'Ha! Even without the mere of TUMATAUENGA, it seems that we can still win a fight,' he said truculently.
'You outnumbered the Arawas by ten to one,' began George, but added hastily, as the chief's brows knit in a frown: 'That flanking movement to take a probable foe in the rear was fine generalship.'
Te Karearea was never above nicely judged flattery. 'Praise from a soldier's son! That is good,' he said, nodding his plumed head. 'Had you been fighting by my side, Hortoni, not one of the dogs had escaped. Why not become my Pakeha?'
'One might really do worse,' returned George lightly. 'You have all the luck.' Whereat the chief looked mightily pleased.
'We will talk of this again, Hortoni,' he said. 'I remember that your parole expires to-night. Will you renew your promise?'
'Yes,' George answered at once.
A gleam of suspicion came into the chief's eyes at this ready concession. 'For how long, Hortoni? A week? A moon? What?'
'I promise; that is enough,' returned George carelessly. 'When I am tired of liberty I will tell you.'
Te Karearea's eyes burned into his own, but he met their stare unflinchingly, and presently the chief said: 'And you, O Mura—whom I had not forgotten—do you also give your word?'
'Oh yes,' replied Terence, when George had interpreted.