But as he claims to have had his face and part of his body thoroughly tattooed in four hours, his story is but one proof amongst a multitude that veracity was not a needful part of the equipment of the New Zealand adventurer of the Alsatian epoch.

Once enlisted, the _Pakehas_ were expected to distinguish themselves in the incessant tribal wars.

Most of them took their share of fighting with gusto.

As trade between whites and Maoris grew, each tribe made a point of having a white agent-general, called their _Pakeha_ Maori (Foreigner Maorified), to conduct their trade and business with his fellows.

He was the tribe's vassal, whom they petted and plundered as the mood led them, but whom they protected against outsiders.