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This man had acquired the Madegasse language, 
and, by his open and steady conduct, gained the 
affections of the islanders, whom he soon brought to 
terms with the French; so that the commerce with 
them was very speedily renewed. His conduct 
gained the entire approbation of the government at 
the Isle of France, who plainly saw of what conse¬ 
quence his services were likely to be, on account of 
his influence over the natives at Foule Point. 
By this man’s assiduity and address, the chiefs of 
Foule Point were persuaded to engage in a treaty of 
commerce with the emissaries of the French East- 
India Company ; and a special cabar was appointed 
to be held on the occasion, at which an immense multi¬ 
tude of people, and all the neighbouring chiefs, were 
present. One of the orators, named Rabefin, was 
possessed of considerable eloquence; his speech, 
which was as follows, is highly interesting. 
The orator, after having saluted all the chiefs, 
advanced towards the French, and making a profound 
obeisance, he addressed himself to Bigorne, who per¬ 
formed the part of interpreter, and thus began :— 
“ You know, O Bigorne! that for more than eight 
years, the white men have come hither to trade with 
the Madegasses; and can you say, that a white man 
was ever killed by any of our nation ? We have 
always received you, not only as brothers, but as 
lords of the country. 
“ When the French asked from us oxen and rice, 
did we ever refuse them ? 
