"MAD KITTY"

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, Volume I, Issue 7, 1 April 1900, Page 519

"MAD KITTY"

A Story of Hie l&irly Days.

By Makion Batks

Illustrated by .//, West

W WAS strolling round the quiet mining || township of Oncpoto shortly after my f arrival from Auckland. On reaching <=#; the store, which comprised the post office as well, I stood for some time watching the crowd of soft-shirted miners eagerly enquiring for letters and papers. After the last one had departed, I saw the figure of a woman approaching. She was somewhat raggedly clothed, and apparently in want of proper food and nourishment. Going up to the mail counter, and looking into the kindly eyes of the good-natured postmaster, she enquired, in a trembling voice : " Is there any letter from Jack ? " " No, Kitty," he answered, " nothing for you. Will you come in, and the wife will make you a cup of tea ? " She did not appear to hear his kind invitation, but walked off down the single street of the town, muttering to herself: " When is Jack going to write ? When will he write ? " and was soon lost to view. Being somewhat cui'ious, I went to the counter and enquired for letters, though I knew there would not be any. Upon being answered in the negative, I casually enquired : " Who was that woman who just asked for ' a letter from Jack ? ' " "She is well known here as 'Mad Kitty,'" replied the postmaster. " Her story is a long one, and if you'd like to hear it, just come into the parlour, where we can smoke to our hearts' content, and I'll tell you. It's Vol. I.— No. 7.— 40.

worth heaving, for it' ever a woman was wronged, poor ' Kit ' was ; and she fully deserves tho sympathy she gets from those who have heard of how her life was blighted." Having nothing else to do, and, as I said before, being curious — for the withered and shrunken figure of what was apparently a once handsome woman, and tho tremulous voice and glistening eyes had aroused my sympathy as well — I accopted his invitation, and in a few minutes we were before a roaring wood fire, smoking our pipes and listening to the cheery crackle and splutter of the flaring maire logs. " You've asked me who ' Mad Kitty ' is ?" said my newly-found host, " and I'm not surprised, for this is not the first time 1 have been asked to tell the story of her life, and each time I relate it I feel more sorry for her! Poor Kitty ! " It must be some thirty years ago now that Ben Haling came down hero to try his luck. He was the (irst on the ground, for a long time ' picking ' about with no luck at all. At last he found the colour just round the bend of the river there, and after a week's work, he was well enough satisfied to peg out a claim, go back to Auckland, where he had left Kitty, his only child, and bring her down. Ho soon ran up a canvas-covered shanty, such as only a miner knows how to build, and then began working his claim in real earnest. At that time Kitty was sixteen or thereabout, with bright, flashing eyes, a pretty face tuid graceful figure that would

have attracted ' attention anywhere, and a wealth of rich brown hair flowing over her shapely shoulders— no wonder old Ben loved her, and valued her more than all the gold in the earth. She washed and mended his clothes, and kept the shanty spotlessly clean and comfortable. In fact, she was wife and daughter in one, and there was not a bird in the bush more happy than was Kitty. After a while news got about that Ben's claim was

panning out well, and a bit of a rush set in. " Amongst the new-comers was a young chap named Morgan— Jimmy Morgan, and it wasn't long before he pegged out a claim, and wanted Kitty to enter into a life partnership with him. But it was no use, for). Kitty was happy, with her father, and tbbugh she liked Morgan very well, for a long time she would never allow him to talk about the subject ho was most anxious to discuss.

" However, as time went on, she gradually yielded to his wishes, and events of the future became an all-absorbing topic with them. It cannot be said she really loved him. It is true she thought she did, or she would never have entertained the idea of marriage. She liked him better than any other man, but there was one thing she did not understand, and that was, she could never get him to speak of his early life.

" Some two months after her acceptance of Jimmy Morgan there was another rush to the camp, and one of the new arrivals, Jack Leuwin, straightway lost his heart at first sight, and Kitty— poor Kitty— was affected the same way. It was some time before she realised the truth, and though she shrank from imparting to Morgan the discovery of the change in her feelings, yet she felt in honour bound to do so.

" He took it — not like the man she thought him to be, but like a cur. He left her, vowing vengeance on Jack Leuwin, and cursing her for her deceit, as he called it. The poor girl was greatly distressed at such a turn in affairs, but in Jack Leuwin she found consolation and comfort, for they felt that between them were bonds which could never be broken. It was a new feeling to her, and her increased happiness made her all the more sorry for Morgan, who sold his claim and left Barrytown, as he said, for ever. She soon forgot the past, and ceased to worry about it. * # # * * "One day news arrived that the Maoris were breaking out again, and all the ablebodied men in the district were held in readiness for active service. The first in the camp to offer himself was Jack Leuwin, and Kitty, like a sensible girl, made no objection, though it cost her many a pang to think of her lover leaving her on such a dangerous mission. The men were ready to be called out at any time, when intelligence arrived that the Tuhoe fanatics had burnt out the miners up the river, and taken their tools and provisions, as well as their horses, which were grazing on the luxuriant grass of the river bed. "Immediately our little band was mustered, and with as much expedition as possible, we set out for the sceno of the depredations. Poor Kitty ! How she clung to her sweetheart at that last fond farewell. I can almost see them now, standing in front of the shanty, she full of apprehension, he full of hope. " Our way lay up the river bed, which in places was nothing but I'ough boulders and shingle, and very severe on the hoofs of our horses. For miles we pushed forward, at times getting a good brisk canter across a beautiful grassy river flat, only to have to draw up again on encountering more boulders. In places we were threading our way between high papa cliffs, winch cast a deep, dull gloom over the river bed, made more intense by the rush and roar of the ceaseless torrent

as it dashed against tho rocks and debris which lay piled high in every corner. " All this time strict watch was maintained in case of any ambush, but there was no sign of the enemy, and towards j£nightfall wo cautiously approachod the scene of tho recent depredations. There was nothing to bo scon of any habitation, but piles of ashes confirmed the intelligence we had roceived. Of tho men who had been working at tho time of the attack, ono escaped, and informed us of the raid ; another was shot in attempting to make for cover, and the third had oither succeeded in getting away, or tho Maoris had taken him prisoner. His fato was doubtful, but in any case it was our duty to find out what bad become of him. Wo hold a council and resolved to follow tho natives to their pa, distant about a day's march, and then do what we could to recover our lost man, should he still be living, or olso avongo his and his comrade's deaths. We vvoro not really strong enough to attack tho enemy on their own ground, but relied principally for our success on being able to tako thorn unawares. We were away early next day, and after a long tramp through tho bush approached the pa towards nightfall, unporceived as we thought. ' After dark, whon tho Maoris were smoking thoir torori (native tobacco) over tho dying embers of their (ire, we sent forward two scouts, both of whom understood Maori. " Creeping as closo to the stockade aw was" safo without fear of being detected, and hiding in the fern, our scouts heard tho korero of the natives, and as they listoned their hearts boat faster, for after Bevoral had spoken, there arose a tall figure from among the group reclining round tho fire, and, at the sound of his voice, his unseen listeners had no difficulty in identifying him as a pakeha. To one of our scouts the voice seemed familiar, but he was unable to tell who the renegade could be, for a paheha on such good terms with rebel natives must surely be a renegade. After having gathered what information they could, our men stealthily regained camp, where we anxiously awaited their return. Speculation ran rife

as to the identity of the paheha Maori, but it .con ld only end in mere conjecture. We decided the best thing to do was post a j picket, then the rest could snatch forty winks, and attack just before dawn of day, /though wo were ' dog tired ' after our forced march. However, it was our only alternative, for to remain where we were meant certain

discovery, and that would of course spoil our plans. " I remember that night only too well ! Jack Leu win and I were posted, and a weary watch it was. Poor lad ! I didn't interrupt his thoughts much, for I could see by the expression on his face by the light of the flickering fire, that his thoughts were back in Barry town. It wasn't too cheery, either, sitting there listening to the sighing and moaning' of the wind as, it mournfully bent the lofty boughs of the huge pines.

" Every half-hour or so we went to the fringe of undergrowth that surrounded the little glade in which we were camped, in order to make sure all was safe. I had gone about thirty yards, or so, from the camp when I was suddenly startled by a shot, some distance away to my right. Thinking Jack had fired on an enemy, I rushed into the

centre of the glade, where I found the boys all on then 1 feet, rifles in hand, awaiting the expected attack. " Where's Jack ? I asked, but no one knew. "We searched as well as we could in the dark, but our search was futile. Then knowing it would be suicidal to leave our position, we remained tlieve a compact knot with every nerve strained to the utmost. But no enemy could we see or hoar, and Jack did not return. The suspense

was awful. One young fellow proposed an immediate advance on the pa, but the old 'uns, knowing the danger of fighting the Maori at his own game, were more inclined to stay where they were, and a dreary wait it was. As soon as the approaching dawn gave forth enough light to advance in greater safety, we set out for the pa, throwing out scouts on every side in hopes of finding some trace of poor Jack Leuwin. But no sign of him could be found, and, we were in tin; gravest doubts as to his safety. Cautiously we approached the pa, which was situated on a rising knoll by a large creek, but not a sign of life cuuld we see. Meeting with no opposition, we at last rushed the pusitiou, clambering through and over the palisades, only to find it deserted. " Not a living thing was there ! We had been outwitted ! The wily natives had evidently noted our approach the previous day, and had retreated to the hilly ranges behind. We ngaiu mude a thorough search for Jack. Up and down the stream, in fact everywhere where there was the least possible chance of his being found, but we could discover nothing that would throw any light on his strange disappearance. For a small band like ours to attempt to follow the natives through such country would have been madness, and our object having been successfu'ly baulked by the cunning of the enemy, we were reluctantly compelled to abandon poor Jack to his fate and return to Barry town. "How the news was broken to Kitty I don't quite know, but for some months she pined and withered until she was but a semblance of her former self. Gradually, however, she picked up again, and though she soon recovered her health and good looks, yet there was a difference. Tho girlish look had gone for ever, being supplanted by au expression of yearning, which told its own tale. She had even ceased to hope. ***** " Some time after we were somewhat surprised to find Jimmy Morgan had returned to camp. He had changed a good deal since he left. Of course he was not long in camp

before he heard of Kitty's misfortune, and at onco proceeded to the shanty of old Ben Maling, where he found her in tho pretty little garden sowing. Seating himself beside her, ho related his experiences since leaving Barry town. Ho had gone to Auckland, thence on to the Fijis, whoro ho had accepted a billet as storekeeper. Having made a good deal of money, he resolved to roturn to Barry town, and try and persuade Kitty to be his wife, as he had heard that .Jack Lou win was dead. He soon wormed his way into her good. graces again, and Kitty, thinking he surely must love her, at last consented, for the second time, to bo his wife. " Morgan was determined there should be no 'slip 'tvvixt the cup and the lip' again, so it was arranged that the marriage should take place immediately. The day arrived, and the whole population of the camp was up early making arrangements for the ceromony. It was decided to hold the service under the huge totara on the other side of the flat, for there wasn't a shanty in the place large enough to hold us all. "A few minutes before tho time appointed Morgan arrived, looking spruce and gay. lie was saluted with a running iit'o of chaff and banter, but I noticed 'ho was a bit iidgotty about something. Kitty didn't keep him long, for a few minutes after she appeared with her father, looking pale, but exceedingly pretty, I can tell you. Old gray headed Wilkins was to officiate with the prayer book, being the one who know most about that sort of thing. I fancy I see that group now. " Old Wilkins, with the prayer book in his haud, standing with his back to tho trunk of the great totara, and in front of htm Kitty, pale, but calm, and Morgan, still a bit restless. All around stood the population of Barrytown. Suddenly we were startled by a coo-ec from away across the river. Wondering who it could be — for ovory living soul we knew in the locality had come to the wedding — some of us made for the river and scanned the opposite bank. Presently tho undergrowth was brusl|>-d sihidu, and thuio

emerged from the shadow of the bush a white man, in tatters and rags. " The wedding was of course postponed. In fact, the two most concerned positivelyseemed more interested in the appearance of the stranger than in the interrupted ceremony. We were not long in bringing the poor chap across to our side, and after giving him a good feed, for he was famished, we gathered round the totara and again the service began.

The stranger was invited to join us, and see what was going on. He did so, and his gaze •was immediately rivetted on Morgan. At the same instant Morgan glanced across, and the effect was electrical. He turned pale, trembled, and I thought he was going to drop. " * By the holy poker, if that ain't him ! ' cried the unexpected guest. ' Say, ain't his name Morgan ? '

" ' Yes,' answered Wilkins, ' this gentleman's name is Morgan.' " ' Then, by thunder, I've only just arrived in time ! Keep your eye on Mr. Morgan, an' I'll tell you an interesting little story. When I've finished, you'll be glad I came along afore you'd gone too fur. I'm Fred Harrison, I am, one of the three chaps wot was working the claim up the river when the cussed niggers came on us all of a sudden and took

us unprepared ! Poor little Stumpy was shot, I know, for I saw his body lying face down near the patuka. How Bill got away, I don't know, but he sneaked a march on 'em mighty slick, I can tell yer, an' I suppose came down here an' gave the alarm. Well, after the darned niggers had got all there was worth having, they fired our shanty and patuka and started for their pa Wot they kept me for I couldn't understand, but I

found that out later on. After tramping all day we reached the pa just at sunset, and there we were met by some old men and women and a white man. That's the cove, there ! I'd know him agin in a thousand ! As it happened I didn't know much about Maori at the time, but I knew enough to get the "hang" of the '' koreroing," and that infernal white cuss there was telling 'em how they could attack this place and collar all the stores and things. Then one old chief rose and asked : " Why does the pakeha turn on his own ? Why does he help the Maori ? Is there any trap? " But that white-livered sneak said he'd been robbed of his wife by a man in Barrytown, and he wanted reveuge. This explanation seemed to satisfy the chiefs. With promises of plunder, of guns, ammunition and stores, he soon got them to yield to his wishes, and then the cunning devil proceeded to play his hand. Taking with him two of the best natives, he left the pa about midnight. I lay there, tied hand and foot, racking my brains for some means of escape. .For about an hour all was still, save for the lapping and washing of the creek, when suddenly I was startled by a loud report. Immediately the whole pa was alive, and before the niggers had any time to find out what had happeued, back came tha 1 . infernal scoundrel and his two cronies. With them they had a prisoner, a young, good looking chap he was, too, and though he'd evidently given his captors a bad time of it, yet he was no match for the three of em. The order was at once given to get on the move, an' quicker than I can tell, we were on the back track for the ranges. All that day we were forced along, up and down hill, over rivers and deep ravines. Not once did I get a chance to speak to my fellow prisoner. Towards nightfall we reached a pa perched up on a hillside, and approached by a long winding track along a sharp razor back spur. Here we halted, apparently at our destination. " ' After having devoured a solid meal of corn perau and kumaras, I managed to get within talking distance of the lad, and we related to each other our experiences. He

told mo the story of his B\voothoai't,of Morgan, and of the expedition whioh set out to try and rescue me, and avenge poor Stumpy 's death. In the paheha friend of the Maoris he recognised Morgan, and roalised the meaning of it all. Shortly after that arch-devil came along, and eyed Jack Louwin with no friendly look. He taunted him with his temporary success with Kitty Maling, telling him she would yet be the wife of Jimmy Morgan. He had sworn it, and he meant it. The agonies the poor lad underwent were terrible, and could he have been free from his bonds, it would havo beou a bad tea minutes for that sneak there. Then lie left us, telling me that I was to be dealt with by the Maori fanatics. I know what it meant, an' I made up my mind to avoid it as soon as I got a chance. " ' Towards morning I was attracted by Jack's touching me on the shoulder. Turning round, I saw his hands were free. In lost! time than it takes to tell, lie had loosed his feet and untied the flaxen ropes with which I was bound. Then, feeling sure the sentry was dozing, by crawling cautiously, we made our way out of the pa, and as soon as we were safe beyond the palisades, wo rose to our feet and ran for our lives along tho track. Hardly had we gone twenty chains when wo heard a shout, and we know wo were missed. Running as fast as we could, stumbling over projecting roots and trailing vines, we shaped our course down the razor- back spur for some distance, and then, suddouly diverging to the left, found oursolves in a deep gully, at the bottom of which was a wido creek. We followed this down until daylight, when, thoroughly exhausted and worn out, we threw ourselves down dnd went fast asleep. I was rudely awakened about two hours after, and looking round, ray eye rested on the great ugly face of our sentry of the previous night. "I was afraid I had lost you, my beauty," Morgan was saying to Jack, but the lad seemed not to notice him, and we were dragged back to our prison. " ' First thing next morning, Morgan came to us, and looking at Jack, Baid : " Now, Leuwin, I've got the upper hand, but I'm

going to give you a last chance. If I provide guides to take you to the coast, where you can get a berth on a whaler, will you promise to leave New Zealand and never come back ? You have only one alternative, and if you refuse my kind offer, well " and he shrugged his shoulders. Jack was a brave lad, and looking the cur full in the face, he answered : " Rather than resign her to an inhuman brute like you, I'll accept the alternative ! " '"Nearing mid-day, Morgan again approached, and making Jack the same offer, met with the same answer, though I had tried to persuade the lad he could perhaps save Kitty by taking the chance, and then when he was safely away from Morgan, he could return to Barrytown and p'raps make things alright, and thwart Morgan's plans. But he was inflexible. Half-an-hour after Jack was taken away from me, and a few minutes later I heard a shot, and instinctively knew what it meant. I never saw Morgan again till now. After being a long time a prisoner at that pa, and being compelled to fill cartridges for the wretches, I managed to escape again, and this time I got clear away, and here I am. Just in time, too, it seems, for I've stopped that cursed scoundrel from adding another crime to his record, and saved a woman from being married to the hardest-hearted devil going ! If you doubt my word, look at him ! ' " Morgan was by this time ashy pale, and had to support himself against the box that served as a table. Everyone had listened with breathless interest to the stirring narrative of the stranger, and when he had finished and cleared^ up the mystery of the fate of poor Jack Leuwin, whom evei'ybody

liked for his own sake as well as Kitty's, a threatening murmur arose which boded none too well for Morgan. At the news of Jack's cruel murder, Kitty had swooned away, and been taken back to her father's .slutnty to receive proper care and attention. " ' Have you anything to say, Morgan, to the story we've just listened to ? ' said Wilkins,- but the guilty man seemed speechless. At last he muttered a few words, then, before anyonehad time to realise his intention, he drew a revolver from his pocket, placed it against his breast, and pulled the trigger. That was the end of Morgan. We picked him up, dead as a door nail, and he was buried in the shadow of the great totara, beneath which he was to have been married ; and old gray haired Wilkins, instead of the marriage read the burial service. " Kitty was unconscious for some time, and when she came to her mind was completely unhinged, and the only thing she seemed to remember was her sweetheart, Jack Leu win. "Her father died a broken-hearted man when he found his child had lost her reason, and all through that accursed scoundrel, whose only redeeming point was that he loved the girl. * * * * # " That, my friend, is the true ungarnished tale of ' Mad Kitty,' and I don't think a sadder case was ever known." My host knocked the ashes from his pipe, and extending me a kind invitation to " drop in " whenever I was feeling lonely, wished me " Good-night," and left me to return to my hotel and ponder over the fate of the poor lonely woman who enquired for " a letter from Jack."