"I hear," he said, "that there are difficulties in the way. My good friend Warwick thinks that if the country is not in a disturbed state now, it soon may be, in which case there might be risks. They tell me, however, that it is a charming place, and well worth a trial." "It is the most beautiful place I ever saw or dreamed of," answered the strange maiden, in a low rich voice, and with perfect intonation. "For the danger, I cannot speak. There may be, if war breaks out; but Maoris do not kill white strangers unless they have a motive. Do you care very much to go?" The expedition was now, in Roland's chivalrous mind, rapidly assuming the form of an adventure. War, danger, and a _belle sauvage_! He thought of "The Burial of Atala" which he had seen in the gallery of the Louvre, and answered with decision-- "Always with your permission, I have made up my mind to see Rotomahana or die." The girl smiled, as she looked fixedly at the white stranger with half-compassionate eyes. "You are like all your countrymen. Only say there is a chance of being killed, and you cannot stop them. I will speak to the chief. He may write you a pass, and then none can harm you." Whereupon she glided forward, and, threading the group, stood before the chief, with whom she conversed earnestly for some minutes, after which she reappeared. "The chief says that you must go at your own peril. There might be danger if war is declared. But he does not think you will be interfered with. He will send people with you." "Wonders will never cease," thought Roland. "Fancy this majestic chief writing a note, 'Please don't eat the bearer till I come,' or something to that effect!" But he only said that he was astonished at his kindness, and would gratefully accept his written passport. "I dare say you are surprised at a Maori chief writing at all; but Waka Nene is a baptized Christian. He was converted by one of the early missionaries, and taught to read and write. He has been a firm friend of the English ever since. He fought for them in Honii Heke's war, and will fight for them in this one, if your people are foolish enough to bring it on." "My eyes are being opened; by-and-by I shall be enlightened as to Maori matters. At present I know little. But my friends in England will never believe me if I tell them of a Maori chief writing notes, and a Maori young lady talking excellent English." "I am not a young lady--I am only a half-caste Maori girl; but I can help your people now and then. Is there anything else that I can do for you?"