When two leagues distant from their stations, fearing that the Abipones would take them for enemies, they halted awhile in that place, attended with guards, whose flight was more apprehended by the Fathers than an attack from the Abipones; for they well knew that the Mataràs trembled at the very name of these savages, and were half dead with fear at the idea of being so near them. The eloquence of the Fathers was scarce sufficient to do away their fears. To ascertain that all was safe, it was intrusted to Father Cerqueira to go forward with two companions, and endeavour to find out some method of presenting himself to the Abipones and entering their hordes, without being suspected of hostile intentions. The Father had scarcely gone a league when he met a troop of two hundred Abipones, who had been apprized, by their emissaries, of the arrival of foreigners. Approaching them, of his own accord, he spoke to the savages in the Tonocotè language, which many of the Abipones, at that time, were acquainted with. "You are greatly mistaken," said he, "if you imagine that I am alarmed at seeing you, which is the very thing that I most desire. After crossing immense wildernesses, and struggling through an hundred dangers for your sake, I am here at last. Do not take me for an enemy, nor cherish unkindly feelings towards me. Behold I come unarmed to teach you the way to happiness. If you have your own welfare at heart, do not reject the Author of it in me, but rather look upon me as a friend, and as the messenger of the great Creator of all things." The savages, satisfied by this harangue, exchanged threats for welcomes, and emulated one another in showing civilities to him whom at first they had surrounded with arms. The Father took advantage of this happy disposition in his favour, and informed them that another Father, of the same mind as himself, remained a short way behind with a few companions, and that he was coming laden with scissars, hooks, needles, and glass-beads, with which he intended liberally to remunerate those who would listen to the law of God. The Cacique of the neighbouring horde, instigated by the expectation of these trifling gifts, commanded his son, with a proper attendance, to bring Father Pastòr speedily to him. On his approach he was received in the neighbouring horde with public marks of rejoicing, and a festive percussion of the lips, and accosted by the name of the Great Father. After explaining the reasons of his coming, he distributed amongst those present, the pins, and other gifts above-mentioned. Food was then produced, which the guests, in spite of their hunger, would gladly have been excused from tasting; for it consisted of stinking fish, with no other sauce than the good-will of the givers. But the Fathers, that they might not appear to despise this savage delicacy, forced themselves to taste some of it, though against their stomachs. The next day, Father Pastòr, planting a cross in the