24 tribal25 wars, their position appeared hopeless. Still the stubborn Maori held his own. In staying power, as in other respects, the aboriginal26, the Briton of the South, displayed his similarity to his Northern prototype. No such conflict had been waged by an aboriginal race against the arms of civilization since the Iceni and the Brigantes confronted C?sar's legions, fought the world's masters for generation after generation, century after century, till, wearied with the profitless strife27 and barren occupation, they withdrew, and left the savage28 inhabitants to a climate of such rigour and gloom that they alone seemed to be its fitting inhabitants. Such for a time appeared to be no improbable finale to the Waikato war. Months, even years, passed without tangible29 result, without solid advantage to the invaders30.
So the seasons wore on, until Massinger began to look upon himself less as a colonist31 than a soldier. "The reveillé," the bugle-call, became familiar to him and his companions; for neither Slyde nor Warwick, [Pg 259] more than himself, dreamed of quitting service until the war was over, the play played out.
Both Englishmen had been wounded at different times, but so far not severely32. They were commencing to feel the true fatalism of the soldier, convinced that they were invulnerable until their predestined hour. They came to be well known among the forces, with their guide, from whom they were rarely separated. With no personal interest in the matter, with no land to defend, no interest to conserve33, they remained simply because they happened to be on the spot, and, coming of fighting blood, had no power to withdraw themselves from the fascination34 of battle, murder, and sudden death.
Strange as it seemed to Massinger, they had never happened to meet Erena. They heard of her from time to time, but Mannering and his hapu, though always at the front, were either in another direction when they fell across the Ngapuhi contingent35, or the Forest Rangers36 were on outpost duty.
Nor was intelligence wanting of traits of heroism37 on her part in the numerous skirmishes and sorties of which her father was the leader. Dressed like his Maori allies, with a plume38 of feathers in his hair, with cartridge-pouch and waistbelt accoutred proper, wherever the fight was fiercest, high above friend and foe rose the tall form of Allister Mannering.
And ever as the battle-waves surged forward, or were rolled back by superior forces, the eager, fearless face, the huntress form of Erena was seen, disdainful of danger as the fabled39 goddess in the Trojan war. Her chosen band of dusky maidens—relatives or near friends—accepted her guidance, and [Pg 260] surrounded her in every engagement; many a wounded soldier or native ally had they borne from the fray40, or succoured when wounded and helpless on the field. Often had they warned outlying settlers when the prowling taua was approaching the unsuspecting family. Nay41, it was asserted that had Erena's counsel been taken, her letter regarded, the murder of the missionary42, with wife and babes, might have been averted43. Sometimes near, sometimes afar, but never absolutely within speech or vision, the situation to Massinger's aroused imagination became tantalizing44 to such a painful degree that he felt resolved to terminate it without further delay.
It is not to be supposed that he was without occasional tidings from that land of his fathers, from which, as he sometimes considered, he had hastily exiled himself.
For was it not exile, in the fullest sense of the word? ?dipus in Colona was a joke to it. Was this travel-stained, over-wearied, haggard man, who trudged45 day by day, and often from night to dawn, through darksome woods and endless marshes46, in daily risk of being "shot like a rabbit in a ride," the same Massinger of the Court, who was wont47 to turn out so spick and span at covert48 and copse?
He could hardly believe it, any more than that the sardonic49 soldier at his side, whose unsparing comments included the Government, the New Zealand Company, the soldiers, and the sailors, the general, the governor, the colonists50, the natives, by no means excepting himself, as the champion idiots of the century, was the erstwhile debonair51 Dudley Slyde, faultless in costume as unapproachable in languid elegance52.
[Pg 261]
It has been observed that a campaign brings out the best or worst points of a man's character. This struck Massinger as a proposition proved to demonstration53 when he saw the cheerful acquiescence54 of Mr. Slyde in the drudgeries and dangers of their harassing55 expeditions. He it was who volunteered for "fatigue56" duty by night or day; ready at any hour to help to bury the dead, to forage57 for provisions, to cover retreat, to attend the wounded, at the same time keeping up the cheerfulness of the rank and file by his withering58 execrations, which, from their very incongruousness, always provoked the laughter of his comrades.
The simple privates voted him the "rummest chap as ever they see," at the same time fully59 appreciating his coolness under fire and many-sided utility.
Nor was Warwick unmindful of the necessity of keeping up the reputation of les trois mousquetaires, as they were occasionally called. He exhibited in his personal traits certain distinct tendencies derived60 from an admixture of the races. Grave, steadfast61, and trustworthy, obedient to orders, as became his Anglo-Saxon descent, he was occasionally affected63 with the Berserker frenzy64 of his mother's people. At such moments he would rush to the front, heedless of friends or foes65, and indulge himself in the blood-fury of her reckless race. When mixed up with friendly natives he would stalk through the hottest of the fire with those younger chiefs, who desired to have some daring achievement to boast of when the war was over. It more than once happened that his companions returned no more, having fallen to a man in the breach66, or when they had surmounted67 the [Pg 262] lofty palisades which engirdled the fortress68, behind which lay trench69 and fascine, gallery and bastion. So far Warwick had always returned, blood-stained and powder-blackened, with torn uniform and dimmed accoutrements, dropping with fatigue, and half dead with thirst, but safe and unharmed, ready—and more than ready—for the next day's exploits. When in this mood he had been seen side by side with the famous Winiata, standing70 on the parapet of a beleaguered71 redoubt, having guns handed to them, with which they kept up a ceaseless fusilade, they themselves the centre of a close and deadly volley.
Even in the midst of war's alarms the English soldier finds time for recreative pastime and the omnipresent national sports.
Football and cricket, polo and other matches flourish, in which distinction is enjoyed with a pathetic disregard of the morrow. When it chances that the "demon16 bowler72" of the regiment73, who has taken five wickets in four "overs," is himself bowled next day with a smaller ball and yet more deadly delivery, short shrift and brief requiem74 suffice. The batsman's stumps75 are scattered76, and no L.B.W. affords an appeal to the umpire.
In polo the fortune of war, indeed, dwarfs77 the untoward78 accidents of the game. Who can object to a "crumpler" of a fall, when horse and rider may so soon form part of the sad company "in one red burial blent"? No! the bugle-call sounds to arms, and his comrades form in line, all unheeding of the gap in the ranks.
There is a superficial appearance of callousness79 about our British customs in this respect. But none [Pg 263] the less is deep and sincere mourning made for the dead; none the less among Britons in action all over the world is care for the wounded, self-sacrificing heroism in the field, so common as to be inconspicuous.
Hurdle-racing, not to say steeplechasing, was in abeyance80, owing to the low condition of the cavalry81 arm, and the extreme difficulty in procuring82 fodder83. The climate and the native pasture forbade the grass-feeding, which in Australia would have been all-sufficing. But polo, owing to the exertions84 of those officers who had served in India, and to the occasional capture of Maori ponies85, became most popular. Football, again, was eminently86 suited to the damp and cold region in which their lines were cast, and supplied the means of warmth and exercise at small cost.
These sports kept up the spirits of the variously gathered forces. The Maori allies took to the game of football with zest87 and enthusiasm, their astonishing activity and strength making them almost an overmatch for their British instructors88. Their shouts and war-cries, when there was no particular need for caution, made the camp lively and animated89, tending to produce, as similar sports peculiar90 to England and her colonies always do, a feeling of harmony and good fellowship between the different orders and races, invaluable91 for the morale92 of the heterogeneous93 force gathered on the banks of the Waikato.
But all other interests and expectations were dulled in comparison with those which prevailed on the day when the somewhat irregular arrival of the mails took place.
Often by water would the messenger appear. A canoe would steal up to river-bank or lake-shore [Pg 264] at midnight, freighted with the hopes and fears of a thousand lives; or a solitary94 native would come tearing through the mazes95 of the forest, bleeding from briars, panting audibly, like an Indian runner in the old French war of the Canadas, and, casting down the precious wallet with a "hugh!" expressive96 of deep relief, saunter off to the Maori camp, where a sufficiency of pork and kumera awaited him, or at the worst, dried shark, pippi, and fern-root.
Then, as the priceless missives were handed to the feverishly97 expectant possessors, what sudden revulsions of feeling were apparent! Few had sufficient self-control to await the moment when the contents could be devoured98 in secrecy99. But, standing about in all directions, could the recipients101 be descried102 with open letter and expressive features, relaxed, fixed103, satisfied, overjoyed, relieved, despairing, according as the Fates had dealt the measure of weal or woe104.
At such a momentous105 ordeal106, when his letters were given to Massinger, one came in the well-known hand of Mrs. Merivale, née Branksome.
Putting the collection into his pocket without trace of excitement, he wended his way to his tent, where, seating himself, he opened the envelope, and read as follows:—
"My dear Sir Roland,
"As Harry107 sees all your letters, and occasionally criticizes mine from a man's point of view (terribly wrong, as I always tell him), I may without indiscretion supply the possessive prefix108. Sounds quite learned, doesn't it? Besides, ten—or is it not twelve?—thousand miles' distance prevents a hint of [Pg 265] impropriety in our correspondence. After all this explanation, I proceed to say 'How do you do?' How are you getting on in that most unpleasant war, which would be ludicrous if it were not so dangerous, and into which you seem to have rushed for no conceivable reason, but because you disapprove109 and have no earthly interest connected with it? Talk of man being a rational being, indeed!
"He often argues like one, but how rarely—almost never, indeed—does he act in accordance with his theories!
"However, like all decent Englishmen embarked110 in a quarrel, you are bound in honour to go through with it. The question which perplexes your friends—and you have a few, rather more than the average, indeed—is why you should have gone into it at all. I am not going to say 'Que le diable, etc.'—by the way, I ought to have stopped at the 'Que'—but we all think so!
"One exhausts one's self in trying to find a cause (reason, of course, there is none) for this effect; that is, for your migration111 to the 'other side of the world,' as Jean Ingelow has it in that dear song of hers. I have been reading German philosophy lately, and now know that you must go much further back than is generally thought necessary for people's tastes and dispositions112, principles, and actions.
"This, then, would be the formula. First, Hypatia's parents, or one of them, having, on account of some accidental family trait, bestowed113 upon her an abnormally altruistic114 nature.
"Then they proceed to furnish her with a shamefully115 superior and unnecessary education, developing [Pg 266] her intellect at the expense of her common sense, so that she feels herself vowed116 to the social advancement117 of the masses (as if they are not even now unpleasantly close to the classes). This by the way.
"Cause No. 2: Strenuous118 attempts to move the social fabric119, with the usual effect—loss of health and failure of 'mission,' self-dedicated.
"Cause No. 3: Her refusal of the 'plain duty of womanhood,' and so on, which wrecks120 your career, as far as we can see, without improving her own. However, she will doubtless plead that 'her intentions were good.' Harry, who has been looking over my shoulder (most improperly121, I tell him), comes out with, 'D—n her intentions!' (or words to that effect). 'Women always say so when they've made a more destructive muddle122 of things than usual!' He has now been chased out of the room, so I proceed to finish my letter in peace.
"As it is nearing the end, I may treat you to a bit of news which you may regard as more important than the whole of the preceding despatch123. Our mutual124 friend has a dearest chum in New Zealand, to whom she is devoted125—the wife of a missionary clergyman. They live in your shockingly disturbed district, where for some years they have been converting the heathen with gratifying results. This Mary Summers is the best of young women, and, when she is not making 'moral pocket 'ankerchers,' writes to our Hypatia. I don't want to be irreverent (Harry says—well, never mind; but he doesn't like that kind of thing—says it's bad form), only the temptation was irresistible126. Well, where was I? Oh! she says 'the field' is most interesting; the Maoris [Pg 267] are a noble race—ten times more worthy62 of a life's devotion than our slum savages127, and so on. Well, Hypatia, being discouraged about them, appears to me to incline to a Maori crusade. So that it is possible—mind, I go no further—that one of these days you might see 'the—er—one loved name,' or 'once loved,' as the case might be, in a passenger list.
"More wonderful things have happened before now, and I certainly did find her reading 'Ranulf and Amohia' the other day.
"It is really dreadful the length of this letter of mine. However, I must tell you a little news. Your successor at Massinger Court has got on very well with the county. Just at first, of course, people, after the manner of our cautious country-folk, fought shy of them. After a while, however, they were voted 'nice,' especially after Lord Lake, an ex-Governor, and his wife, Lady Maud, came down to stay with them, and it leaked out that they were related to the Lexingtons of Saxmundham. Not that they mentioned the fact. Harry says the son is a capital fellow—rides, shoots, hunts, in most proper style, quiet in manner, but amusing, and plays polo and cricket better than most men.
"The girls, too, are pretty and pleasant, great at tennis and archery, besides being musical. The father subscribes128 liberally to the county charities, and is hand-and-glove with the parson, who says he is unusually well read. So you are in danger of being forgotten—do you hear, sir?—and serve you right, by all but a very few, who still think occasionally of the rightful owner of Massinger Court and Chase; among whom [Pg 268] I am proud to enrol129 myself, and (this is the last sheet) remain
"Always yours very sincerely,
"Elizabeth Merivale."
The dawn was breaking on the morning of a cold and gusty130 day, as the shivering men of the No. 2 Company of the Forest Rangers were drying themselves at an indifferent fire, when Warwick held up a warning hand.
"Some one coming."
Mr. Slyde lifted his rifle carelessly, and remarked, "A morning call. One of our scouts132, or a toa bent133 on death or glory. He should have come last night, when we were too tired to cook supper; now I feel as if a brush with the 'hostiles' would revive me."
"It's no native," affirmed Warwick. "He has boots on, and is walking too fast for a surprise party. Here he comes."
As he spoke134, the bush parted, and a plainly dressed man in dark clothes walked rapidly across the open ground in front of the camp.
"By Jove, it's the bishop135!" said Mr. Slyde. Then advancing, he bowed, and in deeply respectful tones greeted the apostolic prelate who departed so seriously from the modern manner of bishops136 of the Established Church.
"I am afraid, my lord, that you have had an uncomfortable journey; you must have started early if you came from Pukerimu."
"Comfort and I have long been at odds," said the stranger—for it was indeed George Augustus Selwyn, the famous Bishop of New Zealand, who [Pg 269] stood there drenched137 to the skin, with the water dripping from his garments—"and will be until this unhappy war is over. The fact is, that I heard through a native convert that the missionaries138 at Ohaupo were in danger, so I started at midnight to warn them. The creek1 was flooded, or I should not have looked so much like a drowned rat."
Massinger, who had been gazing intently at the devoted Churchman of whom he had heard such wondrous139 stories—tales of his courage, his athletic140 feats141, his influence among the natives, his eloquence142, his tender treatment of the wounded on both sides—was lost in admiration143 as he gazed at the expressive countenance144, so noble in its simplicity145. He now came forward with an offer of a change of garments.
"My friend, Lieutenant146 Massinger," said Mr. Slyde, introducing him. "He has only joined recently, and, indeed, is but lately from England."
"Massinger of the Court? Surely not!" said the bishop, with an air of much interest. "How strange that we should meet thus! I knew your people well before I left England. I will not ask you how you came to be thus engaged, but must content myself with declining your courteous147 offer. We are all in one boat as to discomfort148. I am only bearing my share of the common burden; and, indeed, I believe that were I to trouble my head about these trifling149 privations, I should lose my robust150 health, and, like some of my poor native parishioners, become a prey151 to ordinary ailments152."
At this stage of the interview an orderly arrived with a pressing invitation from the senior officer of the Forest Rangers, who trusted that his lordship [Pg 270] would not delay joining their mess at breakfast; so, with a hearty153 expression of thanks and adieu, this devoted soldier of the Church Militant154 departed with the orderly, every soldier within sight saluting155 as he passed.
"That's a man, if you like!" said Mr. Slyde. "If there were more like him, no other religion would have a chance with ours. Travelled on foot from coast to coast—in all weathers, too. Night or day, high water or low, hot or cold, all alike to him. Opposed to the war, too, back and edge. Government taken his advice, never have broken out."
"And now, what is his work?"
"Peace and good will on earth. Can't be hoped for just yet, of course. Making the best of it now, until the end comes. Risked his life over and over again. Worst of it, natives beginning to doubt him—fired at him, indeed. Feels it bitterly, they say. Been advised to keep out of the way. Scorns prudence156. Says it's his duty to go to the front. Careful only about other men's lives."
"I've often heard of him," said Massinger; "I'm thankful now that I've seen him. It does one good to meet an apostle in the flesh."
"Not an extra religious man myself," said Mr. Slyde; "but deep respect for the man, apart from his cloth. Black his boots any day, and feel proud to do it, by Jove!"
Breakfast concluded, there were certain military duties to be observed, at the conclusion of which the lieutenant made his way to headquarters, hoping for an interview with this heroic personage. To his regret, he found that, with characteristic rapidity of action, he had already departed, but had found time [Pg 271] to write hastily the note which was now handed to him. It ran as follows:—
"My dear Young Friend (if I may so address you),
"You can hardly imagine the mingled157 feelings which your presence in this camp called up. Your county adjoins mine, and I have heard of your family ever since I can remember. Knowing its position, I can hardly imagine what could have brought about your departure from the land we all hold so dear.
"Mine was a call, imperative158 and irresistible. I could not refuse to perform my Master's work. I should have, perhaps, been unduly159 puffed160 up by the success of my previous efforts, had not this disastrous161 war come to lower my pride. I have been chastened, God only knows how severely. May it be for my soul's good! You are in the ranks of those who are fighting—some in defence of a policy of injustice162; others, like yourself, I feel certain, merely as a protest against the domination of a savage race—in defence of the hearths163 and homes which a victorious164 foe would desecrate165. Of the inception166 of the war you and your friend, Mr. Slyde, I know, are innocent.
"Among our native allies, the Ngapuhi and the Rarawa tribes have ever been true and faithful. The chiefs Waka Nene and Patuone, in their steadfast adherence167 to the Christian168 faith and unswerving loyalty169 to our Queen, may well serve as examples to men in high position. Farewell! and may He who is able to save both body and soul, preserve you through all dangers, now and evermore.
"Believe me to be
"Most truly yours,
"G. A. New Zealand."
[Pg 272]
"We shall meet again," thought the recipient100 of the apostolic epistle—"we must do so, with leisure to hear his opinion on this most vexed170 question of the war. I wish with all my heart that it was over. But a peace would be worse than nothing unless we fully proved our superiority. These Waikatos and Ngatihaua must not be suffered to think that they have repulsed171 the whole British army. The country would be impossible to live in. And we can't afford to lose such a brace172 of islands as these, the nearest approach, in climate, soil, and adaptation to the British race, of any land yet occupied. Not to be thought of."
And here he began to hum a song in which the glories of Britain on land and sea were set forth173, and for the moment forgot his virtuous174 indignation against the occupation of Taharaimaka and the injustice of the Waitara business.
And so the war progressed, sometimes with passages of toilsome marching, daring attack of pah or redoubt, hairbreadth escapes, wounds, and inevitable175 incidents of warfare. Ever and anon a brilliant surprise, a masterly man?uvre on the part of the troops or allies, followed by an ambuscade planned by the natives with consummate176 skill, or a desperate stand in their entrenchments, where the loss of officers was unduly great, and the rank and file suffered severely. When it was considered that nearly three years had elapsed in a campaign where ten thousand British regulars, and nearly as many volunteers and native allies, were arrayed against the Maoris, who at no time could have had five thousand men in the field, it seemed amazing that no decisive victory should have been obtained.
[Pg 273]
"Talk of its being 'one of Britain's little wars,' as the newspapers call it!" grumbled177 Mr. Slyde. "My belief is that it is going to last as long as that confounded Carthaginian business. How they used to bore us with it at school! Beginning bad enough—end probably worse. Fellows die of old age, unless we hurry up."
"It does drag fearfully; it's only bearable when we're in action. This lagging guerilla business, with such a commissariat—all the privations of war, and none of the excitement—is simply unendurable. However, when Warwick comes in from his scouting178 prowl we may hear something."
"Wonder he doesn't get 'chopped' some of these fine days. Certainly manages to pick up information in a wonderful way. Von Tempsky says he's thrown away upon us two. Wants to get him for scout131 business pure and simple."
"For some inscrutable reason he has attached himself to me," said Massinger. "I suggested that he might do good service by acting179 in that capacity—alone. He didn't take kindly180 to it at all—seemed hurt; so I let him alone."
"Best thing you could do. Not a bad thing to have a fidus Achates born a Trojan. Put you up to their wiles181. Shouldn't wonder if he'd given you a hand as it is?"
"Now I come to think of it, he did once. We were having some brisk work that day at Katikara, where we couldn't dislodge the natives from the redoubt. The firing was sharp, when he motioned me to change position. The next minute a bullet struck the tree just where I had been standing, and [Pg 274] a fellow put his head over the parapet to see if he had bagged me. Warwick was waiting for him, and as he fired I saw my friend fling up his arms and fall backward."
"'Close call!' as the backwoodsmen say; but that sort of thing's all luck. Look at Ropata! You'd think he stood up on purpose to be shot at—shilling a shot kind of business. Never been touched yet. No wonder they call him 'Waha Waha.' 'The devil or some untoward saint' has an eye to him, the Tohungas say."
"He's a grand soldier. It's lucky for us that he's on our side. Reckless and ruthless, a true Ngatiporou.—Hallo! what tribe do you belong to?" continued he, as he pointed182 to a tall Maori standing within a few paces of them. "Why, it's Warwick! How in the world did you get so close to us without our hearing you?"
"Only in the way some Waikato will sneak183 you, lieutenant, if you are not more careful—when you'll be shot before you have time to lift your hand. My native relatives taught me that and other things when I was young."
"And what news have you? Anything important?"
"That's as it may be. Large bodies of the Ngaiterangi have commenced to move forward towards the Orakau. We shall have a big affair soon. I fell in with a scout of the Arawa named Taranui, and he was of the same way of thinking. Said the Ngaiterangi were closing up. But I must deliver my report at headquarters first."
Whereupon Warwick departed. He had divested184 [Pg 275] himself of his European garments, and was attired185 chiefly in a flax mat (pureke), a tapona (war-cloak), and other strictly186 Maori habiliments, with a heitiki suspended from his neck; his muscular arms and lower leg were bare. He looked so like a native that only by close inspection187 could he be detected.
"The gods be praised!" said Mr. Slyde, fervently188. "Men getting mouldy here. Another month or two like this would demoralize them. Out of hand a trifle already. Look at Warwick! Doesn't he glide12 along, at that half run, half walk of the natives? At this distance no one would take him for a white man. Have all the news when he comes to supper."
With this hope before them, the friends addressed themselves to such occupations as were available, and awaited the evening meal, when Warwick would have an opportunity of unloading his budget. When the bugle-call sounded the welcome invitation, they descried him lounging down from the other end of the camp in undress uniform, having taken the opportunity to remove every trace of his recent experiences.
"And now for your adventures, Warwick," said Massinger, as, having settled to the after-supper pipe, the little party seated themselves on a rude bench constructed of fern stems some ten feet in length, and supported on blocks of the pahautea. "It doesn't happen to rain now, wonderful to relate, and the moon, taking heart and encouragement, 'diffuses189 her mild rays,' as the poets say, through this ancient and darksome woodland. Did you see any of the Ngaiterangi?"
"I did indeed, nearer than I liked," answered Warwick; "and but for a lucky chance they would [Pg 276] have seen me, in which case you would never have seen me again—alive that is."
"Thrilling in the extreme," assented190 Mr. Slyde. "What was it—a taua?"
"More than that; a whole hapu—a strong one too, women and all. They were travelling fast, and heading straight for Kihikihi."
"How far off were you?"
"Barely sixty yards. What saved me was that I was in the bed of a creek, among the ferns on the edge of the water. I had just been going to climb to the top, when I heard a girl laugh. I could scarcely believe my ears. However, I crawled up and peeped through the manuka. Sure enough, there they were, three hundred strong, besides women and children—marching in close order, too. If they had straggled at all I was a gone man."
"So they didn't see you?"
"No. What saved me was a bend in the creek, which they had crossed higher up; so they steered191 for the other point which they could see—there are some rocks on the bank—and left me in the loop of the circle. If they had struck the creek nearer to me, I must have been seen. But they had camped at the other point, and having had their kai, were marching to recover the time. I was very glad when I saw their backs."
"How long would they be in reaching Kihi-kihi?"
"Not before tomorrow night. Their intention is, of course, to get into Orakau and strengthen the defences. There's only a sufficient number there now to hold the earthworks against a moderate force."
"What do you think the general will do?"
[Pg 277]
"Move to intercept192 them before they can get into the pah."
"And is there time for the march?"
"Barely. Don't be surprised if we have the order to start at daylight. I went back on their trail for the rest of that day, and found that they had only made one halt, having come right through from Maungatautari. Just at nightfall I picked up the tracks of Taranui, and got to his camp, in a cave that I knew all about."
"Then you compared notes?"
"Yes. He says it will be the biggest fight of the war; that Waka Nene and Patuone were on the march, with every warrior19 of the Ngapuhi and the Rarawa. Mannering and Waterton were with them, also Erena. Taranui said she never leaves her father. There were many other women, which makes me think that it is a more serious affair than usual."
"Why should that be?" asked Massinger, heroically concealing193 his personal interest in this phase of the expedition.
"Because they do not care to leave them at home. They have a notion that in case of defeat the Waikatos might double back and raid their villages."
"What an absurd idea! Surely they can't imagine that, with the forces at our command, such a thing could be possible!"
"Such things have happened in old days," said Slyde. "Defeated tribe suffered horrors unspeakable. Ngapuhis felt no hesitation194 in inflicting195 when they were uppermost. Tribal custom. No grounds of complaint if they receive same in turn."
"Fortunately, there's no slavery now; otherwise," [Pg 278] said Warwick, "one could hardly describe the condition of a conquered tribe. The missionaries may be thanked for that. I have heard tales that would make your hair stand on end."
"Much worse than could happen now?" asked Massinger.
"Worse—worse a hundredfold. First of all, the old and helpless would be killed and eaten—yes, eaten before their blood was cold. Any particular family among the captors that had lost relatives would have men or women handed over to them to torture at their pleasure; and great pleasure it seemed to be to prolong the agony and refine the cruelty. All the able-bodied men and women would be carried off as slaves—not only to be used as beasts of burden, but to be held degraded for life as having been slaves. Their lot was a hard one, though occasionally some lived through it, and were now and then freed. Others became distinguished196, like Te Waharoa."
"I have heard his history," said Massinger. "What a remarkable197 man he must have been!"
"He was indeed. Found crying, a small child, among the ruins of his pah at Wanganui, and carried away to Rotorua by Pango, a chief of the Ngatiwhakane, who in after-years piously198 repented199 (in 1836) that he had not there and then ended the life of one fated to become the destroyer of his tribe. It did seem ungrateful when he, forty years afterwards, declared war against the tribe that had liberated200 him, and slaughtered201 them wholesale202 at Ohinemutu."
Sleep did not appear to be likely to visit Massinger after what he had heard from Warwick. Long after [Pg 279] his comrades had retired203 he remained on watch, gazing into the forest, as if he expected the Ngapuhi to debouch204 thence, with Mannering and Waterton at the head of their warriors, and Erena beside her father, a warrior-maid too proud to remain behind when the great Ngapuhi tribe was on the war-path.
What would be the fate of this strange girl, so subtly compounded of diverse elements, the twin natures within her—the forest life and the civilized—each struggling for the mastery?
And what were his feelings now with respect to her? Could he deny that her image was constantly in his thoughts; that the recollection of her haughty205, graceful206 bearing, her superb form, her lustrous207 eyes, her radiant smile, combined to form a picture dangerously enthralling208? From one fateful syren, so destructive to his peace, his every aim and prospect209 in life, he had been removed. And now, must a newer "phantom210 of delight" reappear to disturb his faculties211 and assail212 his reason? Whatever might be the result, one thing was certain—his heart swelled213 with unwonted emotion at the thought of seeing her again.
And under what circumstances were they once more to meet? Not under the fern-arched glades214 of that enchanted215 forest, wherein they had wandered side by side so many a mile, carelessly gay as the bird that called above them, looking forward but to the halt by rushing stream or fire-lit camp, amid the silent splendours of the antarctic night. He had thought to regard this fantastic friendship as one of the inevitable episodes of a roving life, productive, doubtless, of a transient series of pleasurable emotions and interesting experiences, but to be disengaged from [Pg 280] his career when serious action was demanded, like the drifting weeds and flowers that for a time impede216 the flowing tide.
How many men have so judged! How many have discovered that the fragile bonds, to be cast aside as pleasure or interest might dictate217, have changed mysteriously into shackles218 and fetters219 that hold with inflexible220 tenacity221 a long life through?
But who thus argues in the halcyon222 days of youthful dalliance, when reason is stilled, and every natural feeling exults223 in joyous224 possession of the magical hours? The sky is blue and golden, the birds sing, strains of unearthly melody float through the charmed air—immortal, enthralling. Care is defied, sorrow banished225. The "vengeance226 due for all our wrongs" is immeasurably distant. Yet Nemesis—slow-footed sleuth-hound of Fate—is rarely evaded227.
A train of depressing reflections may probably have arisen in his midnight musings, not wholly to be disregarded, sanguine228 as was his nature. But he comforted himself as a last resource with the idea that there was a chance of his being knocked over in the coming engagement, which promised to be of a yet more bloody229 and obstinate230 nature than those in which he had already taken part. Having thus arrived at some sort of a conclusion, if not wholly satisfactory, he disposed himself to a slumber231 from which the bugle-notes of the reveillé only aroused him.
The march had been arranged on the calculation that they would reach Orakau, where the enemy would in all probability join the hostile forces in sufficient time to intercept them, and so destroy the strength of the combination. The order of the day, therefore, [Pg 281] required a continuous march until sundown, after which a halt for refreshment232 would take place.
The troops would then continue the advance until daylight under the guidance of trusted scouts, of whom Warwick was the leader and interpreter. They would then, it was hoped, be enabled to fall upon the Ngaiterangi unprepared, and deal one of the most decisive blows of the war, besides capturing the Orakau pah, a stronghold of great strength in itself, and the key to a most important position. Artillery233, too, would be brought to bear on the pah for breaching234 purposes. The full strength of the Ngapuhi and Rarawa would also be available. All things looked like an assured victory.
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1
creek
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| n.小溪，小河，小湾 | |
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creeks
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| n.小湾( creek的名词复数 )；小港；小河；小溪 | |
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3
Ford
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| n.浅滩，水浅可涉处；v.涉水，涉过 | |
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wade
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| v.跋涉，涉水；n.跋涉 | |
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insufficient
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| adj.(for，of)不足的，不够的 | |
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hardiest
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| 能吃苦耐劳的，坚强的( hardy的最高级 )； （植物等）耐寒的 | |
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thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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odds
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| n.让步，机率，可能性，比率；胜败优劣之别 | |
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inured
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| adj.坚强的，习惯的 | |
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warfare
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| n.战争(状态)；斗争；冲突 | |
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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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glide
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| n./v.溜，滑行；(时间)消逝 | |
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13
trumpet
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| n.喇叭，喇叭声；v.吹喇叭，吹嘘 | |
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stifled
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| （使）窒息， （使）窒闷( stifle的过去式和过去分词 )； 镇压，遏制； 堵 | |
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elusive
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| adj.难以表达(捉摸)的；令人困惑的；逃避的 | |
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demon
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| n.魔鬼，恶魔 | |
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foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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mingling
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| adj.混合的 | |
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warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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averse
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| adj.厌恶的；反对的，不乐意的 | |
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levies
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| （部队）征兵( levy的名词复数 )； 募捐； 被征募的军队 | |
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militia
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| n.民兵，民兵组织 | |
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24
bloodiest
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| adj.血污的( bloody的最高级 )；流血的；屠杀的；残忍的 | |
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tribal
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| adj.部族的，种族的 | |
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aboriginal
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| adj.（指动植物）土生的，原产地的，土著的 | |
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27
strife
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| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
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28
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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tangible
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| adj.有形的，可触摸的，确凿的，实际的 | |
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invaders
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| 入侵者，侵略者，侵入物( invader的名词复数 ) | |
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31
colonist
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| n.殖民者，移民 | |
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32
severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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33
conserve
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| vt.保存，保护，节约，节省，守恒，不灭 | |
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34
fascination
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| n.令人着迷的事物，魅力，迷恋 | |
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35
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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36
rangers
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| 护林者( ranger的名词复数 )； 突击队员 | |
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heroism
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| n.大无畏精神，英勇 | |
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38
plume
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| n.羽毛；v.整理羽毛，骚首弄姿，用羽毛装饰 | |
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39
fabled
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| adj.寓言中的，虚构的 | |
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40
fray
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| v.争吵；打斗；磨损，磨破；n.吵架；打斗 | |
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41
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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42
missionary
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| adj.教会的，传教(士)的；n.传教士 | |
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43
averted
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| 防止，避免( avert的过去式和过去分词 )； 转移 | |
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44
tantalizing
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| adj.逗人的；惹弄人的；撩人的；煽情的v.逗弄，引诱，折磨( tantalize的现在分词 ) | |
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45
trudged
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| vt.& vi.跋涉，吃力地走（trudge的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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46
marshes
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| n.沼泽，湿地( marsh的名词复数 ) | |
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47
wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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48
covert
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| adj.隐藏的；暗地里的 | |
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49
sardonic
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| adj.嘲笑的，冷笑的，讥讽的 | |
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50
colonists
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| n.殖民地开拓者，移民，殖民地居民( colonist的名词复数 ) | |
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51
debonair
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| adj.殷勤的，快乐的 | |
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52
elegance
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| n.优雅；优美，雅致；精致，巧妙 | |
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53
demonstration
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| n.表明，示范，论证，示威 | |
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54
acquiescence
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| n.默许；顺从 | |
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55
harassing
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| v.侵扰，骚扰( harass的现在分词 )；不断攻击（敌人） | |
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56
fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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57
forage
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| n.(牛马的)饲料，粮草；v.搜寻，翻寻 | |
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58
withering
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| 使人畏缩的，使人害羞的，使人难堪的 | |
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59
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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60
derived
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| vi.起源；由来；衍生；导出v.得到( derive的过去式和过去分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
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61
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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62
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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63
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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64
frenzy
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| n.疯狂，狂热，极度的激动 | |
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65
foes
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| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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66
breach
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| n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破 | |
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67
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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68
fortress
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| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
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69
trench
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| n./v.(挖)沟，(挖)战壕 | |
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70
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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71
beleaguered
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| adj.受到围困[围攻]的；包围的v.围攻( beleaguer的过去式和过去分词)；困扰；骚扰 | |
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72
bowler
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| n.打保龄球的人，（板球的）投（球）手 | |
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73
regiment
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| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
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74
requiem
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| n.安魂曲，安灵曲 | |
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75
stumps
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| （被砍下的树的）树桩( stump的名词复数 )； 残肢； （板球三柱门的）柱； 残余部分 | |
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76
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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77
dwarfs
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| n.侏儒，矮子（dwarf的复数形式）vt.（使）显得矮小（dwarf的第三人称单数形式） | |
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78
untoward
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| adj.不利的，不幸的，困难重重的 | |
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79
callousness
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80
abeyance
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| n.搁置，缓办，中止，产权未定 | |
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81
cavalry
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| n.骑兵；轻装甲部队 | |
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82
procuring
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的现在分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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83
fodder
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| n.草料；炮灰 | |
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84
exertions
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| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
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85
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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86
eminently
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| adv.突出地；显著地；不寻常地 | |
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87
zest
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| n.乐趣；滋味，风味；兴趣 | |
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instructors
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| 指导者，教师( instructor的名词复数 ) | |
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89
animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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invaluable
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| adj.无价的，非常宝贵的，极为贵重的 | |
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92
morale
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| n.道德准则，士气，斗志 | |
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heterogeneous
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| adj.庞杂的；异类的 | |
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solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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mazes
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| 迷宫( maze的名词复数 )； 纷繁复杂的规则； 复杂难懂的细节； 迷宫图 | |
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expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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feverishly
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| adv. 兴奋地 | |
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98
devoured
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| 吞没( devour的过去式和过去分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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secrecy
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| n.秘密，保密，隐蔽 | |
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100
recipient
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| a.接受的,感受性强的 n.接受者,感受者,容器 | |
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101
recipients
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| adj.接受的；受领的；容纳的；愿意接受的n.收件人；接受者；受领者；接受器 | |
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102
descried
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| adj.被注意到的，被发现的，被看到的 | |
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103
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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104
woe
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| n.悲哀，苦痛，不幸，困难；int.用来表达悲伤或惊慌 | |
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105
momentous
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| adj.重要的，重大的 | |
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106
ordeal
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| n.苦难经历，（尤指对品格、耐力的）严峻考验 | |
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107
harry
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| vt.掠夺，蹂躏，使苦恼 | |
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108
prefix
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| n.前缀；vt.加…作为前缀；置于前面 | |
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109
disapprove
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| v.不赞成，不同意，不批准 | |
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110
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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111
migration
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| n.迁移，移居，（鸟类等的）迁徙 | |
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112
dispositions
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| 安排( disposition的名词复数 )； 倾向； （财产、金钱的）处置； 气质 | |
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113
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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114
altruistic
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| adj.无私的，为他人着想的 | |
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115
shamefully
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| 可耻地； 丢脸地； 不体面地； 羞耻地 | |
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116
vowed
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| 起誓，发誓（vow的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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117
advancement
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| n.前进，促进，提升 | |
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118
strenuous
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| adj.奋发的，使劲的；紧张的；热烈的，狂热的 | |
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119
fabric
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| n.织物，织品，布；构造，结构，组织 | |
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120
wrecks
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| n.沉船( wreck的名词复数 )；（事故中）遭严重毁坏的汽车（或飞机等）；（身体或精神上）受到严重损伤的人；状况非常糟糕的车辆（或建筑物等）v.毁坏[毁灭]某物( wreck的第三人称单数 )；使（船舶）失事，使遇难，使下沉 | |
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121
improperly
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| 不正确地，不适当地 | |
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122
muddle
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| n.困惑，混浊状态；vt.使混乱，使糊涂，使惊呆；vi.胡乱应付，混乱 | |
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123
despatch
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| n./v.(dispatch)派遣；发送；n.急件；新闻报道 | |
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124
mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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125
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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126
irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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127
savages
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| 未开化的人，野蛮人( savage的名词复数 ) | |
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128
subscribes
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| v.捐助( subscribe的第三人称单数 )；签署，题词；订阅；同意 | |
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129
enrol
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| v.（使）注册入学，（使）入学，（使）入会 | |
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130
gusty
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| adj.起大风的 | |
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131
scout
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| n.童子军，侦察员；v.侦察，搜索 | |
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132
scouts
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| 侦察员[机，舰]( scout的名词复数 )； 童子军； 搜索； 童子军成员 | |
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133
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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134
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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135
bishop
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| n.主教，（国际象棋）象 | |
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136
bishops
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| （基督教某些教派管辖大教区的）主教( bishop的名词复数 )； （国际象棋的）象 | |
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137
drenched
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| adj.湿透的；充满的v.使湿透( drench的过去式和过去分词 )；在某人（某物）上大量使用（某液体） | |
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138
missionaries
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| n.传教士( missionary的名词复数 ) | |
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139
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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140
athletic
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| adj.擅长运动的，强健的；活跃的，体格健壮的 | |
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141
feats
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| 功绩，伟业，技艺( feat的名词复数 ) | |
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142
eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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143
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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144
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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145
simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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146
lieutenant
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| n.陆军中尉，海军上尉；代理官员，副职官员 | |
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147
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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148
discomfort
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| n.不舒服，不安，难过，困难，不方便 | |
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149
trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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150
robust
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| adj.强壮的，强健的，粗野的，需要体力的，浓的 | |
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151
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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152
ailments
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| 疾病（尤指慢性病），不适( ailment的名词复数 ) | |
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153
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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154
militant
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| adj.激进的，好斗的；n.激进分子，斗士 | |
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155
saluting
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| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的现在分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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156
prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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157
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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158
imperative
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| n.命令，需要；规则；祈使语气；adj.强制的；紧急的 | |
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159
unduly
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| adv.过度地，不适当地 | |
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160
puffed
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| adj.疏松的v.使喷出( puff的过去式和过去分词 )；喷着汽（或烟）移动；吹嘘；吹捧 | |
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161
disastrous
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| adj.灾难性的，造成灾害的；极坏的，很糟的 | |
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162
injustice
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| n.非正义，不公正，不公平，侵犯（别人的）权利 | |
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163
hearths
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| 壁炉前的地板，炉床，壁炉边( hearth的名词复数 ) | |
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164
victorious
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| adj.胜利的，得胜的 | |
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165
desecrate
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| v.供俗用，亵渎，污辱 | |
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166
inception
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| n.开端，开始，取得学位 | |
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167
adherence
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| n.信奉，依附，坚持，固着 | |
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168
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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169
loyalty
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| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
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170
vexed
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| adj.争论不休的；（指问题等）棘手的；争论不休的问题；烦恼的v.使烦恼( vex的过去式和过去分词 )；使苦恼；使生气；详细讨论 | |
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171
repulsed
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| v.击退( repulse的过去式和过去分词 )；驳斥；拒绝 | |
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172
brace
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| n. 支柱,曲柄,大括号; v. 绷紧,顶住,(为困难或坏事)做准备 | |
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173
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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174
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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175
inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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176
consummate
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| adj.完美的；v.成婚；使完美 [反]baffle | |
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177
grumbled
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| 抱怨( grumble的过去式和过去分词 )； 发牢骚； 咕哝； 发哼声 | |
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178
scouting
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| 守候活动，童子军的活动 | |
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179
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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180
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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181
wiles
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| n.（旨在欺骗或吸引人的）诡计，花招；欺骗，欺诈( wile的名词复数 ) | |
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182
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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183
sneak
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| vt.潜行(隐藏,填石缝)；偷偷摸摸做；n.潜行；adj.暗中进行 | |
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184
divested
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| v.剥夺( divest的过去式和过去分词 )；脱去（衣服）；2。从…取去…；1。（给某人）脱衣服 | |
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185
attired
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| adj.穿着整齐的v.使穿上衣服，使穿上盛装( attire的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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186
strictly
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| adv.严厉地，严格地；严密地 | |
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187
inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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188
fervently
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| adv.热烈地，热情地，强烈地 | |
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189
diffuses
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| （使光）模糊，漫射，漫散( diffuse的第三人称单数 )； （使）扩散； （使）弥漫； （使）传播 | |
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190
assented
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| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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191
steered
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| v.驾驶( steer的过去式和过去分词 )；操纵；控制；引导 | |
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192
intercept
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| vt.拦截，截住，截击 | |
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193
concealing
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，遮住( conceal的现在分词 ) | |
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194
hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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195
inflicting
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| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的现在分词 ) | |
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196
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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197
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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198
piously
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| adv.虔诚地 | |
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199
repented
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| 对（自己的所为）感到懊悔或忏悔( repent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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200
liberated
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| a.无拘束的，放纵的 | |
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201
slaughtered
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| v.屠杀，杀戮，屠宰( slaughter的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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202
wholesale
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| n.批发；adv.以批发方式；vt.批发，成批出售 | |
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203
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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204
debouch
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| v.流出，进入 | |
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205
haughty
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| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
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206
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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207
lustrous
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| adj.有光泽的；光辉的 | |
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208
enthralling
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| 迷人的 | |
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209
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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210
phantom
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| n.幻影，虚位，幽灵；adj.错觉的，幻影的，幽灵的 | |
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211
faculties
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| n.能力( faculty的名词复数 )；全体教职员；技巧；院 | |
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212
assail
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| v.猛烈攻击，抨击，痛斥 | |
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213
swelled
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| 增强( swell的过去式和过去分词 )； 肿胀； （使）凸出； 充满（激情） | |
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214
glades
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| n.林中空地( glade的名词复数 ) | |
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215
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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216
impede
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| v.妨碍，阻碍，阻止 | |
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217
dictate
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| v.口授；(使)听写；指令，指示，命令 | |
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218
shackles
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| 手铐( shackle的名词复数 )； 脚镣； 束缚； 羁绊 | |
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219
fetters
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| n.脚镣( fetter的名词复数 )；束缚v.给…上脚镣，束缚( fetter的第三人称单数 ) | |
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220
inflexible
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| adj.不可改变的，不受影响的，不屈服的 | |
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221
tenacity
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| n.坚韧 | |
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222
halcyon
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| n.平静的，愉快的 | |
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223
exults
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| 狂喜，欢跃( exult的第三人称单数 ) | |
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224
joyous
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| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
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225
banished
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| v.放逐，驱逐( banish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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226
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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227
evaded
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| 逃避( evade的过去式和过去分词 )； 避开； 回避； 想不出 | |
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228
sanguine
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| adj.充满希望的，乐观的，血红色的 | |
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229
bloody
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| adj.非常的的；流血的；残忍的；adv.很；vt.血染 | |
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230
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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231
slumber
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| n.睡眠，沉睡状态 | |
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232
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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233
artillery
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| n.(军)火炮，大炮；炮兵(部队) | |
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234
breaching
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| 攻破( breach的过去式 )； 破坏，违反 | |
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