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Show 1*1 - stepped and brought a short chopping blow at the base of Kupe's skull, felling him stunned to the earth, ouicklv Roa was unon him. One hand throttled Kupe's neck and instantly the greenstone natu was poised above him to execute the fatal blow. The oatu remained noised. No blow came. Suddenly Roa released, his grasp on Kune' s neck and. arose slowly to his feet. He stood trembling and breathing heavily. Then he sooke slowly and directly to Chief Feke. His voice showed strain and weariness, but was unfalteringly calm and confident. "I give you vcur son's life. I do not believe in useless killing; it brings me no feeling of glory. Let us acouire fame by means of mercy." There x«ras a deathly silence. No one moved. Kupe lav exhausted and breathing raggedly unon the ground in a state of semiconsciousness, finally, Chief Heke stepped into the circle and sooke in a low voice. "My word is truth. v o u have x-ron x-W th skill and strength. You have seen fit to let my son live. You shall have your life and go free. But you have disgraced mv son. You must take this wahine with vou," he said, pointing to Moana. "She is banished |
