I might
indeed have alleged some reasons in all these encounters; but it was
not for me to speak in my own cause, but rather to follow the orders of
others, to which I submitted with good heart. Finally, the captain told
me that it was necessary to yield quietly to the storm, and wait until
the minds of the savages should be pacified; and that every one was of
this opinion. So there I was, a voluntary prisoner in his house, from
which I am writing back to you the present letter. And if you ask my
thoughts in all these adventures, I will tell you.

First, that that ship which had wished to save my life, sailed without
me.

Secondly, if our Lord do not protect me in a manner well-nigh
miraculous, the savages, who go and come here at every moment, will
discover me; and if ever they convince themselves that I have not gone
away, it will be necessary to return into their hands. Now if they had
such a rage against me before my flight, what treatment will they
inflict on me, seeing me fallen back into their power? I shall not die
a common death; the fire, their rage, and the cruelties which they
invent, will tear away my life. God be blessed forever. We are
incessantly in the bosom of His divine and always adorable providence.
Vestri capilli capitis numerati sunt; nolite timere; nultis passeribus
meliores estis vos quorum unus non cadet super terram sine patre
vestro; he who has care for the little birds of the air does not cast
us into oblivion. It is already twelve days that I have been
concealed; it is quite improbable that misfortune will reach me.

In the third place, you see the great need that we have of your prayers
and of the holy Sacrifices of all our Fathers; procure us this alms
everywhere, ut reddat me Dominus idoneum ad se amandum, fortem ad
patiendum, constantem ad perseverandum in suo amore, et servitio, to
the end that God may render me fit and well disposed to love him; that
he may render me strong and courageous to suffer and to endure; and
that he may give me a noble constancy to persevere in his love and in
his service--this is what I would desire above all, together with a
little New Testament from Europe. Pray for these poor nations which
burn and devour one another, that at last they may come to the
knowledge of their Creator, in order to render to Him the tribute of
their love. Memor sum vestri in vinculis meis; I do not forget you; my
captivity cannot fetter my memory. I am, heartily and w