THE SEXTON. 



85 



priest came, and without ceremony wrapped up 

 Our Lady in a handkerchief, and rode off with her 

 to his own house, from whence she was trans- 

 ferred to one of the side-altars of the parish- 

 church. Even at the time of which I am treat- 

 ing, some of the inhabitants came to say their 

 prayers before this image, unmindful of the in- 

 convenience of the distance. * 



The sexton of the parish-church, who was a 

 mulatto man, had much peculiarity of character. 

 He had a great deal of penetration, but was 

 extremely cautious in what he said ; and when 

 questions were asked relating to any affair in 

 which he thought he might become implicated ; 

 lie usually answered — " Where white men are 

 concerned, negroes must be silent." t This 

 fellow was once holding a candle in the hand of a 

 dying person, and repeating the word " Jesus,'* 

 as is customary; the patient began to move 

 restlessly, but Gonsalo quietly went on with 

 his dismal work, and added with perfect uncon- 



* When I resided at Jaguaribe, I was once standing by, 

 and hearing the conversation of a man and woman, who were 

 laughing and joking upon several subjects ; but I was more 

 particularly amused when the man answered to something 

 that had been mentioned, saying, " I will ask Our Lady of 

 the Conception." The woman replied, " But she will not 

 grant, what you ask;" he then said, "Well, I will then 

 apply to our Our Lady of the O." — Thus entirely forgetting 

 •liat the same person is intended under another name. 



f " Em negocio dc branco, negro nam se mete." 

 G 8 



