468 ADYENTUR'E IN NEW ZEALAND. Chap. XVII. 
some days afterwards, and built their huts close to the 
houses of the settlers. But during the period of their 
stay, not a single instance occurred, to our knowledge, 
of misconduct on their part. On the contrary, their 
presence had the effect of overawing many troublesome 
fellows among the missionary natives. The most per- 
fect discipline reigned in the camp, and the chief evi- 
dently prided himself on the strict fulfilment of his 
promise. 
One night, when he felt suspicious of a small body 
of Rotorua allies in his train, who were really of 
doubtful reputation, and who were said to have plotted 
a night-attack on our houses, he placed guards of his 
own followers at every house along the beach. On 
that night, twelve stout warriors lay round the fire in 
the midst of my house, with their arms in their hands, 
ready for any emergency. We were also on the alert ; 
and I had arranged signals by bells and gongs so that 
we could all assemble at short notice in one spot. 
These precautions doubtless awed the conspirators, and 
no alarm was given. After remaining among us four 
days, during which they made themselves very useful 
in assisting the settlers for small payment, they had a 
grand war-dance and some more speeches, and then 
started off" along the beach, joined by many TVan- 
ganui natives, and among others by E Kuru, who had 
ended by deciding finally for his Taupo allies. During 
their stay, I always had an ample quantity of rice, 
flour, sugar, and other food ready for visitors, and a 
seat at my table for the chiefs. I afterwards found 
that hospitality shown to a war-party on its path is the 
very strongest claim to the affection of the natives 
among themselves. 
Before the arrival of the taua^ a good deal of an- 
noyance had already arisen to the surveyors from na- 
