"Ah! I see," said Erena, with a flash of her large dark eyes, illumined with a sudden fire, which completely altered the expression of her countenance. "Men are alike in all countries. They take the easy work, under pretence of responsibility, and leave the drudgery to the poor women. In one respect, however, we have the advantage. We can speak and vote in the councils of the tribe." "You don't say so! I should like to hear you speak in public, above all things. Have you ever done so?" "Sometimes," said she, relapsing into seriousness; "and if certain events come to pass, you may hear me make more than one speech in the _runanga_ before the year is out." "How interesting!" he said, gazing at her with admiration, as she stood in classic pose, with fixed gaze, and every graceful outline denoting arrested motion. * * * * * "I thought it better to strike across to this valley of Waiotapu first," said Warwick, "though Erena was in favour of going straight to Rotorua. However, she now agrees with me, that you can have a foretaste of volcanic action here, and take the main Taupo road to the terraces, returning by Rotorua, which is the home of the _hapu_, or section of her tribe." "It is, after all, the best route, perhaps," said she, smiling frankly. "You can reach the terraces easily now, and afterwards rest at Rotorua before returning to Auckland. There is also another reason." "What is that?" inquired Massinger, as he saw the girl's face change, and her eyes once more become clouded over with the mysterious sadness which from time to time dimmed her brightest expression. "I am nearly certain that there will be an outbreak--perhaps even war declared--before we return. In that case----" "In that case I should join the first body of volunteers I could come at, or your own loyal tribe, if it remains so." "I have every belief that Waka Nene will remain as true to your people as he was in the old war, when he fought against Heke, and did such good work in beating back Kawiti. My mother's brother, a noted chief, died fighting for your people. But this will bring the tribes nearer together; they may make common cause against the pakeha. It will be a fight to the death. Some of the friendly tribes may waver. I would advise your going to your own people without delay from Rotorua." "And how about a guide? Warwick may not care to undertake the task in the face of--what may happen." "In that case"--and as she spoke, her inmost soul seemed to look forth in high resolve through the lustrous eyes, now informed with the mystic fire of the sybil--"I will ensure you a guide who knows the secret paths even better than Warwick." Massinger said no more. The countenance of Warwick wore a look of mingled doubt and admiration, after which he ordered the attendant natives to make the usual arrangements for a camp. "We shall need no fire, that is one thing," he said, turning to the Englishman. "How is that?" he inquired.