224 CALIFORNIA. 



messengers were pretended to be sent to the pueblo and the neigh- 

 bouring estancias; and after much delay and several feigned disap- 

 pointments, we were told that six animals might be procured. The 

 exorbitant price of four dollars for each was asked for the use of these. 

 A good horse may be purchased for eight dollars. As I at once saw 

 the game that was in progress, I thought it better to comply with a 

 good grace than perhaps to suffer farther imposition ; so six were 

 agreed for at four dollars each, for the next day. I was well aware 

 that the deputy was deeply in the plot, and probably shared a part of 

 the profits. 



Being engaged in the evening, we went early to Padre Mercador's 

 to play chess, for which he has more love than knowledge of the game. 

 He had boasted not a little of his prowess, but after suffering defeat in 

 three successive games, his opinion of his skill was somewhat lessened. 

 He was in fact but a novice in the game. For refreshments we had 

 brandy and wine, with cigars and fruit, of which the hospitable 

 padre and Don Miguel both partook most freely, particularly the 

 former. We remained until nine o'clock, when a message was 

 brought us that supper was ready, and we retired, leaving Padre 

 Mercador to resume the duties of his office. For his kindness and 

 attentions we were greatly indebted to him ; I wish I could say that 

 his mode of life and the influence he exerts over his charge, also 

 deserved commendation. 



At the head of the supper-table, we found Donna Aliza, with a huge 

 dish of smoking valdivias before her, and a variety of edibles, with an 

 infusion of tea in small cups, which, at the request of Don Miguel, 

 was added to until it became drinkable, but not without many excla- 

 mations against its extravagance. The poor husband was in bed, and 

 Captain Hudson, who went to see him, finding that he was suffering 

 from a severe cold he had taken, prescribed bathing his feet, and a 

 strong glass of hot whiskey punch. Don Miguel accordingly pre- 

 pared the latter, which was cheerfully taken by the patient, who 

 shortly afterwards fell into a sound sleep. In the morning, we found 

 that he was entirely recovered. 



Our beds were clean and comfortable, though the apartment had 

 a strong smell of cordovan leather. The only place of deposit for 

 clothing &c, was, as we had seen in the estancia, in large trunks. 

 The matin-bell aroused us at early dawn, when we heard the full 

 choir practising. There was certainly nothing earthly in the sound, 

 nor yet heavenly ; much noise, but little music. 



