The Coolidge examiner., 1938-06-09
CHAPTER XXX

Along the darkening Via Cruces
mounted messenger flew ahead
of the Governor and his guests to
warn the fathers at Carmelo that
the party was approaching. Don
Pedro and his guests fingered along
the way, deep in talk.
1T has been wonderful. this visit
here, Monsieur lie Gouverneur," La
Perouse was saying. Sans doute,
this is one OF the wonder countries
Of the world. Me. / foresee great
things. These bays and harbors full
OF ships from all the world ports
And strange people from all over
the universe. see commerce, trade
and great cities. What is to prevent
it? All, if you or l or some one of
these restless people who travel and
explore could only find that North
west Passage!"
IF it exists" replied FACES
thoughtfully.
Exist it doesl / am sure of that"
Then why isn't it found? But
never mind. If. as you say. Cali
fornia is TO become such a great
place. teeming with ships and peo-
poe. hope it will be after l am
dead. / should hate to see it that
way. But if it happens. it will not
be in my time"
Still deep in thought. her febrile
Imagination tricking her into the
maddest imaginings, La Goberna-
dora rode quietly by her husbands
side. 1t had been impossible for
her to have another word with
Dagelet, who rode. also wrapped in
thought, close to the side of the
Count.
The Governor and his guests can
tered up to the gate to the COM
pound which surrounded the mis-
sion buildings. and left their horses
with servants. AT the door they
were greeted by Padre Lasuen,
swinging the aspergillus. With well
coming murmur he Sprinkled them
with holy water. and they entered
the church.
How could the French visitors
know that it was a matter Of pride
and sacrifice that the altar was il
Illuminated with a hundred candles
in their honor, or that the ceremo-
NAL vestments Padre LaSuen wore
were only brought out on the high
est occasions?
To them it seemed so simple, so
crude, so nearly pitiful but
their religious feelings were deeply
touched, and the sonorous Latin of
the old pioneer priest, thanking God
for their safe delivery TO these dis
tant shores. and begging Him for a
safe conduct across the waters.
home, brought tears to many eyes.
Eulaia sank into the chair pro-
vided for her. and let her eyes rove
about at the people around. There
was Indizuela. her face stolid, i'm
passive And there was Angustias.
She was weeping!
What, in heavens name,"
thought La Gobernadora. 'ails her?
I must find out"
And there was her husband. and
La Perouse, the dark of the Cover
nor's head and the silvery white of
the Counts peruke contrasting
strongly in the candlelight.
And there was LIE Pante Dagelet
Again her thoughts began to
whirl. A sudden revelation came
to her. If she sailed away from
California with the French expedi-
ton, she would become Dagelet's
mistress. She brushed her forehead
hastily with trembling fingers. She,
to belong to another man than Pedro
FACES! Was it possible?
The thought struck like a blow,
and stunned her for a brief spell
Her knees bent automatically in
the genufiections of the service. She
stood, knelt and sat automatically,
her lips murmured responses. Her
bewildered mind began consciously
functioning again. Cautiously she
turned over the thought Of being
Dagelets mistress while the low
tones of Fray Lasuen's devout voice
droned on.
Another man to make love
to her. She said 1t over and over
In the rhythm of the itany her hps