In the meantime, a Portuguese vessel, commanded by Edward de Gama, arrived at the kingdom of Bungo, and news came to Amanguchi, that this ship, which was sailed thither from the Indies, would be on its way back again in a month or two. Xavier, to learn what truth there was in this report, sent Matthew to those parts, who was one of the Japonian converts, which accompanied him, and gave him a letter, directed to the captain and merchants of the vessel. The saint desired them to send him word, who they were, from whence bound, and how soon they intended to return; after which he told them, "That his intentions were to return to the Indies, and that he should be glad to meet them, in case they were disposed to repass thither." In conclusion, he desired them earnestly, that they would borrow so much time from their affairs of merchandize as to think a little on their souls; and declared to them, that all the silks of China, whatever gain they might afford them, could not countervail the least spiritual profit which they might make, by a daily examination of their consciences. The ship was at the port of Figen, about fifty leagues from Amanguchi, and within a league of Fucheo, which some call Funay, the metropolis of Bungo. The Portuguese were overjoyed to hear news of Father Xavier. They sent him an account of theirs, and withal advertised him, that, in the compass of a month at farthest, they should set sail for China, where they had left three vessels laden for the Indies, which were to return in January, and that James Pereyra, his familiar friend, was on board of one of them. Matthew came back in five days time; and, besides the letters which he brought the Father from the captain, and the principal merchants, he gave him some from Goa; by which the Fathers of the college of St Paul gave him to understand, that his presence in that place was of absolute necessity, for the regulation of affairs belonging to the Society. Then Xavier, without losing time, after he had recommended the new Christians to the care of Cosmo de Torrez, and John Fernandez, whom he left at Amanguchi, put himself upon his way towards Mid-September, in the year 1551. He might have made this voyage easily by sea, but he loved rather to go by land, and that on foot, according to his custom. He took for his companions, Matthew and Bernard; two Christian lords would be also of the party. Their goods had lately been confiscated, as a punishment for changing their religion; but the grace of Jesus Christ, which was to them instead of all, rendered their poverty so precious, that they esteemed themselves richer than they had been formerly. Another Christian bore them company; that Laurence sirnamed the Squint-eyed, because of that imperfection in his sight.