as politely told to leave.

"But the mortification was the least of my worries. The object of the
embassy was to establish not only good will and friendship between
Russia and Japan, for which we cared little, but commercial intercourse
between this fertile country and our northeastern and barren
possessions. It would have been greatly to the advantage of the
Japanese, and God knows it would have meant much to us."

Then Rezanov having tickled the imaginations and delighted the
curiosity of the priests, began to play upon their heartstrings. His
own voice vibrated as he related the sufferings of the servants of the
Company, and while avoiding the nomenclature and details of their
bodily afflictions, gave so thrilling a hint of their terrible
condition that his audience gasped with sympathy while experiencing no
qualms in their own more fortunate stomachs.

He led their disarmed understandings as far down the vale of tears as
he deemed wise, then permitted himself a magnificent burst of
spontaneity.

"I must tell you the object of my mission to California, my kind
friends!" he cried, "although I beg you will not betray me to the other
powers until I think it wise to speak myself. But I must have your
sympathy and advice. It has long been my desire to establish relations
between Russia and Spain that should be of mutual benefit to the
colonies of both in this part of the western hemisphere. I have told
you of the horrible condition and needs of my men. They must have a
share in the superfluities of this most prodigal land. But I make no
appeal to your mercy. Trade is not founded on charity. You well know
we have much you are in daily need of. There should be a bi-yearly
interchange." He paused and looked from one staring face to the other.
He had been wise in his appeal. They were deeply gratified at being
taken into his confidence and virtually asked to outwit the military
authorities they detested.

Rezanov continued:

"I have brought the Juno heavy laden, my fathers, and for the
deliberate purpose of barter. She is full of Russian and Boston goods.
I shall do my utmost to persuade your Governor to give me of his corn
and other farinaceous foods in exchange. It may be against your laws,
and I am well aware that for the treaty I must wait, but I beg you in
the name of humanity to point out to his excellency a way in which he
can at the same time relieve our necessities and placate his
conscience."