The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1938-01-13
CHAPTER III

Father Junipero Sierra paced quiz
city along the dusty road, little more
than path, that led from the hum
bic adobe church of San Carlos Bor-
romeo to hut where an Indian lay
dying. Only an Indian, but Padre
Sierra wore vestments suitable to
the occasion, and bore in his hands
the sacred oil.
Some time later, the Indians soul
having been commended to Heaven,
Father Sierra started back to the
mission.
Horses hoofs suddenly shook the
ground. Two horsemen rode be-
side him as he limped steadily on,
murmuring a psalm. They dis
mounted near him. One, as he
dropped on his knees, crossed HIM
self and threw his reins to the other
with the same gesture. Padre Sierra
did not glance at them as they knelt
beside the path. But he knew well
who they were: Don Pedro FACES,
Gobernador-Genera of the Califor-
MAS, and his servant were on their
knees at the passing of the sacra-
ment.
When he had returned sacrament
and pyx to the church and Invested
himself, Pho told him that the Cob
ernador was waiting to see him. He
sighed deeply.
He had seen the Gobernador many
times since they had parted so bit
terly that autumn evening. But on
ly at mass. They had never ex-
changed a word since then. AS he
tied the heavy cord about his robe,
his fingers trembled. He prepared
: himself for the interview with
brief fervent prayer, and went to
meet Don Pedro.
silence, then the Governor moved
impulsively forward and knelt at
the priests feet.
Your blessing, Father" he
begged.
''With all my heart!" answered
the Franciscan, lifting his hands
over the broad shoulders of the
AnGGlHlS HAIL.
Then FACES rose with a deep
breath, and a smile.
'Well!" he said.
"Well?"
"Ah, Padre milo, / have news for
you! Great news, good news! Your
prayers have been answered, and
so have mine!"
"You mean"
eyes! Your two men of God are
arriving, and we shall consider the
Mission. Santa Barbara. These
priests are coming in the train that
brings my wife and son to me, and
I am"
But the priest heard only the first
words, and was stumbling toward a
chair to support his trembling
frame, murmuring, save Maria Pu-
risima! Ave Martial" For a mo-
ment his head rolled against the
back of the chair, and his eyes
closed.
FACES knelt by him, and looked
anxiously into his face.
Father, Father, what is it?" he
asked as he chafed the worn trem-
bling hands.
at is more than 1 can bear. Par
don my weakness, your EXcellency,
but I have spent so many hours in
prayer, and I have hoped, and
feared, so about this matter. l
should have had greater faith. All,
praise God!"
FACES poured wine from a jug on
the table and carried it to Sierra.
They drank, and smiled over the
cups.
Eyes, they are coming. They are
even now on their way. Every
thing comes to pass in good time,
Father"
at is strange you should have to
tell me that, my son. l will have
to do many penances for my lack
of faith, l am afraid"
''Ah, no. You are saint. But
think! Even now ihe cavalcade is
on its way, with my Dona Eulalia,
and Pedro the Younger, as he is
called, for me-"
Sierra rose from his chair and
Imped to the Governor. "Ah, for
give me, 1 have not congratulated
you on your happiness. How joy
full you must be! What happiness
to have your family with you. And
when will this cavalcade be arriv-
ing?"
FACES frowned. "The time will
go SO slowly / hardly dare compute
it. 1t will be months, of course,
nearly a year. But because it is
spring now, they will be in Monte
rey before the old year passes.
am going to meet them!" he said,
excitedly pacing back and forth.
''Yes, i am going to meet them,
and escort them here in safety.
am going at once, Father, for they
have bS this time departed from
Loreto."