Page:Alice Lauder.pdf/199

perhaps we might do it with the strings alone. Triplets in the treble, I think, and a sort of syncopated movement in the bass.” So he improvised a little sketch, lightly touched in, and very piano. “Yes, yes. Do go on.”

“Well, at last we reached the place where this old chap lived, a sort of raised plateau in the middle of the ranges. He was sitting by himself, like a warrior in his tent—a splendid-looking specimen of a Maori—when we went up to see him. There were some Government swells with our party, and they tried to get round the old man, but he was not to be squared. At last they told him (through the interpreter) that they had come to see him at a great trouble to themselves, and that they expected he would return their visit at their parliament, and see their chiefs. He drew himself up even more haughtily than before, and coldly remarked, ‘If the English Rangatiras (chiefs) wish to see me they can come here.’ We went back feeling thoroughly snubbed by the old soldier.”

“Yes—ah! so—” said the professor, “I am much interested in this native race. My friend, Miss Lauder, has told me—You know her, I think?”

“Yes, very well. You have, of course, been to see her since your arrival?”