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56 to have been regarded by Europeans as savages, but the superiority of their white visitor, who was indeed a man of no ordinary talent, was speedily felt. He suggested a number of reforms in the government of the country, which proved remarkably successful. At length the king proposed to place his English favourite at the head of the army. To this Bruce had no objection; but a difficulty, apparently insurmountable, here presented itself. Maori warriors are invariably tattooed. As well might an English officer look for respect from his men who came forth without sword or uniform, as a Maori chief who had neglected the hideous process of tattooing. There was no escaping the ordeal short of absolutely declining the offered command. Bruce reflected on the position, and came to the determination to be tattooed, a matter which appeared to him of little importance since he had finally adopted a country in which tattooing was in fashion, and a tattooed face decidedly admired. As a reward for this proof of devotedness Bruce was now declared a warrior of the highest rank, and having been duly naturalized a New Zealander, was honoured with the hand of the king's youngest daughter, the Princess Aetockoe. This was the story which Captain Robins received from his host, who did not allow him to depart without good tokens of his hospitality.

It is said that Bruce and his wife were contented and happy, and that the former looked forward with satisfaction to the progress of that civilization which he expected to introduce among the people with whom, by a singular destiny, he seemed doomed to remain during his life; but a singular chain of mishaps soon afterwards interrupted his good fortune for a while. His subsequent