CHAPTER XIII
THE KILLING OF KANE
Bent and Kane brought before Titokowaru—Kane's flight—Captured by the Hauhaus—A traitor's end.
When the renegade Charles Kane, or "Kingi," fled from the Turuturu-Mokai fight after receiving his bullet-wound, he made his way to the Turangaréré village, and announced that he would not return to Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu. The Maoris, however, took him back to Te Ngutu, and he and Kimble Bent were brought before Titokowaru, who was sitting in the Wharé-kura. Bent now appears, from his own account, to have wearied of his terrible life amongst the Hauhaus.
The war-chief fiercely questioned "Kingi," whom he suspected of an intention to return to the European camps.
Then turning to "Ringiringi," he said:
"E Ringi, speak! Do you ever think of leaving us and running away to the pakehas?"
Bent confessed that he now desired to return to the men of his own colour, adding "But I will never take arms against you."
134
