Notwithstanding all the
cautions we could give them, those crafty animals killed them one
time or other. God has delivered you from their fury, and has
bestowed that favour upon you only. It is a sign that He loves you,
and has use for your service in the world. You have procured me
incredible gain. We could not have ivory formerly but by exposing
the lives of our slaves, and now our whole city is enriched by your
means. Do not think I pretend to have rewarded you by giving you
your liberty; I will also give you considerable riches. I could
engage all our city to contribute towards making your fortune, but
I will have the glory of doing it myself.'
To this obliging discourse I replied, 'Patron, God preserve you.
Your giving me my liberty is enough to discharge what you owe me,
and I desire no other reward for the service I had the good fortune
to do to you and your city, than leave to return to my own
country.'
'Very well,' said he, 'the monsoon will in a little time bring
ships for ivory. I will send you home then, and give you wherewith
to pay your expenses.' I thanked him again for my liberty, and his
good intentions towards me. I stayed with him until the monsoon;
and during that time we made so many journeys to the hill that we
filled all our warehouses with ivory.
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