 us to understand, that he had a longing desire to revisit his
native country, in consequence of which, he had already transmitted to Europe
the greatest part of his fortune in neutral bottoms, and would willingly embark
the rest of it, with himself, in our ship, provided the captain had no objection
to such a passenger. - My uncle very prudently replied, that for his part, he
should be glad of his company, if he could procure the consent of the governor,
without which he durst not admit him on board, whatever inclination he had to
oblige him. - The gentleman approved of his discretion, and telling him, that
there would be no difficulty in obtaining the connivance of the governor, who
was his good friend, shifted the conversation to another subject.
    I was overjoyed to hear his intention, and already interested myself so much
in his favour, that had he been disappointed, I should have been very unhappy:
In the course of our entertainment, he eyed me with uncommon attachment; I felt
a surprizing attraction towards him; when he spoke, I listened with attention
and reverence; the dignity of his deportment filled me with affection and awe;
and in short, the emotions of my soul, in presence of this stranger, were strong
and unaccountable.
    Having spent the best part of the day with us, he took his leave, telling
captain Thoma, that he would hear from him in a short time: He was no sooner
gone, than I asked a thousand questions about him, of Don Antonio, who could
give me no other satisfaction, than that his name was Don Rodriguez, that he had
lived fifteen or sixteen years in these parts, was reputed rich, and supposed to
have been unfortunate in his younger years, because he was observed to nourish a
pensive melancholy, even from the time of his first settlement among them; but
that no body had ventured to enquire into the cause of his sorrow, in
consideration of his peace, which might suffer in the recapitulation of his
misfortunes.
    I was seized with an irresistible desire of knowing the particulars of his
fate, and enjoyed not one hour of repose during the whole night, by reason of
the eager conceptions that inspired me, with regard to his story, which I
resolved (if possible) to learn. - Next morning, while we were at breakfast,
three mules richly caparisoned arrived, with a message from Don Rodriguez,
desiring our company, and that of Don Antonio, at his house, which was situated
about ten miles further up in the country. - I was pleased with
