HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
243 
time that eight boys, to be instructed in military music, 
should be included in the agreement; and he would have 
copies made by Mr. Robin, and take time for an early 
signing them, as he did not wish me to be detained more 
than eight days.” 
On the 14th of October the king went in state, attended 
by his ministers, to Mr. Hastie’s residence, for the purpose 
of ratifying the treaty, and signing the new article of pro¬ 
clamation. When this business was concluded, he turned 
to Mr. Hastie, and expressed himself as follows:— c£ You 
tell me, Hastie, that you are sent to pay me for the nine 
months that I observed the treaty. The fact is, I strictly 
observed it for twelve months; and though many reports 
unfavourable to the English government reached me, I was 
obstinate in disbelieving their bad faith; and the returning 
of the boys I sent with you for instruction, alone convinced 
me that I was deceived. I know that during the period 
I speak of, many slaves, who had been previously pur¬ 
chased, were exported; and to shew you that I can do a 
generous act, here is a receipt for the money and horses 
for the following year. What your government proposed 
paying me, will help to defray the expense of instructing 
the people you take with you. As to Jean Rene, pay him 
the sum first agreed upon, six hundred dollars a year. 
We cannot revert to the past, but I will make him well 
acquainted with my intentions for the future. You need 
make no comment on what -1 have now said. If your 
government instruct my people, I am theirs for ever!” 
Having thus concluded, the king commenced a friendly 
conversation, giving Mr. Jones every encouragement. Mr. 
Hastie observes, he had always entertained a favourable 
opinion of the king, but this conduct exceeded his highest 
expectations. 
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