great excitement on account of some murders
among the Indian chiefs. It pleased our Lord that our fathers should
begin to calm and soothe the respective factions, and reconcile their
differences, and establish friendly relations between them. Although
this was not accomplished at once, the affair made gradual progress
toward settlement; and even the murderers came to our fathers for
protection, so that through our agency, peace might be restored and
established. This affair was one of the greatest importance, for the
island [of Leyte] was well-nigh in a state of insurrection, and overrun
by bandits. Our Lord was pleased that by means of the gentleness
and love with which we approached them, this condition of affairs
should pass away like smoke, and the bandits be dispersed. There were
twelve criminals, who, on account of the various murders that they had
committed, were roaming in bands through the mountains and highways,
sheltering the slaves and fugitives who joined them, as well as base
women and notorious witches--who accompanied them either through love
for evil, or in fear of punishment for their own heinous crimes. All
these people have been reclaimed, and have come to our fathers--not
only the men, but the women--asking for protection, pardon, and
penance. Only one has failed to come, and he was the beginning and,
as it were, the source of all this disturbance; but I hope that God,
in His great mercy, will bring in this man. In truth, it will be
very difficult for him to effect a reconciliation with the parties
concerned and obtain a pardon, on account of their rank and wealth;
for the murdered man (whose name was Humbas) was one of the most
noted and valiant Indians in the island, and always had been, and
was at the time, governor of the village of Ogyao [_sic_]. But since
his sons were all Christians, and the eldest, Don Philipe Tipon,
is an excellent man, greatly attached to us, and well instructed,
and informed in the Christian religion, I promise myself that it will
not be very difficult to obtain from him a pardon for this man, and
reconcile them, and settle this affair as we have desired and sought
for the greater glory of God." Thus writes Father Mateo Sanchez. [21]

The mission in Panamao. Chapter LXXVI.

Panamao [22] is one of the islands which lie adjacent to Leite,
on its northern side, and is almost a continuation of the latter,
since they are separated only by a strait so narrow that a shi