unter. Fortunately my fears were
unfounded; my wife had not been at all alarmed, and when I asked her
if she was frightened, she replied: "Frightened, indeed! am I not with
you?" Subsequently I had good proofs that she told me the truth, for
in many perilous circumstances she always presented the same presence
of mind. When I thought there was no longer any danger we retraced our
steps and went home, satisfied with the conduct of the bandits towards
us, for their manner of acting clearly showed us that they intended us
no harm. I mentally thanked my Indian friend, for to him I attributed
the peace our turbulent neighbours allowed us to enjoy. The fatal time
was drawing near when my wife would again be suffering from another
attack of that frightful malady brought on by Novales revolt. I had
hoped that the country air, the baths, and amusements of every kind
would cure my poor invalid; my hopes were deceived, and, as in the
preceding month, I had the grief once more to assist at a period of
physical and mental suffering. I despaired: I knew not what course
to pursue. I decided, however, upon remaining at Tierra-Alta. My
dear companion was happy there on the days her health was better,
and on the other days I never left her, endeavouring by every means
that art and imagination could invent to fight against this fatal
malady. At length my care, attempts, and efforts were successful, and
at the periods the symptoms usually returned I had the happiness not
to observe them, and believed in the certainty of a final cure. I then
felt the joy one experiences after having for a long time been on the
point of losing a very dear friend, who suddenly recovers. I now gave
myself up without fear to the various pleasures Tierra-Alta offers.

CHAPTER IV.

Hunting the Stag--Indian Mode of Chasing the Wild Buffalo: its
Ferocity--Dangerous Sport--Capture of a Buffalo--Narrow Escape of
an Indian Hunter--Return to Manilla--Injustice of the Governor--My
Resignation of Office--I Purchase Property at Jala-Jala--Retire
from Manilla to Take Possession of my Domains--Chinese
Legend--Festival of St Nicholas--Quinaboutasan--Description
of Jala-Jala--Interview with a Bandit Chief--Formation of a
Guard--Preparations for Building--Visit to Manilla, and Return
to Jala-Jala--Completion of my House--Reception of my Wife by
the Natives--The Government of the Philippines--Character of the
Tagaloc India