Part 28 (2/2)
”There, I have it! Been trying to call to mind who he was for days past; but I have it now.”
”And pray, who was he?” said Mr Meadows dryly.
”The head-clerk at Elderby's; don't you remember, Mr Lee? He was transported for life for forging a will--John Grant.”
”And what about him?” asked the settler.
”Why, I met him at Port Caroline a few days ago, in a gang of men returning from work, I suppose; and he spoke to me by name. Strange we should meet again.”
”Well, a little, perhaps,” said Mr Meadows. ”I remember his case now you name it. But the world is not big enough to hide yourself anywhere.
You are sure to encounter some one who knows you, or your relatives.
Good-night, and heaven protect you all!”
STORY THREE, CHAPTER SIX.
THE ALARM.
We must now return to the struggle on the brink of the precipice. With the energy of despair, Anthony Bray sought to grapple with his enemy, when the threatening weapon was withdrawn, and a harsh voice, with surprise in its tones, gave utterance to his name.
”What, Wahika!” exclaimed Bray joyfully; and he gazed with wonder in the blue-tinted tattooed face of one of the natives, who had often been upon his premises.
”Thought killed. Men come from sea kill all, and come kill him again for kill you.”
”You thought I was one of the men?”
The New Zealander nodded.
”Where go to now? Come back pah?”
”No, no!” exclaimed Bray, as a bright thought struck him. ”I want to go over the hill to the Moa's Nest. You can show me the best way.”
”Much hard work; but Wahika show;” and, without another word, he plunged down again, with Bray following for a little distance; but, under the impression that the native had misunderstood him in his imperfect knowledge of the tongue, he called to him to stop, and pointed upwards.
The savage smiled at his eagerness, and shook his head, and pointed downward, then drew an imaginary line to the right, and then another, which led in the direction of the hill-top.
Bray nodded, and followed without another word; when, after a few turns and doublings, the guide hit upon the bed of a good-sized stream, and, first on one side, then on the other, led his companion up and up, at a rate which inspired him with the hope that he might even yet be in time.
Higher and higher they climbed now, pa.s.sing in among the trees at the side, and anon climbing over some huge block which arrested their progress, when the guide would stretch out a helping hand, or in some other way a.s.sist his less active and panting companion.
The journey was performed in absolute silence, till suddenly the native stopped short, and, facing round, he exclaimed, as if he had at length found out the object in view:
”You go tell at Moa's Nest men come?”
Bray nodded.
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