have been greater, and then what stores of
information and improvement might not their
instructors have laid open to them.
We had passed some months here, and were
beginning to look out for the return of our
brig, to take us again into civilised society;
when we were once more thrown into alarm
by a threatened invasion. A rumour was circulated
in the village, that Shunghie, who
now lay at the point of death, had declared
that he would make one last glorious effort
before he expired. He was resolved (it was
reported) to collect his warriors, overcome
George and his followers, possess himself of
Ko-ro-ra-di-ka, and die upon the conquered
territory of his enemy; and I had no doubt
that in his moments of delirium such had
been his exclamations, as it had always been
one of his favourite projects. When this was
reported to George, he immediately came to
us, and with a most doleful countenance told
us we must take care of ourselves ; for, if the
report proved true, he was much too weak to
protect us. This certainly caused us some
alarm, but, fortunately for us, a good sized
whaler, « the Marianne,” was then lying at
anchor in the port, having arrived but a few
days previously. The presence of a ship, all
over the world, is felt as a protection to
Europeans, as in case of danger it is a sure
place of refuge.
Kins George sent off his messengers in
every direction to inform his friends and dependants
of the threats uttered against him
by Shunghie, and the next day eight large war
canoes, filled with warriors, came to his assistance.
They landed at some distance from
the beach, and, as it was late in the day, they
would not make their public entvds till the
next morning ; for the New Zealanders are
very fond of giving a grand effect to all their
public meetings. I determined to pay them
a visit, to witness the ceremonies of the night
bivouack, which proved a most pictuiesque
scene, and wild and beautiful in the extieme.
Their watch fires glanced upon the dark skins
of these finely formed men, and on their
bright weapons. Some groups were dancing;
others were lying round a fire, chanting wild
songs, descriptive of former wars ; whilst the