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Show - 208 - rather astonished. "How did this come about?" "My father, Chief Turi, was killed in battle with the Pakeha. The mantle of leadership fell upon me. I did not seek it, but now that I have it I shall do my best to serve my people well." "Unbind these neonie," commanded Heke. Then his voice became more friendly. "And. how is the wahine called Moana, who left our village with you?" "She does well. She makes me a fine comnanion wife." "It is good that it hannened so, for mv son, Kupe, lies dead in the ground now, also killed in battle." "We share your father's sorrow for his son," said Henry Busbv, speaking for the first time. Heke was astonished. "You speak our tongue well, Pakeha." "I had a fine teacher," he nodded, indicating Roa to be the teacher to vm em he referred. "So vou have words vou would sneak. Come to my private whare x^rhere we might eat refreshments while we talk." Thev talked congenially while they ate small dried fish and drank cool goat's milk. Roa presented |
