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Chapter V. Miss Munroe's escort to Wairuara.

I Conducted the young lady to the Captain's quarters, where I explained matters to him. He congratulated me on the success of my chance shot, and suggested that if Miss Munroe were not too fatigued, I had better complete my adventure by taking her home, as her parents were probably alarmed at her long absense. Six of our men were then called out, and ordered to escort us to the township. We had not proceeded far when we heard a number of shouts, and saw a large body of men in the forest with lanterns and torches. As we drew near I sent one of the men to inform them of Miss Munroe's safety, as we supposed they were searching for her. In a few minutes there was a joyous shout in all directions, and about a hundred and fifty men crowded around us. When they saw Miss Munroe, they cheered lustily, and all began asking questions at once. I held up my hand and asked for silence, while Miss Munroe spoke to them. Afterwards I wished that I had myself explained as her description of the rescue was so glowing, that I hardly recognised the hero, and thought in the words of the old song, "Sure this can't be I."

We marched in triumph to the township, our procession becoming larger every moment. Considering the lateness of the hour, it was wonderful where all the people came from.

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One of the first houses we came to was a large hotel, and everyone wanted to "shout" for our men. I cautioned them not to fall out of their ranks, and not to take too much drink.

In a minute or two a buggy was dragged out of the yard, and Miss Munroe was asked to take her seat in it. For this I felt glad, as the poor girl looked half dead with excitement and fatigue. Someone then brought a horse, but it was sent back, as the crowd intended to drag the buggy themselves. When all was ready, I gave the word to march, but found that we were hemmed in by the crowd so that we could not move. I noticed the men passing a large arm chair over their heads, and in a moment I was placed in it, and held aloft on their shoulders. I resisted with all my might, amidst cheers, and laughter, but was eventually obliged to submit. The order to march was again repeated by someone in the crowd, and we proceeded without further delay. The procession was headed by myself in the armchair, Miss Munroe next, and the escort on either side, followed by the crowd with torches and lamps. About a quarter of an hour later we arrived at Mr. Munroe's house, and as the news of the young lady's safety had preceded us, we found the family waiting on the balcony.

Mr. Munroe came out and embraced his daughter amidst the wildest excitement, and then led her into the house. Wishing to get back as soon as possible, I was just on the point of giving the order, when Mr. Munroe returned and invited the men and myself into the house. The men were given a good supper and plenty of drink was placed before them in one of the back rooms, and I was ushered into the drawing room, where I was lionised generally. Mrs. Munroe, a fine handsome old lady with white silky hair, said little, but smiled her approval at what was said. Mr. Munroe asked me to deliver a note to Captain page 28Wilson, and said that he hoped to see me next day. After partaking of some refreshment, I gave the men orders to fall in, and we returned to camp.

Very little time elapsed before a number of the townspeople visited us, and brought offerings for our breakfast, such as fresh eggs, butter, milk, meat, &c, which were very acceptable, as we had been living on "hard tack" for some time, and the change was most agreeable.

"It's a good thing, Corporal," said Andrews, an ex-trapper from America, "that you came across the young lady last night, for it makes the folks over yonder well disposed towards us. It strikes me we have "struck ile" in coming here."

Captain Wilson sometime later called me aside and told me that Mr. Munroe had requested him to grant me fourteen days leave of absence, and that he wished me to become his guest for that time.

"I will grant the request with pleasure" continued the Captain, "as under the circumstances I think you deserve it, only I must stipulate that you are to return to your duties should I at any time require your services."

I thanked the Captain warmly for his kindness, and said that I would be happy to accept Mr. Munroe's invitation.

"Very well, you can go off duty after four o'clock this afternoon, as I expect the men will be settled down in their quarters by that time."

Just then a messenger arrived post-haste from headquarters recalling Leiutenant Boyd (an Imperial officer who had seen service in Africa, and who was extremely popular with the men) page 29to Auckland, on account of important family matters. I may here mention that he never returned, as he had to leave for England at once.

After a good breakfast, we struck camp and marched to the township, where we were comfortably installed in a row of meat cottages that had been fitted up for the occasion.