in these parts yours will not have been the only place
threatened, and we shall hear of attacks on other settlers. If we do not
hear of such attacks we can safely put it down that these four fellows
were mere haphazard passers, like tramps at home, who were tempted by
the fact that the house contained only two persons. In that case we need
feel no further anxiety; for as you would be able to recognize them if
you met them anywhere, they would not be likely to come near this part
of the district again. At any rate I will set off with the boy here and
one of the dogs, and will follow up their tracks and see if they have
gone well away. I have no doubt they have done so; still, it will be
more comfortable to make certain of it."

"By the way, Bob," Wilfrid said, "don't you take those two dogs out
again. I don't think they would be any good for hunting cattle, and
would be much more likely to frighten and hunt them away than to help
you to drive them in. At any rate they were bought as guards, and are to
remain about the house. Shall I go with you, Mr. Atherton?"

"No, thank you, Wilfrid; Jack will be enough to help me follow the
tracks, for what he heard them say is almost proof that they have gone.
I shall go round to my own place when I have followed them fairly off
the land, but will come round here to-morrow morning, when we will hold
a general council of war. It is no use my coming back again this
evening, as your father and the others will not be here before that
time. It is possible that they will bring us some news from the
Mitfords. If there is any trouble anywhere along the river Mitford is
sure to be the first to hear of it. I will send a message back by Jack
when he has gone as far as necessary for our purpose."

Two hours later Jack returned with the news that the Maoris had gone
straight on without making a stop. Mr. and Mrs. Renshaw were expected
back at about ten o'clock. They were to breakfast early at the Mitfords
and to come up with their light canoe. They arrived, however, soon after
eight o'clock.

"Is all well?" Mr. Renshaw shouted as he stepped from the boat.

"All well, father," Marion replied, running down to meet them. "We had a
little unpleasantness yesterday, but nothing of consequence. What brings
you back so early? You must have started before daylight."

"Bad news came in yesterday evening, and we should have come straight
over if it had been possible, but Mr. Mitford would not let us l