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Show - 208 - their elan directly. "Chief Heke, our mission is a mission of neace," he said. "Our purpose is to b:ing peace between our own tribes and also with the Pakeha settlements. I have on narchment thirty and four signatures of chiefs from different tribes. I need one more signature to complete an alliance which shall be knox-m as The United Tribes of New Zealand. Will vou sign for neace? Will you sign in behalf of vcur tribe?" Heke hesitated. After more discussion and murmurings among his men, he asked. Roa, "Do vou truly believe that all our tribes and the Pakeha can maintain this neace?" "I do," Roa Resnonded, his ga^e steady, clear and direct. "Then I will sign," said Heke. "Mv oeoole, too, are weary of war-" Ruruku and Henry looked at each other in nuiet admiration for the young chief and his elder counterpart. Roa and Heke stood, their eyes holding steadfastly 'with respect and new understanding. Their dignified meeting and parting again, without rancor or condescension, would open the way for the great treaty to nass. |