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Show 8 with his mother always protecting him?" Then his voice softened. "My companion wife, you are wiser than most women and you temper my hot judgment with tenderness and patience, but these secret meetings cannot be condoned. We will talk again after out expedition in search of nounamu, the precious greenstone. Perhans then ycur young son will realize the danger In befriending one white man, even though that one might be good. It is the oower of the whole white man's tribe which we must be aware of and guard against." Roa's and Ruruku's eyes brightened at the mention of pounamu, for thev knew it meant excitement and adventure. Turi noticed their reaction and snoke to them as their father rather than chief. "That is right, my sons. All our warriors are going to Te_ Wainounamu, the big Island to the South, in search of the precious stone. The young men of our tribe will be allowed to go on the journey, but first you must all be instructed in the history and tradition of nounamu by r-randmother Wetekia who is the keeper and teller of these sacred traditions. Prepare yourselves to meet at her whare with the other young men this evening." |
