yments and emotions of my existence at Jala-Jala: nevertheless
I adhere to the strict truth, and it would be very easy for me to
cite the names of many persons in support of the truth of all my
narrative. Moreover, the various travellers who have spent some time at
my habitation have published, in their works, the tableau or recital of
my existence in the midst of my dear Indians, who were all so devoted
to me. Among other works, I shall cite "The Voyage Round the World,"
by the unfortunate Dumont d'Urville; and that of Rear-Admiral Laplace,
in each of which works will be found a special article dedicated to
Jala-Jala. [21]

Since I have named M. Laplace, I shall here relate a little anecdote
of which he was the hero, and which will show to what a degree my
influence was generally considered and looked up to in the province
of Lagune.

Several sailors, belonging to the crew of the frigate commanded
by M. Laplace, had deserted at Manilla, and, notwithstanding all
the searches that the Spanish government had caused to be made,
it was found impossible to discover the hiding-place of five of
them. M. Laplace coming to pay a few weeks' visit to my little domain,
the governor said to him: "If you wish to find out your men you have
only to apply to M. Gironiere--no one will discover them if he do not;
convey to him my orders to set out immediately in pursuit of them."

On arriving at my habitation M. Laplace communicated to me this order,
but I was too independent to think of executing it: my business and
occupation had nothing to do with deserters. A few days afterwards a
captain, accompanied by about a hundred soldiers, under his orders,
arrived at Jala-Jala, to inform M. Laplace that he had scoured
the province without being able to obtain the least news of the
deserters, whom he had been looking after for the last fortnight; at
which news M. Laplace was very much grieved, and coming to me, said:
"M. de la Gironiere, I perceive I shall be obliged to sail without the
hands that have deserted, if you yourself will not look after them. I
therefore beg and beseech of you to sacrifice a little of your time,
and render me that important service."

This entreaty was no order: it was a prayer, a supplication, that
was addressed to me, consequently I took but little time to reply
as follows: "Commander, in one hour hence I shall be on my way,
and before forty-eight hours are expired you shall have your men here."

"Oh! take ca