Part 103 (1/2)

”What, to coone!”

”They will not come back if you take away the scoundrels who led them on,” said Don sharply

”How do you know?” said the officer good-hu, ”I have been living a good deal with them, both with a friendly tribe and as a prisoner”

”And they did not eat you?” said the officer laughing

”There, Mas' Don,” whispered Jester,” continued the officer, ”and I shall do so Mr Dillon, bring up the prisoners”

This was to a uard, and returned with the captives bound hands behind, and the Maoris looking sullen and haughty, while the three whites appeared at their very worst--a trio of the most vile, unkempt scoundrels possible to see

They were led to the front, scowling at every one in turn, and halted in front of the officer, who, after whispering to the ave orders to one of the seareat jack knife, opened it, and being a bit of a joker, advanced toward the Maoris, grinding his teeth and rolling his eyes

The savages saw his every act, and there was a slight treh them all; but the next instant they had drawn themselves up stern and defiant, ready to meet their fate at the seaman's knife

”No, no No, pakeha No kill,” said a deep angry voice; and as every one turned, Ngati stalked forward as if to defend his enemies

But at the same moment the man had cut the first Maori's bands, and then went on behind the rank, cutting the line that bound seven, who stood staring wildly

The nexta sheaf of spears, which he handed, one by one, to the astonished savages, while their wonder reached its height, as the ht for presents to the natives

”Now,” said the officer, addressing them, ”I don't understand you, and I don't suppose you understand 's nalish prisoners, I hope you will behave as well to theo”

He finished by pointing away to the north; but instead of going they stood staring till Ngati caue

The effect was electric; they all shouted, brandished their spears, danced wildly, and ended by throwing down their weapons before the officer, seizing hi noses with hily till the Maoris picked up their spears, and stood looking on, apparently quite satisfied that they were safe

”Here, hi, Jack!” cried a hoarse brutal voice ”Look sharp, ant to get rid of these cords; where's your knife?”

”Wait a little while, et to the shi+p, you shall have theed for irons”

”Whorrt!” cried Mike

”We were out in search of three convicts who uard, and escaped from Norfolk Island in a boat I have fallen upon you by accident, and I have you safe”

”Norfolk Island! Where's Norfolk Island, mate?” said Mike coolly

”Never heard o' no such place,” said his vilest-looking coruffly

”Memory's short, perhaps,” said the officer

”But convicts; we're not convicts,” growled Mike