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CHAPTER IX.

From the Martyrdom of Rafaralahy to the Escape of the Christian Refugees from the Capital, on their way to Tama

tave.

AT the time the intelligence was sent to our friends respecting the apprehension and execution of Rafaralahy, it happened that Rafaravavy was at the house of a pious friend, residing not far from the capital, and had with her two Christian female companions. The three women and the owner of the house were conversing together on religious subjects, when, on a sudden, a servant entered the house with a note for Rafaravavy, telling her that Rafaralahy had been put to death, that his wife and a young friend were now in irons, and had been flogged, to compel them to tell the names of all who had visited Rafaralahy; and that her name, and the names of the two women then with her, had been disclosed. sudden intelligence somewhat alarmed her. Her friend perceiving that there was something serious in the matter, asked to know the contents of the note. She told them all. All were alarmed, and the owner of the house himself, though his name had not been mentioned, neither had he attended any of the meetings at Rafaralahy's house. "What is to be done?" said he; you know that I can do nothing for you: the last time you were

This

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accused you were scarcely saved, and you are sure to be put to death now, if the information just received be correct." "We trust," said they, "God will give us strength to be faithful even to the end."

After some consultation the three women determined to go up to town, for Rafaravavy's master lived at Ambohitsirohitra. They set out in company, and came together until they reached the foot of Ambohipotsy, talking together of the Saviour, and of the holy delight they anticipated on seeing him for the first time in heaven. Here they had to separate. Rafaravavy intended to go straight to her master at Ambohitsirohitra. She preferred being apprehended there and put to death, rather than at her friend's house, which was about two miles south of the capital. Perhaps some kind Christian friend, she thought, might be at hand to cast a friendly look upon her there; but at the other place no Christian could be expected. The other two women were going to the east side of the town, to a friend's house. Before they parted they knelt down together, and most affectionately and fervently commended themselves and each other to the care and protection of the Keeper of Israel; and then parted with the full hope of shortly meeting together in heaven; for they had not, as yet, even the most remote idea of making their escape. if they had done with earth, and said to "We have to walk from hence to town, thence to Ambohipotsy, and there we shall say farewell to all below."

They felt as

one another,

The two women proceeded to the east side of the town, and Rafaravavy proceeded west of Ambohijanahary towards Ambohitsirohitra; and during the whole of the

way she ceased not to pray fervently that God would give her strength to lay down her life for his sake, if such were his holy will. She reached Ambohitsirohitra, and entered her master's house, and fully expected to find there the messengers of the queen already come to apprehend her. On her arrival, however, she found only one of her fellow-servants keeping the house. Her master, his wife, and all the slaves, were gone to reap in the rice-grounds. She asked her fellow-servant if any one from the queen had been inquiring for her master, and was answered in the negative. This satisfied her that the order to seize her had not been issued, for they would not apprehend her without telling her master first; and, as her master was gone to some distance, they could not have found him without first coming to inquire at the house where he was. She felt uneasy, and left the house with the intention of going up to town to try and ascertain the state of the case. On her way, she had to pass Simeon's house, or, rather, that of his wife; and, on coming near, she saw David, and hesitated whether to pass by or not, under an impression that her being seen with them at the time might lead to the discovery of more of the Christians than were yet known; for she was not aware that David and Simeon were among the party accused. As soon as David and Simeon saw her, they beckoned to her to come: she entered the house, and heard a confirmation of the fact, that Rafaralahy was put to death, and that his wife and Dekana were seized, and that the names of many of the Christians had been extorted from them, and, among others, their names: "and," said the young men, 66 we intended

L

to come for you; others of us intended to go for Paul and Andrianantoandro, and consult together, and pray for direction that God would show us his will, and give us strength to do it. You are come; let us go in, and think well on the subject, and unite in prayer for guidance."

They did so; and, after much consideration, decided that it was their duty to save their lives, if they could, by running away, rather than give themselves up to the government to be put to death. What David did when Saul sought his life, and what the Saviour said to his disciples," If they persecute you in one city, flee to another,"-led them to this decision. Andrianimanana, one of the twelve senior teachers, was with them. It was now late, and they resolved to set out at midnight. Rafaravavy went up to town to say farewell to a beloved friend, and there met Joseph. They had sent to Paul and Andrianantoandro, but, as they were residing at some miles' distance, the messenger did not find them, or perhaps, in fact, fear kept him from even trying to find them. The first part of the night was spent by Simeon and David in arranging the money belonging to Rainiharo, which they happened to have in their possession; for, after they had been tried by the ordeal, Rainiharo had given Simeon nineteen dollars, and David ten, to trade with ;* and, as part of the money was still due from the people, and part of the rest was in cloth on sale, there was some difficulty in putting their master

* It is customary in Madagascar for masters to employ their servants, i. e. slaves, as hawkers or pedlers, the latter receiving a share of the profits arising from the sale of the goods.

in possession of his property. They packed up the cloth, and put the money they held inside, and a written account with the names of those who had not paid, leaving the bundle under suitable charge, and stating that it belonged to Rainiharo. It laid there two or three months, and was at last fetched away. Rainiharo supposed, when they made their escape, they had taken his money with them. When the parcel was opened, and found to contain the money, and not only the capital but the profit, and the unsold cloth, and a memorandum with a clear account of the whole, mentioning even a sixpence which they had taken to purchase provisions on the road, he was astonished at their honesty, and said, "This is not the general custom of people, and especially of slaves, who run away from their masters. These would, indeed, make excellent servants if they would but leave off their religion. Most likely they have been guilty again, and so have made their escape!" Joseph did the same with the money which he held belonging to his master, and which he had received from him for similar purposes of trade.

When midnight arrived they set out, after commending each other to God in prayer. Simeon's wife was an invalid. She was an eminent Christian, but had not yet been accused to the government as belonging to the party. She felt much on seeing her hushand prepare to go, and proposed to find him a place of concealment. He also felt much on her account, and, therefore, at the risk of his life, relinquished the idea of attempting to escape by flight, and resolved to remain at the capital. The rest-Joseph, David and his wife, Andrianimanana,