141 
monk for a few moments; during which, he requested 
the space of fifteen days, to consider of his proposition 
respecting his conversion. He then dismissed him 
with rich presents, and assurances of respect. 
His intention, however, in gaining this delay, was, 
that he might have an opportunity of withdrawing 
from the province of Mandrarey, in case the French 
should attempt to follow up the threat of Father 
Stephen. As soon as the latter had left him, he set 
off with his wives and slaves, to seek an asylum in 
the province of Machicores, which lies at the distance 
of about twenty-five leagues from Fort Dauphin. 
Not satisfied with the experience he had already 
acquired, Father Stephen no sooner heard of his 
departure, than he resolutely determined to follow 
him. In vain did Chamargou endeavour to detain 
him—in vain did La Case represent to him the 
danger he incurred: furious in his zeal, he took a 
brother of the same order with himself, another 
Frenchman, and six domestics loaded with sacerdotal 
habits, and set out on his dangerous expedition. 
After encountering difficulties and fatigue, that 
would have been insuperable to any thing short of 
the most determined perseverance, he overtook Dian 
Manangue the first week in Lent. The old chief, 
surprised rather than intimidated at his rashness, 
received him with the most profound respect, de¬ 
claring, at the same time, that his journey would 
prove fruitless. This had no other effect on the 
monk, than to make him frantic with zeal. Regardless 
