214 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
less invalid, they eagerly devoured his provisions, and con¬ 
ducted themselves towards him with the most wanton and 
fiendish cruelty; so that, with a frame already exhausted by 
disease and anxiety, it can easily be supposed that a pain¬ 
ful depression of spirits would follow from such treat¬ 
ment. But the all-seeing God did not forsake his servant, 
and with his returning strength his hope revived; and his 
courage seemed to derive fresh energy from the inhuman 
conduct of the enemies of his mission. About the middle 
of March, Mr. Jones was able to go to Tamatave, where he 
solicited, from various individuals, a shelter from the hosti¬ 
lity of Mr. Bragg. This he at last found in a native’s 
house; at least, he had room allowed him to lie down, and 
water to quench his thirst. Mr. Bragg having discovered 
his retreat, sent to bring him back by force, and then re¬ 
newed his system of ill-treatment and robbery, while 
Mr. Jones was suffering from a fresh attack of ague, which, 
with other complaints incidental to the climate, greatly 
enfeebled his constitution. Desirous of trying the effect of 
change of air, he employed some of the native boats in 
making occasional excursions on the neighbouring lakes; 
and here Mr. Bragg, having either exhausted his male¬ 
volence, or hoping he might yet witness the death of the 
invalid, accompanied him, and pretended to be his friend. 
The chiefs were everywhere hospitable, and willing to allow 
their children to be instructed; and by the close of April, 
Mr. Jones felt himself able to prepare for re-opening the 
school: but his attention was again directed to the capital, 
by hearing from Mr. Brady, who arrived in Tamatave about 
this time, that Radama was well disposed towards the 
reception of English Missionaries and the instruction of his 
people. Mr. Brady, who was now promoted to the rank 
of general in Radama’s army, would have taken Mr. Jones 
