Australian Tales and Adventures.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XX, Issue 2038, 4 March 1887, Page 1 (Supplement)

Australian Tales and Adventures.

By ATHA-

No. n. FIFTY LASHES.

CHAPTER I. A full summer moon overhead, casting bars of soft sheen athwart the trees in the public Domain, Auckland, New Zealand. On a rustic bench, beneath the wide-spread-ing branches of a giant Kauri pine, sat a halfcaste Maori girl, and by her side a tall handsome youth, wearing the dark-blue uniform of Caversham’s Horae. No Spanish beauty could boast a more glorious beauty of face and form than Kiora Selby. Her mother—daughter of the old Maori Chieftain, Te Puke, fell in love, and married one Tom Selby, a sergeant in the 6—th regiment, and with her hand came many broad acres in the most fertile valleys of the Waikato, which the old soldier soon converted into a good payable estate. While Kiora was yet a child her mother died, whereupon Tom Selby bought a snug villa outside the city, and sent .his daughter to a boarding school until she became old enough to take charge of bis household. “ And so you are going to morrow, Charlie 1” she asks timidly, at the same time toying nervously with her companion’s palm between her own shapely hands. “ Must it really be to-morrow ?"

“Keally and truly, Kiora,” he answered. “ The horses were pot aboard early this evening, and we sail to-morrow at daylight.” “ How dreadful this war is,” she says in a low tone.

“ Ah, dreadful, indeed, my darling, but we must not stand idly and see those mad fanatics, the rebels, murder and plunder innocent people. Since Eewi was driven out of Waikato, the Government have done all in their power to induce the dissatisfied Maoris to lay down their arms, and live at peace with their Fakeha neighbours, but yon see it is of no avail. Tipore and his crazy brother have roused the Taranaki tribes to open rebellion, and by so doing have unfortunately prevented one Charles Stanton from enjoying his Christmas dinner under the same roof as Kiora Selby.” " Dear Charlie, no one can regret that misfortune more than poor Kiora,” she answers softly, Charlie laughs lightly, then stoops downward until bis moustache reaches Kiora’s ripe red lips, and—well, the moon only knows what took place, for he was watching them. Hie Moonship sees many things that lovers wot not of. On this lovely evening, there was no exception to the rule, for he observed close by where Charlie and his companion billed and cooed at each other, the form of a man, crouching low down behind a thick scrub, which completely hid him from the eyes of those he was evidently watching—a man with a pale, vile-looking face, which peered out at them from the screen of foliage with a savage gleam in his eyes. The apparel of the eave's-dropper was similar to that worn by the girl's companion, save that he had three narrow golden stripes upon his coat sleeve at the wrist, which bespoke the man a non-commissioned officer. During a long chat, such as lovers usually indulge, the watcher never stirred from his bent position; but listened to every word uttered with a greed that was only born of deep and absorbing interest. It was only when Kiora rose to depart that he drew further into the shade, and in so doing made a noise which attracted the girl’s attention. "What was that, Charlie?” she cried, nestling herself close to the side of that gentleman, and gazing round in alarm. “ What is the matter, dear ?” “ Did you not hear a rustling noise ? It sounded close by that bush there,” she said. “ Sweet Kiora, you are filled with strange fancies to-night,” he said gaily. “First it was a shooting star, big with evil portent for us. Now it is a noise as of some lurking assassin. Pooh, my girl, there is nothingsave perchance some grasshopper looking for its mate.”

“ Ob, Charlie, I would give all I possess in the world to prevent you going to Taranaki,” she said, with sudden energy. “Nonsense. Why?” “Because 1 have one morbid fancy that when we part to night it will be for ever.” “My darling, I " “ Listen to me, Charlie. Do you believe in dreams?” “ Dreams, certainly. I believe they are dreams, nothing move.” The maiden nestled her small head—crowned with a coronet of glossy raven hair

—closer to his breast, and looking up at him with her large eyes, said : “ I bad a terrible dream the night before last—a dream in which I saw what took place as plain as I can see those trees before me now.” “ What did you see, Kiora ?” “An encampment of armed men, situate on the margin of a lovely lake, and surrounded on every hand by high rugged hills, treeless and barren in the extreme,” she responded, in a low hushed tone. “ Beyond the tents on a green patch of sward, my dream disclosed a solid square of glittering bayonets, in the centre of which were three posts standing upright. On those cruel stakes a man was being tied hand and foot to be flogged like a slave. My (rod, it was terrible." The trooper put his arm about the slender form of his companion, for she had begun to shiver like one in a ague fit. “ Did you recognise the features of the unfortunate fellow at the triangles 7” be asked presently. “ I did." “ And you knew him 2” “Y«s.”

“Who was he, Kiora?" “ Yourself, Charlie 1 Oh, the unutterable anguish depicted there! Oh, the misery and the despair, and the sickening dreadful blows that fell upon my ears like some shuddering horror too great for mortal heart to bear I Yet I was compelled to gaze until the dreadful wo*k was ended. Then I beard a loud shout away towards the cliffs, and looking thence, beheld a great horde of Maori warriors rush like a mighty avalanche upon the square of armed men, and shiver it iuto a hundred fragments. Then all became chaos and confusion, intermingled with shouts and cries, and a vision of the man who bad been degraded mounted upon a saddle and bridlelcss horse, bis bare and bloody back glistening conspicuonsly above the crowded mde. until tossed to and fro like a worthless waif, it went down amid the tide of battle, and I saw it no more.”

Charlie Stanton stood silent for a moment. A feeling of some nameless dread began to steal aver him at Kiora's recital, bat he shook it off, and replied in a bantering way: 11 Dreams are all my eye, sweetheart. Indeed, it has been said by certain crusty old bachelors that dreams are like ladies, they follow the rule of contrary. Como bold up your head, my dear, I shall return to you 'ere the new year is many weeks old, with all my honors. Think upon me.” “ I fervently trust you may, dear Charlie,” she replied. Then, suddenly lifting her

h f ’ ‘‘Charlie, I want you to make me a promise —a solemn promise.” ” Certainly, dear Kiora. What am I to promise ? " “ That yon will refrain from taking one drop of intoxicating liquor until you return to Auckland.”

“You little tyrant,” he cried, laughingly. “ You would like to set a trap for me. You have your tea without stint—which the doctors say is rank poison—and yet one is to be deprived of his glass of grog, simply because that giddy bead of yours has been running too much on wars and rumours of wars, lint, sweet Kiora. let us change the subject. How lovely the night is.” e’ They went out into the soft glow, arm in arm—she pleading for his promise —he, laughingly, resisting her. Onward down the green slopes, strewn with murky shadows, that seemed to swallow them up and leave no trace behind.

By-and-bye the lurking figure came forth from bis lair, and stood up in the full light of the moon—a tall dark man, about thirty years of age, face sallow and closely shaven, disclosing a wide, sensual mouth Bad strong determined jaw, filled with firm white teeth.

“ So here you arc, Sergeant Clement Exley, playing the spy,” ho muttered, apostrophizing himself, a sinister gleam in his eyes the while, “ Why, who would have thought the ring doves would select this spot for their senseless chatter?—almost under my nose. Humph I My limbs are racked with cramp. Confound them both. What the devil o«n there be about this weak puling dandy, that she must prefer him to a better man. Aye, one, who oares more for her than ho does.”

He stood with folded arms a moment, watching the direction they had taken. “ There ye go, Charlie Stanton, with the whip band of me, but take oare, my lad, I don’t checkmate you. For ten years you and I have been what modern society calls friends, Charlie ; but modern society little dreams how I hate your friendship. It has robbed me of many things I had set my heart on, even the love of this proud wench—who has thought fit to treat my advances with scorn and insult, since yon have taken the field, Charlie, won chore. Well, well, lam content to bide my time, Kiora Selby. Dreams have been fulfilled ere this. I have the cue, my weak-minded spark, and it shall go hard, but I will use it to advantage when opportunity offers.’’

He followed in the wake of the lovers with a slow and meditative step, his head bent, and bis hands clasped behind his back. “If my friend Stanton has one pet vice above another, that vice is drink," he muttered, pausing in his waik. “ Not a sot, who loves to tipple alone, until he is speechless, oh, dear no ; but one of your gentlemanly, social souls, who cannot say nay when it is placed under bis nose. Let him promise if be will, he cannot resist it. I have studied the man. Twice has he risen to the rank of sergeant since the corps was formed, and each time degraded to the ranks again through the love of good liquor. So, so. Charlie, all’s fair in love and war. Therefore I’ll bait my line and angle for you my friend. Once landed, I sea my way clear to In heUe Kiora, and her broad acres. ’ Sergeant Exley, of Caversham’s Horse, increased his pace, crossed the park, and entered the street; thence his walk became slower, until he reached Shortland Place. Here he halted, and stood watching the front of a pretty villa on the opposite side of the way.

There must have been something very attractive here to engage the sergeant's attentention, for he on the spot close upon two hours:

He was still waiting and watching, when a young man issued from the house, humming a favorite opera air. “ Hollo, Charlie 1 well met, dear boy. Where have you been ?" cried Exley in a surprised, yet pleasant tone. “.Just run over to bid the Selbya goodbye,” replied Stanton. “ But what are you doing down this way, Kxley?” “ Ah, taking a walk under the moon to view the city. 1 guess, we shan’t have another opportunity of viewing the spires of Auckland by moonlight for some time to come. Truth is, Charlie, I’m glad to have met you.” “ Why ?”

“ Because I was just making my way to the Albion, where I’ve promised to meet one or two jolly fellows, to take a patting glass. Vou will join me of course.”

"My dear Exley, nothing would give me greater pleasure, but ” “But what?"

“ The truth is," stammered Charlie, " I have made a promise not to touch liquor of any kind until I return from Taranaki." “Phew.” whistled the Sergeant. “I’m sorry for that, inasmuch as you will miss a bowl of the best punch, and one or two of the most oomio dogs in New Zealand, flood night.” Sergeant Exloy turned upon his heel, but Stanton caught him by the atm. "Hold hard, Kxley. We sail early in the morning; it’s almost morning already, therefore I’m with you. 1 can accompany you without breaking my word, eh ?"

“ Certainly." And the angler went in with his intended dupe, and brought him forth in the grey light of the dawning day, staggering, uproarious, and with bis promise shattered to the winds.

CHAPTER 11. There are few scenes in New Zealand more grandly tugged than the Ohan Valley, Taranaki, the spot where the Volunteers bad formed their bivouac on the 21th of Dec., in anticipation of meeting the rebel Maoris. It was Christmas Eve, the time night, a calm lovely night, with moon and stars studding the dark blue canopy of heaven. The camp was composed of six hundred rank and file of the Auckland Rifles, together with one troop of Caversham’s Horse. The latter bad pitched their tents on a small hill adjacent to where the commissariat stores had been piled and covered over by a large tarpaulin. Of the sixty men of the troop, ten of their number had been told off as guard, under the charge of Sergeant Exley. The supply of grog and provisions were only limited, and needed but one sentry at a time to keep watch and ward over them. Tnere were six quarter casks of rum standing in a row, flanking the stores,—a terrible temptation and dangerous in the extreme to any poor tippler who chanced to have charge in the still dead night, with no eye looking on. This idea appeared to have taken possession of the sergeant, tor he called the guard together about the watch-fire, and said: "Comrades, I need hardly remind yon of the general order issued this morning. We arc under martial law here on the field. Colonel Bartopp, as you all know, is a very strict officer, and will punish the slightest neglect or carelessness with severity, mind that, and above all remember that any man found tipsy while on duty, will most assuredly go to the triangles. You understand ?” They appeared to understand very well that drunkenness would be punished only with the lash, and they glanced towards the rum-puncheons, and thought the sergeant a worthy fellow to concern himself about their welfare. There were others about the fire who did not belong to the guard. One, a short, broad shouldered, jolly-looking fellow, who bad evidently seen more of the ocean than terra finm, if one might judge by his gait and his conversation. His name was Bob Cable, and while the sergeant warned his men, was deeply intent attempting to balance a camp-pot on the rough nose of a magnificent water-spaniel at bis side. This experiment with the dog appeared equally interesting to another individual, viz., a bare-legged Maori lad about fourteen, who stood by with mouth agape. The boy, who answered the nmn He place of " Manfly,” was one of that gender known as a camp fag and general knock-about amongst the troopers. He could speak English pretty well, so far as lying went, and was withal one of the most mischievous young vagabonds in Maotiland.

As the night waxed apace, there arose a keen wind, which mads the air biting cold, and set the whole tents shivering like so many sheeted ghosts under the moonlight. The Maori lad, prowling about lor some place of shelter for the night, found a snug corner beneath the tarpaulin which covered (be stores, and then retired to rest without mors ado. The party round the fire gradually thinned, until only two persons remained by it, — Charles Stanton and Bob Cable. It was easy to perceive that a warm and sincere friendship existed between these twain, yet no two_ men were more opposite in person and disposition. The one handsome, gentlemanly and refined in bearing, but weak and yielding to pusilanimity. The other coarse, plain of person, yet obstinate and determined as a bulldog. _ How came these opposite to befriends? Simply through one little act of kindness. At (he storming of the Maori stronghold “Te Kangs,” Bob Cable lay bleeding to death outside the enemy’s trench, from a severe gash in his side received during the attack. _ The Volunteers were repulsed, but at the risk of his life Charles'Stanton walked coolly out to the trench, and brought in the wounded man upon his back, amidst a perfect hailstorm of Maori bullets. It was a gallant, kindly act, and Bob had often spoken his gratitude in language more forcible than polite. And here they sit by the fire, with the dog between them, and a small ttask of rum, which has been emptied to (he dregs in fighting their Waikato campaign over again. Presently there is a call for number four of the guard. Charlie Stanton rises hurriedly, wishes Cable “good-night," and answers “ Here.”

It is his turn lor sentry, and he is marched over to relieve the man posted on the stores. Silence now reigns throughout the camp, save for the wild screech of the pelew out yonder by the lake. Sandy crouched under the friendly covering of the tarpaulin, is suddenly awakened from bis rosy dreams by the sound of voices in the vicinity. The Maori noiselessly lilts one end of the coveting and peeps forth. _ Sergeant Exley is standing with a pannican in bis band, talking to the sentry in a low earnest tone. “ Indeed Charlie, I see no great harm in a glass of grog on snob a cold night. We are not in town where it could be easily obtained, therefore one must get it by stealth. Of course you are on sentry, and can prevent my taking any, but I must say a small half-pint out of one of these casks would never be missed."

“ Perhaps not," answered Charlie Stanton, carelessly, “ Pray do as you please, you have command of the guard;but 1 say, Exley,what about that lecture yon gave us respecting general orders, and Colonel Bartopp's stern discipline ?" The sergeant laughed in a quiet way, and replied, “ Wait until you’re promoted again, Charlie, then adopt my plan. One side for the men, the other for your friends. Surely you were not impressed with toy caution. Lord, 1 feel inclined to roar sometimes at all the fnss and humbug put forth in ordersgeneral or otherwise. Bed tape and bunkum. Bunkum and red tape to the end of the chapter. I’ll bet Colonel Bartopp has not retired to his tent without a akinful of good liquor. Why then should we, comrade, who have to watoh through the long night in this sharp wind, not whet our whistle when it is here ready at our hand ? ”.

" Bravo, Exley 1 Very well argued. My orders are to allow no one to meddle with the commissariat except the quarter-master, but I repeat, yon are my superior officer, and—there are the casks.” 11 Good. This fellow here seems s little apoplectic, we will bleed him.” “ With all my heart, but how will yon do it, through his bunghole 7 ” cried Charlie, laughing.

“No 1 Only a bungler would go to work that way. See here, 1 have a gimlet. Now, keep watch while I npih this fellow’s frontispiece.” Clement Exley oast a triumphant look at his companion ere be went down on his knees to bore the rum puncheon. Had the goodnatured inconstant dupe seen that look, he would have thought twice before hobnobbing with the subtle and crafty scoundrel before him. But Charlie Stanton, measuring the man by his own standard, saw nothing in it saves good fellow in want of a nobbier, ana who had pluck enough to hazard his sergeant s stripes for it. Crawling from his lair as silently as a serpent, Sanfly beheld Exley holding the panmcan over a thin stream issuing from one ofthe casks. How the liquor hissed and gurgled as it spouted into the pot! When the utensil was full. Charlie held his thumb to the hole until the surgesnt plugged it up again. “ Now, comrade, take a nip.” “ After you,” said Charlie, modestly. 513

"The girl* weleft behind o«,” end the sergeant pnt the liquor to hi* lips, bat he did not drink any. “ 1 ’ll give that pledge with all my heart," responded Charlie, in proof of which be almost emptied the panniean at a draught. It took away bis breath for the nonoe, but that wa* nothing—the ni;ht was oold.

“ What do yoo say, shall we refill the goblet, Stanton?” “ By all means, Ezley, and the pot was replenished. “ I did not expect we were going to have such a jolly time in general," said the sentry, seating himself on one of the puncheons, with the can of rum between his knees, “ Come, Clem, take a sip and pass the decanter.” In a short time the measure was again empty, and once more refilled. The fiery spirit was at least twenty degrees over proof, and soon began to tell upon the troopers. “ We must be cautious, comrade, and not arouse the sleeping guard," said the sergeant, as Charlie became rather noisy. “It is now past midnight, and I don't expect the visiting officer before tour o'clock.”

“Oh, bother the visiting officer—pass the nappy, Clem.” “ 1 suppose you don’t mind my relieving you when your two hours are up, Charlie ? ”

" Not at all. lam content to remain here until daylight, providing you leave me the gimlet. Here's your health, Clem, and may you live to be a general.” The sergeant watched him with glistening eyes. ” Steady, comrade, you will be tipsy,” he said.

“I I nonsense. lien, hold my carbine, the pot is empty." One p.tn. by the sergeant's watch, and the sergeant’s companion is growing thick of speech and rather prosy. In another halfhonr the poor dope is staggering about, moralising to the empty air, like one of Congreve’s heroes. He will have another sip of the liquor, and he has bis way, for be is beyond reason now. The ram has mastered him completely; anon he is nothing but a grovelling bundle of humanity, his laugh cracked, sense gone, and talking—ye (rods t such rubbish and ribaldry, that the sergeant grows disgusted and leaves him alone in his glory. The officer of the night begins his rounds earlier than was expected. At three am. the Commissariat Guard turned out at bis summons, and was dismissed as correct. “How many sentries have you, Sergeant Exley 7” “ Only one, Captain I” “ I will visit him.” It was usual for two men of the guard and the noncommissioned officer in charge to accompany the officer when visiting (he sentries. Exley called two of his comrades, who conducted the captain over to the stores, but of course (here was no one to challenge their approach. “Halt," cried the officer, “how’s this? where is your man, sergeant ?’’ he asked in a tone of surprise.

Before the question could be answered, the Maori lad emerged from his biding, and pointed out the dark innert form of the tipav sentinel stretched upon the floor fast asleep. A light was brought from the tent and they tried to rouse him, but in vain. Them appeared no need to inquire how the man pot drunk on his post. The leaking cask, the gimlet, and (he panmean half full of liquor on the ground beside him, told its own tale plainly. “ This is a very unfortunate matter,” cried the sergeant, with well-feigned regret in his tone. “ What is to be done, sir ?' “Donel why your duty, Sergeant Exley. of course,” responded the captain, "Carry the poor devil to the guard-tent, and put another man in his stead. “I II report to Colonel Bartopp on my return. Goodnight I’’ Morning eamc with its rosy blush tinging the hill tops and kissing the sleeping encampment into renewed life. It found Sergeant Exley pacing moodily before the guard tent where his unfortunate victim lay slumbering off the fumes of intoxication.

“ Is this bat the prelude to In r dream ? ’ he mattered. “(dad, it would seem so. Here are the circle of bills around, bare and tr.-elens overlooking the valley below. Yonder the Ohan Lake gleaming in the early sun like a burnished shield. What more? Shall the curtain rise to-day upon the first act of the dream 7—the formed square, and the man tied to the triangles? We shall see. Charles Stanton, it would have been well had thou or 1 never seen Kiora Selby. Poor wretch, sleep on. When thou wakest thou wilt see the ' ready. And now to snatch an boar's rest." He turned into the tent, and at that moment the voice of Sanfiy was heard calling for Soap, the retriever, who ran frisking towards the lad in great glee, and the pair raced down the hill towards the tent occupied by Bob Cable. (To hr 'Onliiii’nl.)

Never read by twilight, moonlight, or on cloudy days. Economical Cookery. One of the greatest troubles with young housekeepers is the meal. We are so apt to get too much, especially where the family is so small. One pound ol Meal., throe or four for a slew and a four or live pound roast is a great plenty for a family of throe. If the object is to get breakfast quickly, as it is with me, I try to have potatoes enough left from dinner tin: day before to warm over lor breakfast.

Now there are warmed over potatoes and warmed over potatoes. 1 have seen those that it was a wonder to me hmi any one could cat them. First slice them and put them into a frying pan with a muni sized piece of butter, pepper salt and some good sweet milk. Place them ma r the fire and keep chopping and stirring with a knife, adding more milk occasionally. When they are very fine and the pieees adhere together they arecisikedsnlliem-itly. Some chop the potatoes first in aehoppnig bowl, but I do not like them as well that wav.

If you have fresh steak, either broil or fry. I suppose wo who uso soft, ooal may say we fry our steak now, after tile aide defense our sister gave us last work. If you have cold moat, either baked or broiled, a good way to warm it is to slice in thin slices, and fry quickly a delicate brown in butter. Or another way : cut the cold meat (any kind of fresh meal will do) into small mouthfuls, put in a stew pan with water enough to cover, and let stew ten or fifteen minutes Add a lump of butter, pepper and sa,i. Make a thickening of a little Hour rubbed smooth with water and thicken, taking care not to get it very thick.

The various clubs of European mountaineers have built huts as places of refuge in the Alps. Pyrenees, and Carpathian mountains, to the number of two hundred and sixty seven in all. The highest is on the Matterhorn, over twelve thousand feet above the sea-level ; the lowest, in Transylvania, about (ifteen hundred feet. Of the entire number, two hundred and four arc in the Alps.

Au order Of knighthood has been Conferred by the German Emperor upon t'ir ■lo-'eph l,\<ter. the eminent British surgeon, whose ant; seppe method of surgery liaj mad" his name known ail over ihe world.