Just then the window was darkened by a hideous-looking face, which disappeared directly. Then steps were heard, and the great chief came in, bending low to avoid striking his head against the roof till he reached the rough bedside, where he bent over Don, and patted him gently, saying softly, “My pakeha.”
Chapter Fifty Three.
Don speaks out.
A healthy young constitution helped Don Lavington through his perilous illness, and in another fortnight he was about the farm, helping in any little way he could.
“I’m very sorry, Mr Gordon,” said Don one evening to the young settler.
“Sorry? What for, my lad?” he said.
“For bringing those convicts after us to your place, and for being ill and giving you so much trouble.”
“Nonsense, my lad! I did begin to grumble once when I thought you were going to be ungrateful to me for taking you in.”