The Cave of the Dead.

After recounting the marvellous battle deeds of this hefty forefather, the witness offered, as a convincing proof of bona fides, to lead the Court to the burial cave in which the bones of the warrior lay. The Court was unable to do so at the time, and the further hearing was adjourned. When my friend returned to the township in which the Court was held, before hearing further evidence he consented to accompany Winiata to the ancestral cave and view the giant's bones.

After a long journey to the region of the limestone caves, they came to the steep side of a hill where a thick growth of manuka masked the entrance to Winiata's cave. A few yards inside the entrance the Judge, leading the way with a lighted candle, saw some age-yellowed bones scattered about the floor of the cave.

“Here you are,” said the Judge to Winiata, “plenty of bones here. Pick out your ancestor.”