Te Wharepouri greeted Te Rauparaha with the traditional M?ori greeting, a hongi, and then the two chiefs, with bowed heads, walked solemnly side by side towards the lifeless body of Ngaiti. Te Rauparaha raised his hand slightly, indicating to Te Wharepouri that he intended to walk the last few steps in solitude.

"I don"t think parents should outlive their children," said Eleanor with sadness. "I can"t possibly imagine what that poor man is feeling right now. He looks so alone and ...