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The part of New Zealand on which Charlie Stuart had been cast away had seldom been visited by Europeans, the coast being too wild to admit of any vessel approaching it.

The tribe by which it was inhabited were very warlike, and headed by a powerful chief named Tomato, the father of two sons and one daughter (Pamul), who had so bravely rescued the castaway from drowning, and from the patvo-patvo (clubs) of the father and brothers.

Another and more influential chief named Honi Hiki, held great sway over the others, whose lands adjoined Tomato's, and who had intercourse with the whites for a long time, consequently he had become somewhat conversant with civilized customs.

This shrewd and cunning chief, viewed with jealousy the rapid progress of civilization, the footing the Pakehas were gaining among his countrymen, and the valuable lands which they became possessed of in exchange for trifling articles of commerce. He therefore entered into a secret league with many other powerful chiefs, whose minds he endeavoured to corrupt in order to drive the white people into the sea, and thus regain possession of the land.

Being gifted with a good address, coupled with skill and judgment in warlike matters, having also firearms and ammunition distributed freely among his tribe, he soon gained the co-operation of several neighbouring chiefs.

Tomato had been for some time a rival chief, and was often at war with him, but being anxious to ally himself with such a powerful chief, who would so ably promote his plans, Honi Hiki endeavoured to bring him also in the league, and for this purpose he proposed for the hand of Pamul, the old chief's daughter, who was considered the greatest beauty among his countrywomen.

It was on this account that he was now a visitor at Tomato's, and was the person who appeared so anxious for the death of Charlie at the cave.