Motu Wairua.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 26 September 1925, Page 7

Motu Wairua.

CHAPTER XIX. Fortunate as they wore to have escaped from the fury of the storm to this comparatively tranquil spot, George realised that' their plight was even yet far from enviable. Soaked to the skin, yet without water with which to slake their thirst, and for food, only a small package of sodden lunch. They might still have to face much hardship and cold ere they were again able to navigate their frail barque to the cove. In the meantime the chill wind found its way relentlessly through their soaked clothing, and there was grave risk, as night drew on, of the cold seriously affecting their exhausted bodies. In view of the fact that Chester had stated that, the cove was the only possible landing on the island, George had little hope of finding any spot where foothold could be secured on the frowning cliffs forming this shore. Nevertheless he determined to row, as closely in to the rocks as was safe, and keep a constant look-out for any landing place however small, where they might form a camp for the night, and relievo themselves of the eternal rowing which was now necessary to keep the boat within the shelter zone. For a mile or more, as they rowed along, the forbidding shore offered no hope of a landing, and ns both men were now shivering and exhausted, frequent changes were necessary from steering to rowing to keep their chilled blood in circulation. George had just relinquished the oars to the shivering Mike, when his watchful eve caught sight of a small stream cascading down the cliff. This in itself was no unusual sight, excepting that the gully from which this stream issued, considerably reduced the height of the rocky face at this point, and further, when halfway down the cliff, the splashing water quite disappeared from view. So interested was George in the inexplicable behaviour of this small waterfall, that he determined to investigate it at closer quarters, and without word to Mike, quietly piloted the boat close in to the point muter observation. Not until he had come within a hundred yards of the shore did George realise that between them and the lower half of the fall a point of solid rock jutted out, so similar in formation and colouring to its background of cliff, that he had mistaken it for a solid rock face. This meiifp that behind the point some inlet must be hidden, in which, maybe, they would find safe, and comparatively comfortable harbourage until the storm spent itself. So far, Mike, even had lie noticed it. showed no interest in their altered course, nnd George determined meantime not to acquaint him with his hopes. Poor old Mike was almost done up, the strenuous rowing was such an unusual form of exercise that the light with the storm had apparently sapped his reserve of strength, and he now, with eyes closed, continued pulling in a purely mechanical manner, his senses concerned with nothing save the miseries and discomforts of the moment. Hence, when their boat rounded the promontorv, and disclosed, nestling behind it, a beautifully sheltered little shingly beach, sloping gradually up to the foot of the waterfall, Mike was unaware that they were not still forging their way along the hopelessly preciptous coast. At George’s "Steady, Mike," the Irishman opened his eyes Avith a start. "Where in Hades are we, Cap’n?” anil as his glance took in the rocky Avails to right and left of them—"Hoavlv Moses, we’ve found us a harbour, Bedad, Cap’n, Oi Avas jist savin’ to meself that, we’d either have to eat raAA- kingfishes for the next two days, or foller the example o’ me worthy countryman, Terence. McSweenoy. an’ do wid nothin’ at all—at all. Share you’re the great navigator, Cap’n, but hoAA-, be all the Saints did yer foind this' little, nook. Whin Oi took the oars, not foiA r e minutes gone, there Avas nary a sign o’ it. Maybe Oi’vc been fast ashlecp ,and avc’vc' completely circumnavigated the blessed island." "Well, I call this luck. Why, avo might easily have passed it it hundred times without seeing it. if 1 hadn’t been gazing thirstily at that waterfall." "Begorra, yer might. Cap’n; t’irstv, why, me I’mat is that dry Oi could drink canid Avater neat, Avitliout damage to me iron constitution."

With :i crunching of travel, ami a swish of tiny wavelets caressing the pebbles, the boat grounded on the miniature beach, and each man’s first thought, being of water, the two slaked their thirst before proceeding with the necessary construction of a camp for their indefinite stay at this spot. In view of the rapid approacli of night, what preparations were possible to add to their comfort were pushed on. The boat was hauled high above the fringing line of drift-wood, ■ and here propped on her side to form a shelter from the heavy dews. A sufficiently dry match, was found to kindle a blazing fire of driftwood, and soon a quite eatable hot meal of fish was prepared by boiling part of their catch in sea water, using the boat-bailor as a cooking pot; this course being varied by a judicious selection of sodder: sandwiches. the whole washed down with cool sweet water from their stream.

With clothing dried before their blazing tire the two tifrned into their primitive bunk snuggling close together for warmth, and within a very few minutes, in spite of the humps and hollows of their stony couch, contented snores blended with the tinkle of falling water and the soothing lullaby of tiny wavelets rustling among the pebbles of the beach. Ere the sunrise tinted the cliffs to golden grandeur, the shivering George crept from their shelter. The fire had died to a few white-coated embers, which the chill, eddying wind scattered in scurrying clouds. A little coaxing, and the" flames leapt up through the dew-damped wodo, and in the warmth, the stiffened and aching*joints regained their suppleness, and the blood once more coursed tingling through his veins. Feeling disinclined for more sleep now that dawn reddened the east, George determined to scramble round their cove and find if any possibility existed of clambering to the top of the promontory, and from there, gleaning some idea of the conditions out at sea. The scramble up the rocky face, though needing care in the half light, was not at all dangerous, and from the top the wide expanse of storm-tossed ocean gave little promise of release from their present predicament. Behind him rose the threatening cliff, but from a close survey of it in the momentarily brightening light, he believed an ascent might prove possible.

(THE ISLAND OF SPIRITS)

By H. BRERETON Author of l( Thc Luck oj Old Harry.”

Would he go back and Avake Mike, and make an attempt to climb it? Why disturb the poor chap. What a pleasant aAvakening it would be if he could come back to tell him that a path to safetv and comfort led up the cliff face! Tingling Avith excitement, he scrambled higher up the crest of the promontory, and where it joined the cliff face found, that by making use of a crevice here, a projecting rock there, he was able to gradually Avork his Avav up toAvards the point aaliere the streamlet cascaded over the rocks.

As he proceeded, George greAV more ami more hopeful of this proving a practicable route, and at last scrambling round a projection on the cliff face, Avas delighted to see above him and almost within reach, the stunted, wiml-swept scrub Avliich marked the top of the climb.

At last he was up, ami there far below lay the sea, close to the shore a dappled green in the morning light, while further out, the storm still Avhipped the Avave crests to flying foam. Beneath him, so close that he could have dropped a pebble on the upturned boat, the silent, camp still nestled in the fading shadows of night, through which the lire glowed redly. Well, it was good to be here, but lire tin* first conquest of man—made him think of breakfast, and breakfast of the sloppy and unappetising food that, would be'theirs until they could make their Avav across the island to their well-stocked and comfortable wharc. .The descent Avas much more difficult than lie had imagined it would be, and made worse by an anxious Alike, newly awakened from his slumbers, insisting on shouting from far beloAv directions to George clinging like a spider to the rockv Avail. • -

The difficult face was, however; at last safelv negotiated, and scrambling doAA-n the'last, little bit to their cove, he broke the glad nines to Mike.

"Michael, my boy, avo can get up there as easily as possible. Then over the hill to the Avhare. and I’ll enjoy a change out of these sticky clothes bettor than anything in the past year." "Begorra. till Holy St-. Michael lends me wings O 'ill nive'r be able to negotiate that precipice." "Rot! Mike, it’s as easy as falling off a log. Let’s get some breakfast and then have a go nt 4 it.” "Failin’ off uv a log may be aisv and plisant. in its Avav, Cap’ll, but bedad Oi think vers roight whin yer says Oi could fall off that cliff jist as aisy, but Oi’m thinkin’ o’ the sthop at the bottom. ’ ’

At last, however, Turner- persuaded his reluctant, mate to attempt the climb, and having left the boat safe and sung they once more set, out, eventually negotiating it without accident. Little did either of them realise lioav soon they Avould again be-making use of the cove, or to Avhat surprising adventures it would be the gateway. CHAPTER XX.

With mixed emotions, George stood gazing at. a sheet of Avhite notepaper. 'flic-few lines Avritten there in Chester’s scraAvling hand might mean so little, or vet so much. . . With only their light, unsatisfying breakfast of broiled fish to sustain them, the tA\o men had spent Aveary hours pushing their Avay through the dense bush on their journey across the island. Their easiest route had lain along the spurs and ridges of this mountainous islet, hence they had exposed to the full fury of the gale Avhich still tore on its Avay, sighing mournfullv , up the gullies and Avhining amongst the tossing tres on the higher slopes. Tired and hungry, late in the. afternoon they reached the Avhare, and there, forming in the gloom a pallid square oiq his rough table, lay an envelope addressed to Turner. Walking to the Avindow that he might more easily decipher the contents, George tried to fathom the reason Avhich he felt sure Jay behind Chester’s decision as expressed in his note. "Dear Turner,” he read, "as further Maori workmen are unprocurable at present, I feel this is an opportune time for vou to take your annual leave. Murphy’s services will not be required unless or until we again commence, cutting. hence-1. will pay him off, and he will be at liberty to take any other work Avhieli may be offering.

‘‘Weather permitting, the ‘Gull’ will sail to Auckland to-morrow morning; ami I wish you both to cross on her.

“1 am leaving in the ‘Wairua’ in an hour’s time, but'will see that your salary and Murphy’s wages arc in Sandy’s care for delivery to you.

‘‘Report at my rooms in Auckland at the end of your leave. —Yours, J. Chester. ’ ’

So Chester schemed to separate him from the faithful Mike —why? Mot because* of inefficiency. Mike had proven! that lie* could get more, work Out of the men under him than any foreman with whom they could hope to replace him. He was honest, reliable, and loyal —perhaps too loyal to liis Cap’ll. Well, lie would fight against Mike’s dis missal to the finish—pay his wages himsHf if need be, but he felt that were Mike to go-—poor old ignorant, lovable Mike—he eoulel newer bear the utte'r loneliness of his life; on this island. Then Chester's expression: “Tinlews or until we* again commence cutting.’’ Diel he- contemplate giving up the idea of elea.ring the l islanel? George felt sure that the firewood business so far had much more than paiel its way. Sandy was busy perfecting the new mechanical cutter; besides, hundreds of pounds had already been spent on machinery and plant already on the ground. No, he surely must intend getting to work again as soon as men were procurable.

Turner idly wondered what urgent business could have induced his employer to make the passage to Auckland during the gale which was even now blowing. Either ho must be utterly fearless and reckless, or be driven by some most important call. Well, anyway, thought George, as well take my holiday now ns later. Perhaps he might meet Geraldine in Auckland. How lie longed for even a glimpse of the girl whom he tried so .hard to thrust from his heart, and ye.t loved the more. With the informality born of friendship for his boss, Mike entered Turner’s little sitting-room without knocking. “Halloa Cap’n. Oi thought ycr must have turned in. Couldn’t see sign o’ a light, so came aerost to kindle a bit o’ a fire, and tell ycr kai would be readv in half a shake. ’’

“Alike, my boy. I’ve just found a letter from Mr. Chester. You're fired! ”

“Fired? What do yer mean, Cap’n? Not sacked?’’

"Just that, Alike, though Chester put it in different words. He says your services will not be required ‘unless or until we again commence cutting,’ lienee lie is paying you off, and you are at liberty to look for another job." For a moment the little Irishman stood like one stunned, then Avitli voice trembling Avith emotion, turned to his companion: "Cap’n, what have Oi done? Ain’t Oi done me Avorrk proper? Oi don’t. Oh! 1 don’t, want to go, Cap’n, and lave yer liere alone on this hell o’ an island wid nothin’ but the banshee for company. Let me stay AA'id yer, Cap’n; do. They will he doin’''yer some injury, Oi feels it in me bones." "Alike, you can believe me, I. don't want to part with you, and your work is all right; don’t worry about that. As far as that is concerned I am prepared to pay vour wages myself if Chester will agree to your staying." "Wages be damned, Cap’n, Oi don’t want no wages from yer. Jist let me stay and do yer cookin' and foind me in a bit o’ tucker; that’s all Oi want. "Thunks, Alike, 1 don’t know- why you want to stay with me Avitliout wages on this ‘heli of an island’ as you call it, but 1 appreciate it old chap, and I’m going to tell you a few tilings that I suspect, but you must never breathe a word to a soul."

"Cap’ii, Oi’m that discreet an oyster is sliuro garrulous compared wid me." "Well. Alike, I am. or rather was, until the day'l met you in Auckland, engaged to be married to a Aliss Connor. For various reasons she decided at that time to break off our engagement, and is now, 1 believe, either engaged, or likely to become engaged to Air. Chester, heme the relationship between Chester and myself is somewhnt strained. T mention this because it, may have influenced the suspicions I have entertained regarding our employer. I think, Alike, that Chester arranged deliberately for the stampede of the Maoris, because he wanted for some reason or other, to stop the work going on here; also I think ho now wants to get rid of von and me because he thinks that with plenty of time on our hands we might find out something Avliich he does not Avant us to know about. To put it baldly, 1 think Chester is mixed up in some shady business, and avo are just some of the stage scenery which can uoav be dispensed Avith." "Begorra, Cap’n, yer may be roight. Oi’ve sort o’ smelt a rhodont since the noight Avhin the banshee got goin’. What do yer think the game is, Cap’ll? ’ ’ "I’m not certain, Alike, but it’s going to be my business to find out, if only to protect Aliss Connor from marrying a rogue if he is one.”

" Bedad, Oi thinks the colleen shows little sinse in prel’errin’ the loikes o’ Chester, ami though it’s none o’ my business —’ ’

"All right. Alike, we won’t discuss Miss Connor’s likes or dislikes at present. What I want' to say is this: I have been told to take throe weeks’ holiday away'from the island, and I intend putting in tlic time seeing what 1 can find out to verify or dispel my suspicions. I may have use for you, and if you like to stay on in my pay at your present Avagcs, and keep clear of the Avltiskv. avo’ll call it a deal.”

"A deal it is, Cap’n, yer can rely on me, but if yer goes on offering me wages, Oi MI be that wild wid ver, Oi’ll go on the bust and yer kin go to blazes. ’ ’

"All right, ALike, have it your oavii way. We have to leave by the ‘Gull’ early in the morning, so avo had better pack up what we want, to-night. Now let us have that kni you spoke of; I’m hungry as a wolf." It was Avith a queer feeling of regret that, standing on the deck of the little "Gull” next, morning, George Avatehed the island of ALotu Wairua. recede into the haze, the rugged outlines assuming a softness in the early morning light. He had been happy in his Avork there, would have.been gloriously happy had lie been able to feel that his every effort had been in the service of her whom he loved; still, no man physically fit, ami interested in his work, can brood over his love affairs perpetually, and there had been moments when he had desired nothing more than the stirring bustle and activity surrounding him on all sides, and the feeling of freedom, which was to him as the breath of life.

Ahead lay Auckland. What did Auckland hold for him? Would he meet Geraldine there? Would he be able to frustrate the schemes of this man, Chester, Avhom he noAv looked upon as his bitterest erieniA r ?

(To be continued.)