Though I have endeavoured all in my power to gain some information with regard to my present situation, I know no more than I did three days before. All that I have been able to understand is, that the other savages of this country are, in appearance, equally good and humane as the Cacique. They sing and dance, as if they had lands to cultivate every day. If I was to judge from the contrariety of their customs to those of our nation, I should not have the smallest hope; but I remember, that your august father subjected to his dominions, provinces very remote, the people of which were entirely different from ours: Why may not this be one of those provinces? The Sun deigns to enlighten it, and his beams appear to me brighter than I ever saw them. This gives me confidence, and I am only uneasy in thinking how long it must be before I can be fully informed of what regards our mutual interest; for, my dear Aza, I am very sure that the knowlege of the language of the country will be sufficient to inform me of the truth, and dispel my disquietude.

I miss no opportunity of learning it, and make use of all the moments that Deterville leaves me at liberty to take the instructions of my China. They are not indeed of much service to me; for, as I cannot make her understand my thoughts, we can hold no conversation, and I only learn the names of such objects as strike the sight. The signs of the Cacique are rather more useful to me; custom has made it a kind of language betwixt us, which at least serves to express our desires. He yesterday conducted me into a house, where, without this knowlege, I should have behaved very ill.

We entered into a large and more sumptuous apartment than that which I inhabit, where a great many people were assembled.