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chap. xvi. MEETING WITH FRENCH PRIESTS, ETC. 441 Irihitra, where we halted for the night in one of the houses which the friendly villagers vacated for our accommodation. The next morning was fine, and we started early. About ten o’clock, when descending towards Beforana, we met a number of travellers on their way up to Imerina; and on inquiry I was informed that the principal personage was a French doctor, from Reunion or Bourbon, proceeding to the capital. He was accompanied by two other foreigners, one of whom, I was afterwards told, was a Roman Catholic priest, L’Abbe Jouan, superior of the Jesuit college at Bourbon, who was accompanying the doctor in the' capacity of assistant. Another priest, L’Abbe Webber, I was told, was accompanying the doctor as pharmacien. The bearers travelled on tolerably well with two of the travellers; but the men bearing the worthy superior, a somewhat portly figure, seemed to be perspiring profusely under their burden; and I could scarcely imagine how, in such weather as we had had, they would ever make their way along the forest roads. Shortly afterwards I met M. Soumagne, a French trader, from whom I had received much kindness at Tamatave. He was travelling to Antananarivo, for commercial purposes, in company with the son of the late chief judge of the province of Tamatave. The judge’s son was followed by a large retinue, including musicians, and dancers, and singing-women. A large drum, carried on a pole between two men, was one of the first portions of his baggage that we had passed. On meeting, we each alighted; and after conversing a short time, M. Soumagne gave me the welcome tidings that he had letters for me from England. After pursuing my journey for some time, we breakfasted at Beforona, where the chiefs who accompanied me found those in charge of part of the luggage belonging to the travellers we had passed; and amongst them the news from the coast and the capital was soon discussed. Before we set out again, a young chief, whom I had missed