The tribe was now reduced to a number comparatively trifling; their situation was deplorable, “for every man’s hand was against them and their hand was against every man;” they were hunted like wild animals: thus pressed by famine and by persecution, they might not perhaps be so difficult to tame. Sebastian paused and considered. “Force and terror have been used in vain,” said he, “let us then try gentleness: I still think so well of human nature, as to believe that no heart is beyond the touch of gratitude. The dismal condition of this exasperated race goes to my soul; surely I shall be able to convince them that I pity them, that I wish to succour them, that I want nothing from them, and if so, to win their affection will not be a chimerical attempt.” As it would be prudent for Sebastian to shun scrutiny and promiscuous society in the capital, and as the viceroy now offered him a lodge near a country house of his own, within a league of the Guaymures, Sebastian instantly resolved to take up his abode there. In this retirement his active mind would still find employment and objects of interest. The new task of humanizing a savage race, of teaching them the arts of European nations, elevating their thoughts beyond the mere animal part of our nature, and leading them to the knowledge and the worship of the one true God, would be a task of permanent gratification. Blessed with love and friendship, and having regained the power of benefitting his fellow-creatures, he would no longer feel existence a blank: he would no longer consider this portion of his life wasted without memorial or recompence. It was sweet also to reflect, that such a plan embraced not merely his own views, but the peaceful wishes of Kara Aziek; sharing in each others satisfaction, both would be satisfied. Having agreed on the propriety of extreme circumspection in their future intercourse, yet determining to avoid any appearance of mystery, the King and Don Emanuel settled the mode of their mutual visits. As a Portuguese merchant desirous of using his wealth for public good, the viceroy’s consideration of him might pass uncensured: his money and jewels were to be deposited for the present in the treasury of St. Salvador, and hereafter, part of it might be employed advantageously in commerce; with the remainder he could follow at will the dictates of benevolence. Eager to impart this amiable project to Kara Aziek and to Caspar, Sebastian took leave of De Castro, who scarcely knew how to yield to the formalities imposed by his situation, since they retained him from hastening to pay the homage of duty and inclination to the wife of his sovereign. A servant conducted the supposed merchant from the presence of the viceroy, to his temporary lodging in the city, where welcomed by her he loved, and by him he esteemed, Sebastian gave himself to joy, and strove to forget those horrid features of perfidy and depravity which the hand of De Castro had unveiled.