Dreading the agitation of my wife if she saw us suddenly, I entreated our new friend to precede us, and prepare her.

He consented; but, as he was coming on board, he was suddenly stopped by the natives, and one of them addressed him for some time.

The missionary listened till he had concluded, with calmness and dignity; then, turning to me, he said-- "You must answer for me, brother, the request which _Parabery_ makes: he wishes me, in the name of the whole, to wait a few moments for their chief, to whom they give the title of king.

_Bara-ourou_, as he is called, has assembled them here for a ceremony, at which all his warriors must assist.

I have been anxious to attend, fearing it might be a sacrifice to their idols, which I have always strongly opposed, and wishing to seize this occasion to declare to them the one true God.
Bara-ourou is not wicked, and I hope to succeed in touching his heart, enlightening his mind, and converting him to Christianity; his example would certainly be followed by the greatest part of his subjects, who are much attached to him.