CHAPTER XVI. PARAHAKI.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8315, 13 May 1905, Page 1

CHAPTER XVI. PARAHAKI.

Graham had not escaped scot-free m the last encounter, having received a spear wound above the knee. Unable to express his thanks in words to Hirawani for her timely protection, a protection to which he owed his life, nn knelt at the maiden's feet and kissed her hand. She smiled at his strange way of showing gratitude, displaying a row of white teeth gleaming like pearls in the deep crimson setting of her lips. Though inclined, like her mother, to observe towards her inferiors a somewhat haughty demeanour, she did not apt>ear quite at ease with her new slave.. Not, only had he displayed the boldness and generosity of a brave warrior; but she recognised in him the lofty bearing of a rangatira— to use, the Maori word for patrician. The palceha had certainly been given her for a slave in response to' her request ; but this was only a ruse on her part to save Hs life. She looked upon him with some awe, as a superior ? bemg who could never be treated like a common slave. But there was no time to stand on ceremony, so, signing for him to .follow, she led the way towards the hut. Graham limped painfully after, and on entering the building was motioned to a seat by Toana, who had accompanied them. , ' '

Kneeling beside him, Toana examined his wound in a business-like way that evinced she was accustomed to such work. Those on his head and shoulder were passed over as of little consequence; but the ; spear wound above, the knee; she' looked at with great care. The; spear head, broken off short, she must first remove. Producing an oyster-shell. knife, she cut it out with much address, and with, her long, skinny fingers laid the wound open to see if any arteries or tendonß had been injured. The young doctor, though the process was necessarily painful, could not but admire the skill she displayed, ana was struck by her evident knowledge of anatomy. Was this knowledge gained in dressing wounds, or in the preparation of her husband's cannibal, leasts, he wondered. While • Toana prepared some strands : of soft white flax , t0... serve as . bandages, Hirawani was - sent ; : into the forest for certain herbs which her mother = needed, and. during her absence the old .dame inspected her patient wi% ininute and somewhat embarrassing at. r tention. She turned- back bis sleeve: to feel the soft white skin, and examined the texture of : his garments, talking to herself the while/ and many an exclamation of astonishment escaped her lips. „, ./ When Hirawar.i returned with the | herbs her mother pointed to his smooth -j white skin with expressions of admiration, but the maiden drew back timidly j with an awe-struck air, and apparent- i ly began to chide her mother for wast- j ing time, and to urge her to hasten the dressing of his wounds. This was soon done with a dexterity Graham ' had never seen excelled in his student days, and the cooling herbs at once relieved the pain. ,■■.•■ While Graham's wounds were being dressed he had time to admire this wild child of nature. The notion that she and her mother were, not of the same race as the savages among whom he found them impressed him more forcibly than ever. He could not but marvel at her beauty. Her dark waving hair, confined by a few strands .of\ brightly coloured flax, hung over her shoulders, and rivalled in shade the slightly bent brows and curving eyelashes; her nose, well cut and somewhat aquiline, marked the high breeding of this Maori maiden better than did the contour of her rather full lips ; but her dark eyes, meeting his with ingenuous looks of wonder and compassion, most attracted him. Her. dress consisted of a soft dog-skm shirt, which left the neck and arms bare, and a short petticoat of dressed flax not quite reaching the knee. % " ■ The women appeared ill at ease, and directly Graham's wounds were bound up, went outside the hut to reconnoitre. Hirawani presently returned, and led him by the hand outside and te the back of the whare. The girl proceeded to creep noiselessly on hands and knees through the high fern. He followed, dragging his leg painfully after, and was not sorry to reach a grove of trees where Toana awaited them. Placing her fingers on her lips to enjoin silence, she glided along a winding path in front of Graham; while Hirawani, bringing up the rear, looked anxiously about her as if fearful of pursuit. As they journeyed, the trees and bushes grew larger and closer, until Graham found himself in the same dense forest that he had feared to enter the day beWhilst proceeding thus, with the greatest caution, Graham was startled by hearing the deep, bell-like note of a tui close behind Turn. He turned iust in time to perceive that it proceeded from Hirawani' s lips, and was about to enquire the meaning, when Toana seized his hand and drew him with some force into a thicket of low treeferns Hirawani on the other side urged him forward, and signed for him to crouch beside her mother in the thickest clump; but as he did not use sufficient expedition, Toana dragged him to j his knees, and compelled him by main j strength to lie flat on the ground. At a loss to explain this violent proceeding, which had wrenched his wounded knee so that he nearly cried out, Graham was about to _ expostulate, when Hirawani stopped his mouth with both her hands, and the next moment sounds of steps hurrying along the path, which they had just left caught his, ear. Hirawani, holding ; Jier breath, stared directly, but unmeaningly into Graham's eyes. All her senses were concentrated on the approaching sounds, and as the party came to within a few feet J of where they lay, he could read each fluctuation of hope and fear in her dark pupilßj and the anxious line deepened on her low brow. When she recognised Rokino's harsh voice an angry gleam flashed from her eyes, and when he entered the very clump of bushes in which they lay concealed, and discovery seemed inevitable, her lips parted in dismay and she pressed more closely, to-Gra-ham's side. A slight change in Hirawani's tense expression first apprised Graham that the danger was less imminent, hut she would not let him stir until long after

the voices of their enemies had died out in the distance.

Toana then returned to the path, along which she led him for a hundred yards. Again leaving it, this time on the opposite side, and taking every precaution that no tracks were left by their passage through the dense undergrowth, she retired still farther into the forest and entered a tiucket. Hero they waited until Rokino' s party was heard returning. When' Toana had decided it would be safe to proceed, they went, on for a long distance through the dense undergrowth, before they ventured to return to the path. How she found her way through the labyrinth of bushes and trees was a mystery to Graham, but she never erred, or hesitated a moment. He had some difficulty in stepping over the trees and stones on account of his wounded leg, and' though, he tried to conceal the pain, Hirawani was not to be deceived, and' while she held aside the bushes which obstructed his progress, her eyes were luminous with pity. Though he was able to walk more easily when the path was regained, Toana waxed impatient, and frequently turned to urge him' to greater speed. The path, after zig-zagging down a steep hill, where the descent was rough, and the wounded' Englishman would have fallen but for Hirawani' s assistance, reached the banks of a brawling river. Perceiving that his bruised feet were the cause of much pain, she made him eit on a boulder in mid-stream, washed the sand = from his cuts, and bound them with soft flax. Toana submitted to the delay with renewed signs of impatience, and hurried them on again the moment the operation was finished.

Graham had lost all sense of direction in the dense forest, and had not the remotest idea whither he was being taken, nor could he understand the motive, which prompted these two women to treat him so kindly. The thought that he was being reserved for some cannibal feast he banished as unworthy. In the beautiful face beside him, he could read only womanly compassion and sympathy, and that the motives of both women, and more especially of the younger, were of a friendly character, he oould no longer | doubt when he reflected on the care [■and kindness they had exhibited, and the evident personal risk they bad incurred in shielding him from the vengeful Rokino. Without Toana's skilful surgery and her daughter's ready help, he would long ere this -have been in the ruffian's clutches, for his injured knee rendered him practically helpless. The track, now well-beaten and in constant use, wound sinuously through .the thick undergrowth past trees which, on this further side of the river, attained gigantic dimensions. One enormous pine especially attracted his attention. At first sight' he thought the huge, steel-grey trunk was some rocky buttress half-hidden by the surrounding trees. Toana, noting his amazements, placed her hand on the immense column —

■. " Kauri !" she said. Graham repeated the name, and after being corrected by *he soft voice of Hiraw'ani, pronounced it nearly as she did. ■ [After crossing the^river flat the path bjsgan to ascenjcl, andrran along- tHa side of a steep "croj^g^lly for 3; mile,-H;hen turned sharp to the 'left, and' after one or two zig-zags led to an open knoll. For the few minutes they rested here Graham looked out upon an extensive view. Far below was the volcanic flat with the bright green kumara fields whence they had started. The river, hidden by trees save where an occasional • 6ilvery flash through the leafy screen revealed its presence, lay at his feet. • Beyond, forest-clad, undulating hills rolled away tilT they terminated, in the; far distance, in a bold range of mountains. Continuing their journey they passed several, kauri" trees that towered high overhead, and found the track so steep in places that it was only with the assistance of both his companions that Graham struggled up. The air ; was filled with a fragrance which he attributed to the kauris; but in this he was mistaken. Hirawani, seeing him puzzled, broke, a twig from a Email bush overhanging the path, and held it to his nostrils. The aromatic fragrance reminded him, of incense. " Mairehau," she repeated several times, until Graham had mastered the pronunciation. The incident inspired her with an idea, for, pointing to herself, she said " Hirawani," and touching Graham, looked inquiringly into his face. Perceiving her drift, he answered " Graham." Her tongue could not pronounce $he harsh sound, though he repeated it many times, and Toana succeeded no better. The nearest approach they could make was, "Kere-ama," ending each syllable, as was their invariable custom, with a vowel/ and by this name was he afterwards known in the tribe. This was the first lesson in a long course of instruction in the Maori language which Graham was destined to undergo. With so charming a teacher as Hirawani he could not fail to make rapid progress, it was a delight only to hear the soft, liquid sounds dropping from her sweet lips.

The ascent seemed interminable, and he had begun to deßpair of ever reaching the top, when Toana paused and gave a long shrill oall. A voice from higher up replied ; and before again advancing, Bhe exchanged what Bounded like challenge and counterrchallenge. In a short time they emerged from the forest, and found "fcheniselves on the ridge, and before a number of huts grouped together ,and surrounded by a palisade, or "pa," as the Maori calledit. "

"Parahaki!" (crooked shoulders) cried Toana, pointing to the stockade. The pa, or fortified village, occupied a strong position- on the mountain top, and waa isolated by a deep ditch cut across the ridge. A rampart many feet high, was erected on the inner margin of the ditch. The work rose before them in a nearly perpendicular bank thirty feet high, and completely barred all advance; but, by' skirting the ditch, they reached a narrow path which led diagonally up, and was overlooked by a small tower or fighting platform. Here stood an aged warrior, evidently the owner of the voice which had challenged them. On seeing the tall, white stranger he barred his entrance to the pa, and refused to let him pass' until satisfied by a voiub'e explanation front' Toana.

At intervals of about six . feet along the front palisade were images of the most frightful aspeoti carved from treefcrunks. They stood, armed with clubs, in threatening attitudes, and were evidently designed with the object of intimidating an enemy. The sight of these horrid, grinning figures above himifijyfeA^raham with apprehension. ■\?s^s|pi read of the South Sea Islanderl^rSising temples on like elevations, which they reserved for human sacrifices and cannibal feasts, and he hesitated " to enter until reassured by Hirawani.

A narrow, sliding gate between two ponderous wooden posts, gave admittance to the pa, and was surmounted by a diabolical figure, whose huge, expanded mouth, protruded tongue, grinning teeth, grotesque misshapen limbs, and shining green eyes, made up an object sufficiently hideous to intimidate any intruders who would venture to enter between the legs that straddled from one post to another. Having entered, they proceeded to the higher ground within, the enclosure, whence Graham had an extended view_ of the surrounding country. Hirawani pointed to the river, winding through a vast plain to the north, Waikorau, she called it. Beyond the river flat stretched a large harbour or inlet of the sea, Kaipara, from which, he learnt, the tribe took their name. . Turning to the east, she pointed across a deep mountain gorge to a distant pa, which she called " Koromiko." The pa of Parahaki enclosed about two acres, which were terraced and. crowded with whares (huts). As they threaded their way between these, Graham was reassured by seeing no sacrificial altar. Having passed a kind of citadel which occupied the centre, they entered a whare at the further, or south-eastern side. Toana motioned him. to be seated, and with a sigh of relief iie ' stretched himself on a couch of soft mats. His injured knee, which had been chafed by the long and rough journey, pained him exceedingly, and although Toana rearranged the bandages, the pain kept him tossing all night . long, and effectually banished sleep from his pillow. Next day Graham was unable to move, and though Toana proved a competent nurse, and made skilful use or the healing qualities of many native herbs, it was some weeks before he could stand upright. _ During this protracted period of painful inactivity, the young doctor's thoughts frequently reverted to Nancy Churchill and the many dangers and difficulties they had together encountered during the short, but eventful, voyage of the Elizabeh. Would ho ever see her again? Had he any chance of -regaining his libery and escaping from this barbarous island? He racked his brains by the, hour in trying to devise some means of deliverance, but could think of no plan which held out any prospect of success. Though his daily wants were provided for by Toana and her daughter, he knew they looked upon him .as a prisoner, kept in hiding from the revengeful llokino, and that, until his wound healed, he must perforce remain.

How often would he recall the incidents of the last six months. The grey morning when, prompted by a * foolish 'i impulse to set out with Bowman on j their rash canoe voyage across the j broad Solway Firth, he had left the j old Cumberland home ; the swamped canoe, from which they were rescued i by the rough but good-natured captain ,, of the Hebrides ; the voyage in the j Elizabeth, and the rascally conduct of j her captain and crew, whom it was ! a' distinct, relief to know that he could | never meet again ; the noble-minded Mr Churchill, as he stood in the moonlight rebufcing the 5 mutinous Bailors.' -Jto.it it; was Churchill's brave daughter who* mos>^cctip;ied his ttoouj^ts^-HeitouM recall every incident oF'their short acquaintance ; how he had been attracted by her girlish figure that first afternoon when she bade. her friends farewell ; the paltry misunderstanding which *had at first kept them apart. He had only to close hiß eyes to recall the delicate, refined profile, and the blue eyes dancing with, mischief. A footfall at the threshold of his hut: a tattered old savage, bearing his primitive meal of kumara or tare, and with the Maori's entrance, alas! the pleasing vision would vanish.

During the intervals of such daydreams, and debarred from all active occupation, he devoted much of his time to the acquisition of tjhe native language, and made rapid progress. Hirawani was usually his teacher* though Toana, Te Ifuia, and others oc- i casionally volunteered their services. I All able-bodied inhabitants of the I pah descended the mountain daily to | fish, hunt, or cultivate the kumara fields, returning in the evening. Gra- j ham wondered why they did not build .their village nearer the flat, so. as to ■ escape the fatiguing daily journey, until Te Puia informed him that bloodfeuds existed between them and their ! neighbours, and if they should venture j to dwell on the plain, the whole tribe would be exterminated before two moons had come and gone. Hirawani or Toana always remained with him in the pa through fear of Rokino, who, they were aware, had vowed vengeance against their white slave, as he scornfully termed Kereama, and one of their old slaves, whose lives were of but little account, slept across the door of his hut at night, so that no intruder might enter. RoSino was ready to kill Kereama on the first opportunity, and it required all the vigilance of his protectors to guard him while laid ;up with his injured • leg. Hirawani informed Graham that, but for Rokino' s wound, which deprived, him of the use of his right arm for several weeks, all .their care and watchfulness would not have availed to shield him from the vengeance of his implacable foe. For long Graham could not understand why "the Maori chieftain should harbour so muoh malice against a common slave. Te Puia enlightened him. " Dost thou not see, Kereama? Rokino. is a suitor for Hirawani's hand." "I waß not awaro of that, but,/ even so, what has it to do with me?" queried Graham. . . . "The maiden never encouraged his suit ; but Rokino is a turbulent fellow, and has a large following; therefore, Hirawani does not want to offend him." "**. • ' i . " But, if the girl objects, is not that enough?" , - ■ "We do not consult the women in such matters," replied Te Puia, scorh- " Still, I do not see what' that has' to do with, me?" , / " Patience, and I will tell thee, Kereama. Hitherto Hirawani has not dared withstand what she knows to be her father's wish, and only asks that the betrothal may be delayed cv account of her youth; but since thou hast appeared on the scene Bhe hath told her mother that, rather than marry Rokino she would kill herself. Why she objects I cannot think !" continued the practical old savage. "Is not Rokino as strong as the whale f And, though only a youthful warrior, he has thrice slain the' first man m. battle; he is a great toaj ' "I still fail to see what that has to do with me, her slave. Hirawani is too high-born to marry any but a chief; even the boastful Rokino is no match for the daughter of the rangatira Hauraki." ■' ' .*. • * i,- « V" It is no! uncommon thingfor a cmet s daughter to marry her slave, and, should Hirawani wed t/iee, thou wouldst henceforth be .a great chief," This information, while flattering^ to the young man's vanity, proved rather disconcerting. Though admiring t the

beautiful Maori maiden, Graham had no wish to marry her and become a chief of the Kaipara tribe. To live among savages, even on such terms, had no attractions for the white man. Besides, his affections wero already engaged. Te Puia was well disposed towards Kereama, in whom he recognised a spirit brave and fearless as his own. With some training in Maori warfare, he foresaw that the pakeha mignt become a useful ally. Many an evening did the old chief spend in the whare instructing him in the • language and teaching the Maori art of war. This latter Graham found to be not unlike that practised by European nations before the introduction of firearms. Though some of the customs described to him' appeared ferocious and barbarous in the. extreme, others were quixotically chivalrous. The word of a rangatira might be implicitly trusted ; thieving was abhorred, and any. individual or tribe addicted to that practice was held in utter contempt.

At first their customs seemed to Graham full ' of contradictions. For example, although abominating thieving, they countenanced a system of open robbery which he thought nearly as bad. Should a ' man accidentally burn his outhouse, or be guilty of some foolish or stupid act, he forthwith became the victim of a practice called " muru," by which his tribesmen, instead off condoling with him in 'his misfortune, proceeded to sack -his wretched whare, and rob him of every article he possessed. Needless to say, such a custom precluded the possibility of the- accumulation of any personal property, or, at all events, its retention for any length of time.