Of the entrance into Ogmuc.  Chapter XXIX.

The station of Ogmuc lies on the shore of the sea, in the southern part of the island of Leite, on the coast almost directly opposite to Carigara, which is in the northern part.  It has in the same island a very good vicinity, as well as three smaller islands adjacent, which they call Polo.  All those people are friendly and docile and received Ours with much affection and pleasure.  This post was assigned to Father Alonso Rodriguez with another companion; and it seems that the gentleness and kindness of this father had its influence upon the Indians even before they saw him as also later when they met and knew him.  Their governor and other persons came out to sea to receive him, with much joy; and the chief, without delay, made arrangements on the spot for his conversion, and wrote out the prayers, that he might learn them.  The rest followed his example, and not only in this matter, but in at once offering all their children, with whom the father formed a very promising school.  Some of the youngest children were exceedingly bright; and it was indeed a marvel to see the mass served, with grace and address, by a child who was scarce able to move the missal.  Many of these children also helped us greatly in catechizing and instructing their elders and in preparing them, and even urging them, to receive holy baptism.  This was done by a little child of only four years, who seeing his father somewhat lukewarm in this respect, urged and incited him with such energy that he aroused the father, and caused him to entreat us urgently for baptism.  They not only fulfilled this office with their parents but even interceded with us in their behalf, urging that we should not delay granting this favor.  An incident befell one of these children which in its very childishness gave token of the esteem with which our holy gospel faith takes root in these tender little hearts.  He found himself among some heathens who were eating meat on a Friday, and, without thought of wrong, began to eat with them.  Upon taking the first mouthful he was reminded of the day; and, spitting it out, descended from the house and came in haste to Ours in great sorrow at having committed a sin.  Our fathers reassured him and sent him away consoled; and were themselves greatly edified and pleased at such a specimen of Christian faith, although so young and so recently planted.  Nearly all of those people were converted to Christianity without much difficulty; but there was one man who was much troubled on account of having three wives—­all, like himself of high rank.  Although the thought of renouncing two of them was painful to him, his greatest consideration was the dowry which he must thus lose.  The good father saw his predicament, and was greatly concerned lest this man, for at slight temporal interest, might lose eternal gain.  Inspired by God our Lord, he formed a plan, and went to talk with the woman who was most beloved by the man, hoping