land to some of his countrymen who were living a little distance off, for which they would give him a large sum of money, and then to leave New Zealand for ever; and lastly as a favor, she asked him, when she was no more, to bury her remains near the place they were then sitting.
The approaching evening warned them to return home, and on leaving the spot Pamul cast a lingering look around as if bidding a last adieu to scenes where she passed so many hours; then leaning on her companion's arm they retraced their steps slowly.
That night about twelve they were aroused by the mournful intelligence being brought them that the invalid was much worse, and wished to see them all. Her father, brothers, and Charlie, were just in time to receive her final adieu, and the noble Pamul breathed her last amidst the lamentations of her friends and relations.
Charlie was much affected by her loss, and strictly complied with her last wishes by interring her remains in her chosen resting place. The bereavement caused him also to follow her directions in the disposal of his land, which he succeeded in doing; he sold it to some British settlers who were flocking to that colony, and shortly afterwards took his passage in a vessel bound to Sydney, bidding farewell to the land of the Maories for ever.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE CONFESSION.
Bella McKay's uneasiness at the apprehension and conviction of Donald may be imagined, when taking into consideration the state of mind Charlie would be in, leaving under the belief that his hands had been imbued with the blood of a fellow creature, and that her forgiveness was withheld, which would have been cleared up had her letter been delivered, and would have assisted to lighten his sorrow on his long voyage.
