“That isn’t his name, is it?” said Jem.
“No. Nonsense! Pakeha means white man. I was a pakeha once.”
“Let me help him up,” said Jem eagerly.
“My pakeha! My pakeha!” said the chief, as if putting in a personal claim, and ready to resist Jem’s interference.
The difficulty was ended by Don giving himself a shake, and slowly rising.
“Jem! Where’s Jem?”
“Here! All right, Mas’ Don. We’re in the canoe.”
“Hah!” ejaculated Don; and he shuddered as if chilled. “Where are the boats?”
“Miles away,” said the tattooed Englishman. “But look here, I’m only on board. This is Ngati’s doing. I know nothing about you two.”
“My pakeha! My pakeha!” cried the chief.