LIFE IN THE FAR WEST 191 



in the good work. As proof of this latter fact, one 

 Venabides, a Franciscan, whose veracity is beyond 

 impeachment, declared that, while preaching in the 

 regions now known as New Mexico, one million Indians 

 from the " mmbo " known as Cibolo, a mighty nation, 

 approached his temporary pulpit on the Rio Grande, 

 and requested in a body the favour of being baptised. 

 Struck with the singularity of this request from Indians 

 with whom he had as yet held no communication, and 

 with conscientious scruple as to whether he would be 

 justified in performing such ceremony without their 

 having received previous instruction, he hesitated a few 

 moments before making an answer. At this juncture 

 the Indians espied a medallion which hung around his 

 neck, bearing the effigy of a certain saint of extraor- 

 dinary virtue. At sight of this they fell on their knees 

 before it ; and it was some time before they found 

 words (in what language does not appear) to explain to 

 the holy father that the original of that effigy, which 

 hung pendant from his neck, had been long amongst 

 them instructing them in the elements of the Christian 

 religion, and had only lately disappeared ; informing 

 them that certain reverend men would shortly appear 

 in the land, who would finish the good work she 

 had devoutly commenced, and clench the business by 

 baptising the one million miserable sinners who now 

 knelt before El Padre Venabides. 



" Valgame Dios ! " reverently exclaimed that worthy 

 man, " qui milagro es este ! " [what a miracle is this I 

 hear ! ] and casting up his eyes, and speaking slowly, 



