KAEROA THE BRAVE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18278, 20 December 1922, Page 2 (Supplement)

KAEROA THE BRAVE

fifllK HE sun flashed brightly from a jflljk row of long, drippTng; paddles vrly that were driving a great war canoe slowly through the water. Brown backs swayed back and forth in time to the war songs that foil from the throats of the warrior crew. Far away over the shoulders of the foremost could be seen the low, white line of sand that marked the end of the journey, and behind loomed darkly the tall mountain ranges, hazy with clouds where they touched the sky, and contrasting in their darkness with the fleecy white of the clouds and the blue of the sea. Straight toward the long white lino was pointed the bow of the canoe, and the anru of the warriors were strengthened as they beheld it, for there lay home and comfort, and rest from the long journey that had taken them far from home.

Songs of triumph they were that floated out over the waves, for the expedition to the enemy country had been successful, and much plunder and many slaves had boon taken. There they lay. bound and shivering in the bottom of the canoe, their terrified faces turned outward toward the strange land of their conquerors, their horrified eyes watching with dread the expressions Upon the scarred and tattooed faces. They knew that, they were going to an awful doom —a living death—is slaves to their captors. Blood flowed freely from unhealed wounds, and a bright red dyed the bottom of the. canoe. Many times had the craft braved terrible seas in the homeward journey from tho enemy country, always with its human cargo and a war scarred crew. Couid that hideous carved figurehead but speak, terrifying stories it would tell ol battles with the elements, when the lightning flashed over the surface of the sea like a great sheet of flame, and towering waves tossed the boat in their anger as though it were but a straw. But ever onward, onward—propelled by mighty arms—governed by tho power that lay in wonderful determination—it crept. slowly—painfully—until at last the bow irrcunded upon the beach and the halfdead crew stumbled into shelter, or lay where they fell.

It could tell, too, of encounters at sea, when the great wooden boats rushed toward each other, and the crew, dropping paddle for greenstone mere, or club, drew alongside and boarded the enemy craft, where- they fought till they conquered or died.

Other tales could it tell, too, if onlyit had tongue, and many and queer sights had been seen by the white eyes of the carved figurehead. But time is precious, and one day it may tell its ov(n tale.

The wind had fallen, and the huge, patched sail of woven flax had been lowered, and now lay wound around the mast in the bottom of the canoe. Around and upon it lay the prisoners, their halfnaked bodies gleaming in the sun. Some lay with eyes closed, and grisly- open wounds bled freely upon their limbs and faces, ilen, women and children —all bad been taken. Despair was written upon every countenance. Piteously helpless they looked, but pity was unknown to the fierce chief Katea, who sat above his men in the bow, and directed their movement'; for managing the great canoe. His right hand was closed around the shaft of a long spear, glistening red at the point, for it was lie who had inflicted those terrible wounds upon his prisoners as they lay helpless at his feet. Arourd his mighty shoulders was thrown a rich mat, and two beautiful feathers gleamed in his long, black hnir. As he stood there, one foot upon the gunwale of the craft, the other braced and straight, he looked the cruel and merciless chief that he was.

A short distance from where the chief stood sfaring oulward lay the one prisoner upon the boa* who was not bound. It was the daughter of the vanquished chief, a slight, handsome girl, with rich, dark masses of hair, and eyes from which the usual brightness had fled, and that were now filled with an awful sadness —the sadness of youth that had lost hope. Her figure had scarcely reached full development, and the rounded, slender form seemed rudely out of place among the huge-muscled, tattooed warriors. The long, wavy hair fell around her shoulders fcnd trailed in the pools of blood-dyed water, from which she shudderingly drew it, and crouched away against the wall of the canoe. The blood of her countrymen flowed there. Her own kindred had given their lives in a brave, though yair., attempt to shield her from harm. And their blood ran in a river at her feet. Her eyes wandered—first to Katea, then turned toward the strange land that grew more distinct as they drew toward it.

Slowly crept the canoe. Perspiration poured down the faces of the warriors, bat ever Katea's powerful voice urged them onward. Distorted faces plainly showed the hardship and fatigue that had been suffered for many days, and those who were less strong than their fellows scarcely were able to raise their paddles. A listiefsness pervaded where strength and activity had ruled. None but the chief held his head high. Progress became slower. Katea looked around surprised]}', and cast his eagle eye along the rows of men. Slower still became the speed of the great, wooden boat, and at length one of the crew, whose face "betrayed more fatigue, and whose shoulders drooped lower than those of his fellows, raised his paddle from the water and lurched forward. A cruel light burned in KaLea*s eyes, and his voice was furiously angry as he cried, "What is this? Do you defy mo to my face? Have my men" become so that they heed not my commands? Onward, lest I cast you to the sharks!" Slowly the man raised his head. "Chief, we are tired and hungry. Wo have fought and toiled hard until now, but without food and rest we can work no longer. We pray you give us leave to rest anTi satisfy o'ur hunger, 0 Chief, and then the men of Katea will respond to his commands. Is it not so, my brothers?" "It is so!" came the reply in one voice. For a moment Katea hesitated, then his voice rang out. "Draw in your paddles, men, and rest, To Kohonpa'speaks with a w;se tongue. And vou shall eat alio." Gratefully the warriors drew in their paddles, and Katea's eyes searched among toe prisoners ■t his feet. The men of the chief ate but one mcaT. They were cannibals. Katea's pyes came to rest upon the tigure of the girl, the daughter of his vanquished enemy. His greedy eyes gleamed with cruel, ruthless glee. "Kill her!" His order was sharp and savage. For a moment the girl shrank back, scared v understanding. Then, ?.s Iho dreadful truth burst upon her, she rose to her feet, a half stifled cry in hor throat Her agonised eyes searched those of the chief, pitifully imploring but they real there her doom. A tall, scarred 'aVAi» rose to bis feet, drawing a mere from hi-, mat. The girl closed her eyes. Back over his broad shoulder the warrior Bivun« the weapon, Hut before it could descend, one of tho crew, who had

T}y Xestfe £crr/(er

watched with burning oyes, rose to his feet, letting his pr.ddle clatter upon the bottom of' the canoe. Quick as a flash he had drawn his mere, and the girl opened her eyes to see it buried in the brain of him from wfiiom she had expected death. She saw the great body crash downward, saw the astonished looks of the warriors, and the mad, burning anger in Katea's face, felt the strong arm of the warrior around her as he lifted her in the air, and leapt clear of the canoe into the sea. A Long, Long Swim. With an enraged shout Katea gave the order to his men to swing around and give chase. With their utmost speed they complied, but the great boat was clumsy, and before her head came the fugitives had gained a good start. Katea saw with rage that Goth were expert swimmers. The sea was not rough, and they were drawing away from the boat. He'urged his men on, cursing their slowness with his biting tongue. But they were exhausted, and the swimmers still gained. At length one of Katea's men— the same one who had spoken before— cried out, "Let them go, chief! They cannot reach the shore, for the sharks will have eaten them before they have gone far."

Tho fugitives looked back in a little wh.'le, and saw the great head of the canoe again turned toward tho shore. "See!" cried the young warrior to the chieftainess. '* They have given up. We tire safe from tho revenge of Katea, and if we can keep afloat until the sea grows shallow beneath us, we will live yet!"

For a moment they watched. A horrible scream rang out through the clear air. The girl turned away her head. Together they swam on. Then she spoke.

" Tell me, Oh my friend, why did you save mv life? I was your enemy, "but you have risked your life to save mine. Why should one of the men of Katea choose a course tiiat could only mean great danger to himself, and merely to save the life of a helpless girl '!"

" You are young and beautiful, and Katea is a murderous chief. When I saw that he intended to murder you—you, who have most right to live, then did the gods speak. They bade me rise to my feet, and bury my mere in the brain of my fellowman. I have committed a crime in the eyes of Katea, for which the punishment is death. But, tell me, what i- your name ? I am Kaeroa, and have been called " The Lonely " by my people."

"My name is Ngaere," replied the cliieftainess. My father and my brothers were killed by the chief Katea, and fie would have killed me. too. but for your help. Friend, my life is yours."

They had been floating Kaeroa slightly ahead watching the huge v,nv canoe that was now some distance away.

" Come. We have a long and difficult swim if we would save our lives. The shore is a great way oft, and the water grows cold so that it saps tne strength. You are a wonderful swimmer, Ngaere, but you have need of all your enduranca if you would save your life."

With a smile she reassured him. For hours they swam on. The shore seemed to draw no nearer, but resolutely they fought on, straining every energy to tight oS the drowsiness that crept upon their senses. At length Ngaere cried out in low, exhausted voice, " Go, save your life, Kaeroa, and leave me to my death. 1 can go no further."

"Then will I help you!" he replied. Together they fought the tide. But his limbs were almost paralysed, and only the dogged determination of his kind kept him from throwing up the uneven fight, and sinking beneath the waves. At last he realised that they two must drown. Summoning all his strength in a final effort, to cheat the Sea God of his prey, he struck out strongly, and was suddenly startled to feel a great weight strike against his breast and arms. Feeling with his fingers he found that ho had crashed into a great log, floating almost submerged, but which was slowly, and surely, drifting toward the land. Crawling aboard, he drew the now unconscious body of Ngaere after him, and used legs and arms as paddles in an attempt increase the speed of the huge and cumbersome tree trunk through the waves. • »■•»» The long, rolling breakers hurled themselves far up on the white sand, and they carried with them a great log, to winch a man was clinging like a limpet. As he rose staggering to his feet, he cast his eyes upon the face of a girl whom ho held in, his arms. Her eyes were closed. He thought she was dead. He stumbled forward, out of reach of the tide, and laid the still form upon the sand, that felt warm and refreshing to his frozen feet. A few more steps, and ho fell to the ground, where he lay as still and quiet as the other form that barely breathed. The sea birds screamed shrilly overhead. Far away a tui, from the topmost branch of a pohutakawa, sang sweetly the joys of life. Tho sun crept slowly coward the west, and disappeared, leaving a blaze of golden splendour about the horizon. A gentle breeze softly lifted the dark curls of Ngaere, and lightly blew a few grains of sand upon her face. But she felt nothing. The Lonely Whare. But nature has made her race.3 strong of form and strong of endurance, and has equipped thom with means of withstanding physical hardship that are scarcely understood by the white man. And when the sun peeped from over the distant hills it shone into the dark eyes of Kaeroa. A long time had passed, but still Ngaere slept. At last she stirred, and opened her eyes. Springing quickly to her feet she looked about her in terror, but saw only the smiling face of Kaeroa, who sat beside a cheerful fire.

" Oue," she cried. "I thought I saw again my father's murderers." Suddenly she paled, and would have- fallen but for Kaeroa's aid. " You are still weak from the long and terrible swim." he said. " Sit d own, and e at of this food I have cooked. It will strengthen you, and then you shall rest again. When you are well we will move forward." As he spoke Kaeroa scraped away the earth that covered Ins oven in the ground. Removing some green leaves, he brought into view several small cut pieces of fish, each laid upon a flat stone, and steaming with delicious odour. Ngaere drew neart to the fire, and surveyed the food hungrily. They ate, bath voraciously, and when they had finis'ied Kaeroa. built up the lire and prepared a couch of soft fern beside it. " Here you will rest until you feel strong enough to walk, for we have far to go through the forest," he said. " Bo not afraid if you wake and do not see me, for I shall not be far away."

The sun was creeping downward to meet the tops of the distant mountains when at last Ngaere awoke. Ivaero? strode from out of the forest, carrying in his anus a bundle' of firewood. To"cther they watched the sun set. "Is it not beautiful'/ 7 " asked Ngaere. " Many times have I watched it from the top of a hill near my father's pa." Her face grew sad, and tears filled her eyes. For a long time she sat after it had set, and when at last Kaeroa aroused her he saw that, was wet. But she smiled bravely wTien she met his eyes over the lire that shone brightly between the uiightv trees, and they ate their food with healthy appetite. Kaeroa threw two huge logs upon the fire, a; '1, leaning with bis chin cupped in his hand, spoke : " Ngaere, listen, and I will tell you a story. , Many, many days ago, when the chief Te Rauparaha' was the mightiest warrior in Autearoa, my tribe was engaged in a war with the tribe of Wanaka. One day, as I was passing through the forest, I saw much smoke rising above

the tops of the treca. I hastened toward it, and, coming out in a clearing, I found that what had onco heen a small village, was a smoking mass of ruins. Men, women and children, all had been massacred, and thoir bodies lay around the ruins of the whares in ghastly numbers. I know that some powerful chief had fallen suddenly upon them, destroying all, and taking all the spoil ho could lay hands upon- I looked arokind tand (gearched, but found none to whom I could render aTd. As I was turning from the horrible scene, I was attracted by the whimper of a, child 1 towards the body of a woman who had been pierced through with spears. She had been young and pretty., and her face emiled in death. I looked around, and a little way from where she lay, a tiny child sat upon the ground, with finger in mouth, smiling at me. It had crawled from the arms of its murdered mother, and it called to me in baby voice, as if trying to say, " Father, father." My heart grew soft, and I took the infant from tbo ground', and carried it with ino to my people. For a long time it cried pitifully for its mother. 1 knew not what to do to quieten it. At

length its cries became less, and eventually it grew quito happy in its new home. An old woman took" complete charge, saying that I knew nothing of children, for which I called her a liar, and threatened to have her teeth knocked out with a stone axe. But the child certainly seemed happier when she fed and bathed it, "Tor IE would cry lustily if I oven ruboed it with pumice stone when I bathed it.

As time passed, the baby grew into a very beautiful child. I learned to love her —for it was a girl—like nothing else in life. She was as free as the birds with which she played, and she climbed the great trees and" the huge cliffs near the beach as boldly as any wild creature. When Katea called me away to some far land she cried when tl left her, and grow madly happy when I returned. She awaits me now, far away through the forest, with the old nurso who has been my mother. I hear her calling me, and hasten to return. To-morrow we start for my whare in the forest. The dangers

are great, for the chief Ratea now seeks my life. I mast return in secret, and must dpart from my old home to seek another away from my tribe. And you shall come with me, Ngaere, until wo are able to provide for you. Now let us sloop, that wo may be refreshed and strong for our journey at daybreak."' So saying, the young warrior stretched his tall form beside the fire, first piling up the logs, which had burned through. They sent a shower of sparks high into the air, lighting up the trunks of the great trocs so ,th%t they looked like ghosts where the light fell upon them. Far away a morepork cried mournfully from the branches of some sheltering tree, as though bewailing its loneliness to a world thai slept. A light breeze ruffled the leaves overhead, causing a few small birds to twitter in shrill objection. Kaeroa's eyes closed drowsily. He looked across at Ngaere, who was sleeping as peacefully as a child. She was yet a child, and sorrow had entered early into her Hfe. To himself he vowed that as long as life was in him he- would shield her from harm, though it cost him his life. Slowly his eyes closed, and he sank into slumber.

CHAPTER IV. In The Hands of The Enemy. Scarcely had the Eastern sky become tinged with grey, and the last stars disappeared from the heavens, when Kaeroa was upon his feet, and had knocked the remaining embers of the lire into a blaze. Quickly he prepared a meal, and. Ngaere having awakened, together they ate. Then they set out. They walked quickly, for

they were hampered by no burden. The air -was chill and exhilarating, and laden with the many odours of the forest shrubs and flowers. The sun had scarcely commenced his journey across tho sky, and all things were bathed in the mystio light of early morning. They were climbing a hill, very steep and slippery, Kaeroa slightly in tho lead. He seemed to be following a path which Ngaere, though she searched, could not define. Often she slipped, but ever tho strong arm of Kaeroa helped her regain her feet. At length they reached tho top, and after a short rest again pushed forward over Hat but densely forest-clad country. Now they were walking along the top of a cliff, or what was' really the tall bank of an old river. Below "trickled tho stream itSelf, diminished from a once roaring torrent to the gentle progress of a brook. A flock of pigeons whirred through the air. to quickly disappear from sight behind a clump of trees. Now they were following a narrow track, while the forest rose thickly from cither side. In the tops of the tallest trees could be seen the clinging, twining vines of the clematis, with its myriads of starry, snow white blooms swaying gently where the wind reached

them. Everywhere gleamed these tiny Powers, in long lines or patches ot white, contrasting with the deep green of the leaves behind them.

(Jnee Ngaere pulled aside the bushes that fringed the path as it wound around a steep nill, and gazed down into the very heart of the forest depths. Here tho leaves formed a canopy that the sun never pierced, and beneath grew the most delicate ferns and shrubs in beautiful profusion. The slender nikau was hero found most plentiful, too, and the broad leaves spread themselves as though to form a doublo covering for the beauties that grew beneath.

Tho sun crept slowly overhead, and commenced to sink toward tho West. When it paused a moment before disappearing behind the hills, Kaeroa and his companion stepped into a little clearing, within which stood a whare. Kaeroa betrayed his eagerness as he ran toward it, and a moment later he clasped in his arms a curly haired child, a little girl, who flung tiny arms around his neck as he

hugged it to his breast. There were tears of joy in the warrior's eyes as he entered the whare, carrying the little girl, while Ngaere followed in silence. She hud had a little sister whom she had loved dearly, and her eyes filled with tears. She already loved this little one who clung so joyfully to the great warrior. Their long and hard journey over, both were tired and required rest. The old woman prepared a meal, which was quickly despatched, then Kaeroa led the girl to a bed where he told her she could rest. Then he himself lay down before the fire, arid was quickly asleep. The days that followed were anxious ones for Kaeroa. He had not yet decided where he should turn his footsteps to be out of danger of his revengeful foe Katea. He had been, indeed, a lonely man, for he had shown his contempt for some of the horrible customs of his people. Few were his friends, and, now that he needed help, he scarce knew where to turn to procure it. Every day he feared discovery, but he did not think that Katea yet knew that he lived. Nevertheless he kept a close watch for the appearance of his enemy. Then one day Ngac-re disappeared. SRe had gone out early in the morning to search for wild flowers, and by evening had not returned. Kaeroa grew anxious™ It grew dark, and still Ngaero was absent. Kaeroa feared the worst. Takhi" a weapon he started out through the forest to search. Now that she was absent, and perhaps in danger, he realised how much she was to him,—that he loved her with all the passion of- his s'tn n • nature. If they had killed her—his face bore a terrible look. Frantically he

searched the places where he knew she loved best to play, calling her name. Twice he returned to the whare, only to learn that she was still absent. As the pale light of morning stole down through the great trees Kaeroa turned his footsteps homeward. He was exhausted and heart sick, and no longer doubted that the warriors of Katea had captured and carried off his sweetheart. Anger welled in his heart —a . terriblo, blinding anger that made him long to rush upon those who had stolen her whom he loved, and smite them with /all his strength. An overpowering sense of his lonliness swept over him. Ife knew how she would faro in tho murderous hands of Katea. Her death would be less pleasant than that from which ho had saved her. Life no longer seemed endurable to him, and he decided to invade single handed the warriors of Katea, and die fighting for her. Ho stopped from the trees into the clearing within which stood the hut, and suddenly drew back, startled at seeing an armed warrior emerging from the door. Too late! Ho felt a powerful pair of arms flung around him, and his senses swam as a club descended upon his head.

CHAPTER. V. The Evil Pool of Sacrifice.

When Kaeroa regained consciousness ho found that ho was lying upon the grass, with his arms and feet bound with ropes of twisted flax. His brain throbbed as though it were rapped from within. A short distance away a large tire blazed, and as he watched he saw a man emerge from the forest and fling upon it an armful of dead branches, lie knew that he had been unconscious for a long time, for the sun had set, and it was already mowing dusk. Indeed, ho owed his life to tho thickness of his skull, for which struck him down had be"en of enough force to have killed most men. He groaned, and turned upon his side. Why had they not lulled him, if only that would stop the ferrible throbbing of his head? Away to the right ho heard the low murmer of tho sea, gently soothing, and to the left the rippling of a great river that flowed into it. The dancing light of the fire showed him that the wharo was untouched. And then he re-

membered the child. His throbbing head was forgotten. Had they killed her? Had they murdered his little girl, she who had never harmed even a wild creature? He strained at his flaxen bonds, but they bit deeper into his flesh. Why was all so quiet? Where were his enemies? Ho raised his head and looked around the clearing. Then he saw Ngaere. She was bound to a tree, a short distance from the fire, her small head sunk upon her breast, her eyes closed. He called softly to her. She raised her head, and looked wonderingly toward him. But her smile was as though from one dead, and he saw that she had given up hope. Poor child! She was so young to die. And what a death! He knew that they were to be tortured with fire. How many times had he watched those flames curl upward, as he listened to tales of fight and adventure told by the light of the 'campfire! How many times had he blessed the grateful warmth that sent pleasant feelings stealing through his body, and brought sleep to his tired eyes ! And' now those leaping tongues of red, that danced in a thousand fantastic forms high into the air, would scorch his flesh and burn the life from his tired body! Far away lie heard a low murmor, gradually increasing in volume as it drew nearer. Kaeroa knew that the unva-es were returning, to murder hi-n nut! Tiin sweetheart when they had tortured them nigh unto death. He tugged harder at Ins bonds. _ Out from the forest they came, brandishing spears and axes of greenstone, lolling their eyes and contortng their faces willi gestures fierce and wild. Toward Kaeroa they rushed, as he lay bound and helpless upon the ground.

M See! He lives! He Uvea! He that did conquer the sea, and defied Katea our beloved chief, to his faco! Now shall he see her for whom he fought the Sea God die hefore his eyes! To the stake! To the stake! Let the fire lick the bones of the traitor to Katea!" They danced around him, wildly waving arms and weapons, and in the lust for Wood that was upon them. One of the number, whose scarred and mutilated face was distorted -until it scarcely resembled that of a human being, cried. " Stop, My brothers! First let us sacrifice the child of the traitor to the God of the River. Kaeroa, shrunk back in horror. His child, his little girl, was to be flung alive to the unknown monster of the river that was worshipped as a God, and that fed upon the infant victims cast to it by mothers as sacrifice ! A terrible passion was stirring deep in his heart—a mad, blinding anger that took from the warrior the power to reason. Into the whare the savages rushed. A shout arose. Out from the door they came, their fiendish faces working, dragging by the hair the terrified child. Kaeroa saw the little, piteous face, white with terror, the thick

hair grasped close to the scalp by the rough hand of the savage. Then they raised him up, arid, binding the hands and feet of Ngaere, moved olf in the direction of the river. A broad, sluggish stream it was, and the savages came to whore it curved sharply in a right angle, brushing the huge cliffs that rose dark and forbidding from either side. Deep down could belieard the low rippling, as it brushed upon some outstanding pinnacle or circled around an island rock. The tide hero effected the water of tho rivor, making it warm, and causing it to rise slightly. Kaeroa had gazed with fear down into the oily, evil looking depths, and had seen the huge, eel shaped head of the monster, just beneath the surface, and the long, pale green coils of its body, so like a great eonger-eel that had been washed from its natural home in the sea. He who swam in the sacred waters became " taboo," and death was welcome to him. The monster, ■ that Eeemed the very embodiment of all evil, was worshipped by the tribe, and prayed

to for victory in the various wars in which tho tribe became engaged. To it were made sacrifices of new "horn children, mothers willingly casting their loved ones that the "god should bo pleased, and should favour them. If a war were lost the. god was angry, and sacrifices were made to restore its humour.

Possessed of a Devil. Shouting their murderous, blood curdling cries, the savages here stopped, and dragged forward the bound and helpless Kaeroa. Tho lust for blood was strong upon them. Every man held in his hand either axe or tomahawk, and Only the strongest efforts on the part of the leaders kept them from dashing out the brains of the prisoners. Around tho three they danced, their passion ever growing deeper, and stranger. Then one, with the cry of a wild animal, stooped and seized tho terrified child.' High over his head he swung her, pausing a moment. An agonised cry broke from the lips of the little girl. Her pleading eyes looked into those of Kaeroa. "Father!" she cried. TSio next moment the warrior released his grip, and the tiny form shot downward over the edge of the cliff. A low splash came up from below. Something snapped in the brain of Kaeroa. The huge muscles of his arms and shoulders swelled and burst the flaxen bonds as though they were but threads. In a bound he sprang upon the savage who had flung the tiny form to the monster below, .and the knuckles of his hand struck a blow that killed. Seizing the aao that had fallen

from the hand of the BST..&, ne swung it into the faces of those who n°w "shed upon him. Three men went down at a b?ow. Kaeroa, a madman, witfj >***s teeth and eyes of fire, swung his deadly weapon from side to mde. Man alter man sank to the ground and from their wounds the blood poured upon his feet. He bore a charmed life. Hia strength was that of ten men and ***?**s£ great leaps like those of a wild animal. His weapon was like a dancing flame before him Blows were showered upon that mighty arm, to strike but the empty air. The pile of dead grew thick around Before the eyes of Kaeroa danced the picture of a child, held high in the air, while in her eyes shone the light that pleaded or innocence. He cared not now lor death, and those upon whom his eyes fell shrunk back affrighted. He must bo possessed of a de*il, this man who killed at a blow, and from whose eyes shone a light that pierced like a spear where it, fell. They drew back in terror, and Kaeroa, with blood-smeared hands and face, cast a look of contempt upon those who feared c|no man. Then his 'eyes fell upon Ngaere, bound to a tree, in a bound he had reached her side and quickly cut the throngs that hound her Taking her in his arms, he sped through the forest toward the sea. The canoes of the men of Katea lay pulled up along the beach. J ast them ho ran, carrying the limp form of the girl, until, reaching a low clump of bushes, ho set her down. Soon his finders encountered the side of his own canoe, concealed beneath the bushes, lie had placed within it calabashes of water and provisions, in readiness for a time when he should have to flee for his hie. The time had come. He lay Ngaere L'e.ntly upon the flaxen mats on the bottom, then pushed the light craft out through the lapping waves until it floated. In the distance he heard the shouts of the savages, who had recovered from their fright and were bent upon revenue. The - wind had dropped to a calm." Above huge masses of grey cloud heaped themselves together and frowned over the darkness below. The elements seemed as though held back by a mighty hand whilst they gathered force to hurl themselves upon that world of sea and forest. A storm was brewing. Kaeroa dipped his paddle deep, and whispered a prayer to the Storm God to spare his sweetheart. Far away he heard The* shouts of the natives, growing faint in the distance as he paddled swiftly out to sea. By and by they ceased. Perhaps the etorm had frightened them. Perhaps they thought that he was indeed gifted of the gods, and that the Storm God would take his life in payment for those he had taken.

CHAPTER VI. Onward through the darkness glided the canoe. The ripple of the water falling from the stern, and the low dip, dip of the paddle, were the only sounds that broke the solitude of the night. But over the strong arms of Kaeroa urged the frail craft to a greater speed. In his eyes shono still the light of battle, and in his heart burned a great resolve to die if need be for the gentle Ngaere. Ho knew not where the prow of his canoe was turned, but bis course was ever on. Then, far away to the right it seemed that he heard the low murmur of the wind. Gradually it increased in volume, until the sea was whipped into a leaping mass of racing waves. The spray broke in tiny showers against the prow of the -canoe, sometimes (falling upon the mats beneath which Ngaere lav. Kaeroa looked down and smiled. His cold hand sough! land found her tiny fingers. "Are you afraid, Ngaere?" he whispered. " 1 fear nothing with you, brave Kaecoaij The geds will protect usT Tfc smiled, and looked deep into her eyes. Soon 'the wind was a roaring blast, driving huge, mountain like waves toward "the tiny craft that almost hid it from sight. The ram poured in a torrent in* Tvaeroa's face, striking his breast as though striving with all force to drive him backward. "And ever the flaming, darting eye of the Storm God shot like a great fork out of the black skies, revealing to the straining eyes of Kaeroa the rofiring waves that rushed forward as though to crush him. But he dipped his paddle deep, and kept the head of his canoe toward the masses that roared past. His head sang, and every bone in his body ached, but his face was set like one of si one. The Storm God sought his life, and he would cheat tho Storm God in spite of all to save the life of Ngaere, whom he loved.

All night long the storm raged. "With a cup-like shell Xgaere bailed out the water that poured over the sides into the boat. When at last ■ the pale light rif morning crept aoross the Eastern sky the storm had abated, and the sea began to go down. For the first time Ktieroa turneTl In his seat, and his eyes sought those of Ngaere. Then the paddle clattered from his fingers and he lurched forward and sank into unconsciousness. Ngaere flung her arms' about his neck, and her hot tears fell upon his brown face.

The sun came out and reflected his ray 3 from the dancing, silver capped waves. The wind had lost its fury, and was now a gentle breeze that fanned the cheek of Ngaere as she bathed tTio lace and temples of Kaeroa. But hfs ayes remained closed, and only the slow heaving of his breast showed her that he lived. The sleep of exhaustion wait his —that deep, dreamless slumber that is sent by nature to relieve those whose strength had been too long tried. So Kaeroa slept, and Ngaere watched and prayed that his life be spared, She watched as the sun went down, and when darkness again crept over the surface of tfie water she pillowed the dark head in Tier own fair arms, and lay her cheek against his soft, curly hair. Peace and happiness stole upon her tliere", and a vague, restful feeling of safety that had never been present since her home had been crushed beneath the rude heel of Katea. She pressed her' lips to his cool forehead, and in her heart she knew that she loved him. Throughout the length of that dark, silent night her eyes never closed in sleep.

The sun was high above the horizon next morning when Kaeroa stirred for the first time. He opened his eyes, and met the smilling ones of Ngaere. " You have slept long, Kaeroa. I feared you were going to die, you lay so still and pale. But my prayers have been answered, and you arc again well." •" My prayers have been answered that yon are safe, Ngaere. I doubted not but that the Storm God in his rage would take my life, but I prayed for your safety. I have cheated him. We will yet live and escape the hatred of our many enemies."

"Be it so, Kaoroa. To you I owe mv for your sake would I willingly die." She looked into his eyes, and for a moment he searched their clear depths. Then ho drew her close into his arms, and their lips met in a long, passionate kiss.

Von arc mine," ho whispered. " None can take you from me now. 1 love you, Ngaere." She smiled and closed her eyes dreamily. It was some days later that Kaeroa descried what looked like a cloud upon the horizon. With beating heart he turned the prow of his canoe toward it, and paddled onward. Late in the afternoon he heard the heavy pounding of the surf upon a beach that glistened white in the sun. Palm trees nodded and swayed in the wind, and brisrh't plumed birds flitted from tree to tree. Above screaming sea birds sent their harsh notes through the clear air. The roar of the surf grew more powerful as he drew closely in. A wave, bigger than the rest, lifted the tiny boat and bore it far up upon the sand. With a shout Kaoroa leapt out. and lifted Ngaere from her sat in the bow. Who can describe the feeling of thankfulness and joy that swept through him when he felt the firm sand beneath his feet, and realised that at last ait danger was past? And who will condemn him when, feeling his sweetheart safe in his arms, and seeing the look of joy and wonder that shone in her eyes, ho took her cheeks boldly between his two hands, and imprinted upon her lips an impassioned kiss? Many days have come and gone since the canoe of Kaeroa and Ngaere first touched the shore of the tiny island. And could the sun, who, after having blazed all day in a sky of cloudless blue, and is now declining toward the west, have looked for a moment down upon

that tiny island; we are sure that ha would have smiled at the picture 0 f happiness that he saw there. At th» door of a tiny hut, built of the trunko of trees, and made cosy with thatchuw of Ngaere is seated, weavim with skillful fingers the fibrous bark <rf the coconut, into a strong, brown cloth. A footfall from behind make 3 her turn her head quickly, and with a smile she submits to Kaeroa's caress. Perfect hap. piness has made her face happiness free from trouble and" gri e f and a future thai love has made wonder! ful. There is nothing wanting there to make a Paradise of the tiny island, where two hearts beat as one in the love that is God's gift. And sometimes, wfi(m darkness has spread Tus cloak over all things, Ngaere has crept from the hut, down toward the sea that gently murmurs beneath a great wnite moon. There, where the land juts far out into the sea' she has found Kaeroa, his chin in hii hand, staring far out to sea with the look of the dreamer in his dark eyes. And she knows that he sees a tiny, curly headed child, who has played about hU knees, or demanded to be taken in his arms. Then she has slipped her hand in his, and with his arms about her together they sit in dreamy solitude, made wonderful by the light of the fjreat white moon.

Once, as they sat thus together, Ng&. ere had looked shyly at her lover's fac e , and had placed her lips close to his ear! As she whispered softly his eyes looked wonderinfdy into hers, and his face shone with a radiant happiness at h*r secret.