Edwin looked round, and saw Beauty careering up the side of the valley. He shut the kitten carefully into the workshop. Mr. Hirpington had just got the other door open, and came out to assist in recalling Beauty to his duty.
Edwin started off after his horse; but he had not gone far when he was aware of another call, to which his Beauty paid more heed than he seemed disposed to show to Edwin's reiterated commands to come back.
The call was in Maori, and in a few minutes Nga-Hepé himself emerged from the bush and seized the horse by the forelock.
CHAPTER XVII.
EDWIN IN DANGER.
When Mr. Hirpington came up he found his little English friend in earnest argument with the Maori warrior.
Nga-Hepé's looks were excited and wild. He was carrying the famous greenstone club, which he brandished every now and then in the heat of the conversation.
"Come with me," he was saying peremptorily—"come with me and find the man."
"I cannot," answered Edwin, toughly. "I cannot leave my father. Take the horse, if you will, and follow the tracks in the mud. I will show you which is Lawford's footprint."
"Show me the man, and I will believe you," retorted Nga-Hepé, swinging himself lightly upon Beauty's back as he spoke.