It was bestriding the military regulations, usurping all forms and
traditions, but it was war.
The Maoris in the pa had a passing mind to surrender, and Sir George was
anxious to catch them thus. He rode up to take possession, though those
with him counselled 'Be careful lest we come to grief.' The parley was
perilous, for the bulk of the Maoris inside the pa were inclined, after
all, to resist to the uttermost. Sir George and his escort drew up within
easy range of the Maori muskets, and he was loth to turn back. He only
did so, when it had become evident that further delay might bring a
disaster. 'I wanted to convince them,' he emphasised, 'that if they would
not give up the place we should have to take it. Our welcome was so risky
that we might, perhaps, be compared to the little boy who scrambled up a
garden wall, only to find himself face to face with the Scotch gardener.
"Where are you going?" demanded the gardener; and the boy answered, "Back
again."
'That was our situation; we must return, since nothing could be achieved
by debate. No, I don't think that I had any bodily feeling as to the
danger we ran, any burden of danger. Nobody can be afraid who has the
lives of others hanging upon his actions. A man who every instant is
applied to for orders, has not time to think of fear.
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