r," Mr. Mitford agreed; "only, unfortunately,
the natives seldom behave as we expect them to do, and generally act
precisely as we expect they will not act. At any rate I shall set to
work at once to construct a strong stockade at the back of my house. I
have long been talking of forming a large cattle-yard there, so that it
will not in any case be labour thrown away, while if trouble should come
it will serve as a rallying-place to which all the settlers of the
district can drive in their horses and cattle for shelter, and where
they can if attacked hold their own against all the natives of the
districts."

"I really think you are looking at it in almost too serious a light, Mr.
Mitford; still, the fact that there is such a rallying-place in the
neighbourhood will of course add to our comfort in case we should hear
alarming rumours."

"Quite so, Mr. Renshaw. My idea is there is nothing like being prepared,
and though I agree with you that there is little chance of trouble in
this remote settlement, it is just as well to take precautions against
the worst."

CHAPTER XII.

THE FIRST ALARM.

One morning Mr. and Mrs. Renshaw went down to spend a long day with the
Mitfords. The latter had sent up the boat over-night, and they started
the first thing in the morning. For the two or three days previous Jack,
the young native, had more than once spoken to Wilfrid of the propriety
of the hands keeping near the house, but Wilfrid had failed to obtain
from him any specific reasons for the warning.

"Bad men come down from Waikato," he said. "Much talkee talkee among
natives."

"But what do they talk about, Jack?"

Jack shook his head. "Jack no hear talkee. Men come to hut and talk with
father. Other Maoris on land steal in and talk too, but no talk before
Jack; always turn him out or send him on errand. But Jack hear sometimes
a word, and think that trouble come. Young master better not go far away
by himself, and tell two white men to keep close to hut. Perhaps nothing
come, but better to be on guard."

"Very well, Jack; I am obliged to you for the warning. I will tell the
Grimstones not to go out to the outlying clearings, but to occupy
themselves with what they can find to do near home."

Jack nodded. "That best, Master Wilfrid, but no talk too much with me.
If my people thought I speak to you then trouble come to Jack."

Wilfrid nodded, and without saying anything to his father and mother
told the Grimst