Whether
This Was To Keep Off The Evil Spirits Or Not, I Do Not Know.
It Was The Only Interpretation That I Could Put Upon It.
As we drew near the mission, we saw the great gate thrown open,
and the pádre standing on the steps, with a crucifix in hand.
The mission is a large and deserted-looking place, the out-buildings
going to ruin, and everything giving one the impression of decayed
grandeur.
A large stone fountain threw out pure water, from four
mouths, into a basin, before the church door; and we were on the
point of riding up to let our horses drink, when it occurred to us
that it might be consecrated, and we forbore. Just at this moment,
the bells set up their harsh, discordant clang; and the procession
moved into the court. I was anxious to follow, and see the ceremony,
but the horse of one of my companions had become frightened, and
was tearing off toward the town; and having thrown his rider, and
got one of his feet caught in the saddle, which had slipped, was fast
dragging and ripping it to pieces. Knowing that my shipmate
could not speak a word of Spanish, and fearing that he would get
into difficulty, I was obliged to leave the ceremony and ride after
him. I soon overtook him, trudging along, swearing at the horse,
and carrying the remains of the saddle, which he had picked up
on the road. Going to the owner of the horse, we made a settlement
with him, and found him surprisingly liberal.
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