Chap. V. SIEGE AND CAPTURE OF KAPITI. 117 
hold of the defeated party. The multitudes who had 
yielded to the first shock began to gather in the rear of 
the Kawia ; and while they were closed in from re- 
treat by a muster on the Rangitiki, the country to 
the south was still occupied by the original inhabitants, 
who prepared to defend their native land. The posi- 
tion of the small but vigorous party became immi- 
nently hazardous. 
Rauperaha now sought and obtained assistance from 
the Ngatiraukawa or " Boiling-water" tribes, who at 
that time inhabited the north-eastern shores of Lake 
Taupo. About sixty chosen warriors, under a chief 
named E Ahu Karamu, forced their way through the 
hardships of the inland path, and the dangers and am- 
bushes of the opposing tribes, and joined him near 
Kapiti. 
It was about this time that a jealousy as to fame and 
influence arose between Te Pehi and Rauperaha. An 
anecdote was related to me by a near relation of Te 
Pehi, which is a full illustration of Rauperaha& 
treacherous disposition, even towards his allies. 
It was after the repulse of several united attempts to 
conquer Kapiti, that one night he left Te Pehi asleep 
at the common encampment; and, taking with him all 
but a small party of Pehi's immediate followers and re-' 
lations, started for Rangitiki ; intending to obtain the 
glory of a victory for himself, while he left his rival 
exposed, with a weak retinue, to any sortie which the 
refugees on Kapiti might attempt. Pehi, on waking, 
remarked the diminished numbers of the warriors, and 
asked why the huts were empty and Rauperaha absent. 
" He is by this time near Rangitiki,^' answered one of 
his followers. " Then I shall be master of Kapiti or 
" dead," replied Pehi, " by the time he returns." He 
mustered his men in the canoes, and gallantly effected. 
