180 
SCENES IN THE PACIFIC. 
among the Padres and soldiers. The latter complain that 
their certificates of services sent to Mexico have not been 
honored ; and the former see that some decided step must be 
taken either for the salvation or abandonment of the missions. 
Padre Salva Tierra calls together the Padres and the Cap¬ 
tain, and another officer of the garrison, to deliberate, and 
informs them that they can expect no speedy relief from 
their friends at Mexico ; that he cannot more clearly depict 
the melancholy condition of their affairs than their common 
sufferings do; that he is summoned to Mexico to confer 
concerning the execution of the Royal Orders for the relief of 
the missions; but that he will not leave California until the mis¬ 
sions are either relieved or destroyed. He desires, however, 
that others will fully deliberate, and freely determine whether 
they shall all remain there, and suffer for the glory of God, or 
go to Mexico, and await a more favorable juncture for renew¬ 
ing the conquest. He himself is ready to eat the wild fruits, 
and in other respects fare as the converts do, rather than 
abandon them. Padre Ugarte opposes leaving the country. 
Padres Piccolo, Pedro Ugarte and Bassaldua. agree with him: 
and the Captain declares that he is astonished to hear a pro¬ 
position of the kind ; that he will solemnly protest against 
the Padres, if they should abandon the conquest. Neverthe¬ 
less, notice is given to the people, that whoever will, may 
embark in the vessel going to Mexico, and that bills shall be 
given them for the arrears of their wages. But instead of 
embracing the offer, they all refuse to leave the Padres. The 
fear of an insurrection among the soldiers on account of the 
non-payment of wages and want of food being removed, 
the Padres dispatch the vessel and the bark to Guaymas for 
supplies. While they are waiting for these, Padre Ugarte 
sets an example of patience and fortitude. He goes into the 
mountains and woodlands, gathers the wild fruits and digs 
edible roots, reminds his spiritual children of the death in 
Canaan, and God’s goodness to Jacob—while the soldiers 
and officers vie with the good man in all his works of love. 
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