I arranged that, although it was heavy for them, the two ladies, whose
white robes were covered with curious cloaks made of soft prepared
bark, should carry the plant as far as the canoe, thinking it was
better that the Holy Flower should appear to depart in charge of its
consecrated guardians. I went ahead with the rifle, then came the
stretcher and the flower, while Brother John and Stephen, carrying the
paddles, brought up the rear. We reached the canoe without accident,
and to our great relief found Mavovo and Hans awaiting us. I learned,
however, that it was fortunate they had slept in the boat, since
during the night the albino women arrived with the evident object of
possessing themselves of it, and only ran away when they saw that it
was guarded. As we were making ready the canoe those unhappy slaves
appeared in a body and throwing themselves upon their faces with
piteous words, or those of them who could not speak, by signs,
implored the Mother not to desert them, till both she and Hope began
to cry.
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