page 192

Chapter XXII. Hope at Last.

It was some days after the events I have recorded in my last chapter ere the effect of our appearance before the Council, in answer to Jars' accusation, wore off to any extent. The straining our relations with the chiefs had received, naturally had a depressing effect on our minds, and prevented that cordial feeling which previously existed. Writing this after the event, I can realise the possibilities of the position, and fully contemplate what might have been the result under other circumstances.

It may be wondered that in my record of the events of our journey I did not adopt the system of recording each day's doings in the form of a journal, and so keep pace, as it were, with the occurrences by diary entries. To my mind, however, this informal narrative style is more easily managed, and less stiff in its relation. The narration of the different events seems to flow more easily in this mode of writing, and the sequence of events seems to permit of more easy development in this style than in the formal entries of a daily journal; besides which, several days often elapsed during which I was not able to record the occurrences they brought about.

During the days immediately following that on which the scene at the Council occurred, Te Kahu and Ramana page 193showed by their action towards us that they thoroughly believed in us, notwithstanding what had happened—exhibited, in fact, an amount of sympathetic feeling somewhat remarkable in such simple minds; but proving, however, that the refinement of civilisation is not always necessary to bring out the noblest traits of humanity. The kindliest heart does not necessarily beat in the bosom of civilised manhood, nor does the clothing of culture always cover the noblest nature.

In these days of isolation and reserve we employed not a little of the time in improving our knowledge of the Maori language; and Te Kahu, who assisted us in that direction, displayed an aptitude for picking up our language that afforded both him and us much pleasure. We were also favoured at this time by a visit from Ikemoke, who appeared to take considerable interest in the well-being of Gordon especially. She did not, however, say anything to us, or permit any speech to be addressed to her.

When alone, we discussed our project for sending messages to our friends, and, notwithstanding what had happened, we determined to let nothing hinder us from sending off our kite as soon as possible. It was now ready for the experiment, and Te Kahu declared it was better made than any of his.

"Look here, Brock," said Gordon one day as we were talking over our plan, "I don't like this game at all. We can't afford another encounter with Jars and the Council you know."

"Nonsense, old man," I replied; "we are not going to get into any scrape over this, never fear."

page 194

"But how can we avoid it if that prying Frenchman is watching us?"

"Well, we must have several trials with our kites, until he gets used to our flying them."

"And one day let it escape from us," continued Gordon, laughing.

"Exactly," I replied.

Macdonald had always seemed filled with silent wonder during the progress of our kite-making. He was sitting by us during the above conversation; and as we concluded he turned with gaping countenance and said—

"Div ye mean tae say, sir, that ye'll sen' a letter wi' that thing?"

"Yes, Mac," I returned, "we're going to try."

"Certies, but ye've queer notions; an' div ye expec' it tae be carried ower a' that distance withoot helm or sail?"

"Yes, indeed, we do."

"Weel, weel, I'm no sayin' but that it may—I'm sure I hope it wull—I canna but misdoot."

"Come, Mac, don't throw cold water on the project," said Gordon, gaily.

"Cauld watter, div ye say? Weel, weel, there's naething forbye that here, ye ken," and the Scotchman let escape a sigh, which betokened how keenly he felt the want of his national beverage.

"What! do you miss your countryman's solace so soon?" asked Gordon, mischievously.

"Sae suin, div ye say, sir? Fegs, I'm no sayin' but it's lang eneuch tae destroy the strangest memory o't."

"Well, Mac, you must just have patience."

page 195

"Aye, patience, sir; but ye canna drink that, an' it's hard tae drive patience intae the heid o' a body deein' o' drouth."

"But, Mac, think of the revenge you'll have when you get back to Dunedin;" and Gordon as he spoke winked wickedly at me.

"Quat yer havers noo, sir, an' gie me credit for the blue ribbon awhile."

"Yes, yes, make a virtue of necessity, and claim teetotalism as a staunch friend when the keg is empty, eh, Mac?"

"Deed, sir, that's naethin' mair than mony o' yer biggest saints dae. There's nae honour due whaur there's nae struggle gaen. Virtue in braed claeth shouldna lauch at honesty in rags."

"You're right there, Mac."

"Fegs, I am that, sir. Yer saint, in finest woollen, suin rubs shouthers wi' sinners when he's oot at the elbows, an' daesna feel the contac' harmfu' forbye. Poverty an' temptation are aye the greatest levellers, ye ken."

Macdonald's further reflections on this head were cut short by the necessity for his attending to some of the duties that had for their end a ministering to our creature comforts.

Following our resolve as to the kite-flying, we took the first opportunity that was afforded us to give a further trial to our work. Te Kahu accompanied us, and was quite delighted with the success of our efforts. Of course he had no suspicion as to the final use for which the result of our labour was destined, nor did we allow any hint of it page 196to be given. Under less desperate or pressing circumstances we might have felt some pangs of conscience at the deception we were practising upon our friend; but in this instance we were convinced that no openness or appeal to his assistance would prove effective. The first law of Nature must in such cases override all other considerations, and no delicacy of feeling should influence the being struggling against the force of adverse circumstances.

We were now satisfied that we could safely embrace the first favourable opportunity to send off our kite, and entrust to its carriage the duplicate of this record of our journey. The feeling of hope which animated us when this had been determined upon, gave us a lightness of heart such as had been stranger to our being for many months. Would our message ever reach civilisation? or, reaching it, would it be treated seriously, or merely as a hoax, and so be altogether disregarded? With these doubts my hopeful feeling received a severe shock, but I determined to wear a cheerful aspect under all surroundings, and to let no shadow of despair darken the outward bearing seen by my companions.

Macdonald, inspired by the hope which had stirred within all of us after the success of our kite-flying experiments, actually found himself whistling cheerily. The strains of "O'er the water to Charlie" and "Blue bonnets o'er the Border" resounded frequently in the neighbourhood of our whare, and once when I caught Macdonald lustily pouring forth his musical happiness he turned to me a face beaming with confidence, and by way of apology said—

page 197

"Fega, sir, I canna help it. The bare idea o' gettin' awa' frae this place wi' the help o' that fleein' thing o' yours whiles mak's me fair daft like, ye ken."

Then after a moment he continued, as he went about his work—

"Div ye really think noo it'll help us as ye say?"

"I do that, Mac; I have great hopes of its letting our friends know how we are placed."

"Weel, sir, I'm clean gyte wi' the hope o't, an' darena gie' mysel' muckle time tae think aboot it," and with this his whistle broke out louder than before, as he hurried off to collect some fuel for our evening fire.

The hope I had expressed to Macdonald was no mere figure of speech. I was really animated by the strongest confidence that this means of forwarding intelligence of our position would prove effective;—that our kite would be found, and our story thereby be given to the world.

With such hope I am putting this period to my record of our adventures.

If the morrow dawns propitious, the story I have written may find its way to the outer world, and our deep longing to return to our home and kindred may be realised.

With a trembling sigh, in which hope and expectancy are almost overshadowed by doubt and despondency, I lay aside these pages to prepare for the coming day.

page breakpage breakpage breakpage breakpage break