210 CALIFORNIA. 



spatched our boats on their return to the ship, determining to make the 

 ride of sixty miles the next day. We soon found that the mission 

 horses were lame, and that they had strayed. These, with many 

 other excuses, all showed us the dilemma we were in. Three or more 

 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 disengaged in the evening, we went early to Padre Mer- 

 cador's to play chess, for which he has more love than knowledge. 

 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 refresh- 

 ments we had brandy and wine, with cigars and fruit, of which the 

 hospitable padre and Don Miguel both partook most freely, particu- 

 larly 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 de- 

 served 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 exclamations 

 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 prepared the 

 latter, which was cheerfully taken by the patient, who shortly after- 

 wards 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 cloth- 

 ing, &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 



