224 
SCENES IN THE PACIFIC. 
the second of August, anchors at La Paz. Padre Napoli is 
met by the Indians with great veneration. They conduct him 
in procession to the church where Padre Jayme Bravo, then 
missionary, is waiting to receive him. 
Having rested from the toil of the voyage, the Padre sends 
the supplies to Palmas Bay in a boat, while himself and the 
soldiers proceed by land for the twofold purpose of establish¬ 
ing some communication between the contemplated mission 
and La Paz, and also of inviting such Indians as they may 
meet on the way, to settle near him and receive instruction. 
During the eight days of travelling through this wilderness, 
however, they meet no natives. The news of their approach 
has aroused their suspicions to such a degree, that they desert 
their rancherias and fly before the Padres, as if they were 
come to curse instead of bless them. On the twenty-fourth of 
August they reach their place of destination. Padre Napoli 
is suffering extreme pain in consequence of a fall from his 
mule. No Indians appear ; the boat does not arrive; and the 
Padre therefore is troubled. One evening Padre Napoli is 
walking alone at some distance from the tent, when suddenly 
his ears are saluted by the most frightful howlings, and on 
looking up he sees a company of naked Indians approaching 
him with the most furious gestures. They are led by one of 
gigantic stature, painted for battle, in black and red, and par¬ 
tially covered by a kind of hair cloak. In one hand he has a 
fan of feathers, and in the other a bow and arrow. Several 
deer’s feet and other unseemly objects dangle from a band 
around his waist. The Padre, concluding that his time is now 
come to die, commends his soul to mercy, and advances to 
meet the Indians. He remembers the instructions of Padre 
Ugarte, and concealing his fears, looks them boldly in the 
face, and even makes signs of contempt for their savage arts. 
Their apparent fury is a little checked by his demeanor; and 
the Padre gaining courage, approaches nearer and signifies 
by signs that he is grieved, but not frightened by their inten¬ 
tions. Pie then proceeds with great kindness to distribute 
