TRAVELS IN THE CALIFORNIAS. 22 6 
among them some trifling presents which he has about his 
person, and invites them to come to the tent and receive oth¬ 
ers. This treatment produces its desired effect. They follow 
him to the tent, where they are kindly entertained; and at 
length depart, bearing tokens of peace to their friends at home. 
They seem much pleased; but intimate as they depart that 
they are afraid of the mules and the Padre’s dog; and that 
they cannot return, unless these are concealed from sight. 
This the Padre signifies shall be done. The next day the 
tent is thronged with little parties, to the number of five hun¬ 
dred, bringing such presents as the country affords, and re¬ 
ceiving in return frocks of sackcloth, razors, and beads. This 
demonstration cheers the hearts of the Padre and soldiers. 
Still the boat does not arrive—and they are oppressed with 
fears lest she may be lost with all their supplies ; for they 
have been here now five days. No tidings of her have reach¬ 
ed them. They are, however, looking out on the sea at 
the close of the fifth day, when she makes her appearance. 
She has mistaken the place of rendezvous, and lain four days 
in a small bay a few leagues to the south. 
Being relieved thus from these several troubles, they begin 
to clear the ground and erect the village. The Indians con¬ 
tinue friendly and aid the work. But on a sudden they all 
disappear for a whole day. Now again the heart of the Pa¬ 
dre beats with anxiety. When and how will the Indians 
return are questions which will arise, but which no one can 
answer. Toward evening he determines to go in quest of 
them with only one soldier and an interpreter. He finds a 
few, and expresses his regret that they should forsake him; 
when they frankly state the cause of their movement, as fol¬ 
lows :—They are at war with the Guay euros ; the Padre is 
friendly to the latter, and has soldiers and Indians of that na¬ 
tion with him. They have watched their labors and see the 
walls of the church go up. For what other purpose could 
these be intended to answer, than a warlike one ? Moreover, 
the Padre has that morning despatched three Guaycuros on the 
