Edwin thought to increase the distance between them by running off in the opposite direction.
"No, no," said Mr. Hirpington; "just stand still by me. If he saw you begin to run, he would be after you in a minute. If the ape and the tiger lie dormant in some of us, the wild animal is rampant in him. Face him to the last."
Edwin looked up with admiring gratitude at the friend who had so skilfully delivered him.
They watched the vanishing figure as Edwin had watched him on the day of his first acquaintance with the Maori warrior.
"He will never give back my Beauty," he sighed, as horse and rider were lost to view in the darkling bush.
"Your horse may prove your ransom," said Mr. Hirpington, as they retraced their steps. He knew that the boy's life was no longer safe within the reach of the angry savage. What was he to do? Send him off to a friend at a distance until the affair had blown over? Yes; row him down the river and put him on board one of the Union steamers.
He began to question Edwin. "Had they any other friends in New Zealand?"
"None," answered the boy.
"More's the pity," said Mr. Hirpington; "for it will not do for you and your father to remain alone with Hal on that hill any longer. We must separate you from the rabbiters, for the gang will be sure to draw together soon. It is nearly a week since the eruption. I hope and trust some of my men may get my message, and come to us before Nga-Hepé returns."
"If any of the surveying party are about still, they would help us," said Edwin. "Mr. Ottley told me how to signal to them, and they answered at once. They said we were to signal again if we wanted them. The captain of the coaster is with them. He would be sure to come."