'We had pounded the "Bat's-Nest" heavily, when, on a Sunday, Waka Nene's
brother, Wi Waka, made out, from our front, that it seemed to be more or
less empty. The Maoris had gone to a sheltered spot to celebrate divine
service, thinking perhaps that Sunday was not a battle day with us. They
relied upon our observing Sunday for praise and rest, unaware that
Christian nations have done much of their hardest fighting on that day.
Immediately we learned of Wi Waka's discovery, our men advanced into the
pa. Rushing back to occupy it, at the alarm, the Maoris met us already in
possession. They endeavoured, with vigour and gallantry, to drive us out,
but could not, and the whole affair was over in a quarter of an hour.
'Wi Waka sustained a severe wound in the encounter, being shot through
the ribs, on the left side. Hearing of this, I ran to him, and he asked
me would he die of the wound or not? I replied that I could not tell,
that possibly it might not be a fatal wound, but on the other hand it
might be. When I had spoken he took my hand and said, "Have I done my
duty to-day? Say!"
'Several chiefs had by this time gathered round, and we were all much
touched by Wi Waka's appeal. I could only answer, "Yes, certainly! You
have done your duty nobly." He turned to the chiefs: "Did you hear the
Governor's word? I don't care now if I die.
Pages:
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115