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SCENES IN THE PACIFIC. 
condition such as to justify him in forsaking his mission. 
The Indians who have been sent for him, on their return 
fall in with a party of rebels, and inform them that Padre 
Carranco is made acquainted with all their plans by the boy 
who lives in his house. They therefore change their design 
of falling upon Padre Tamaral. It is deemed more important 
to cut off Padre Carranco, in order to prevent his giving in- 
formation of their purposes, or calling aid from other missions. 
They communicate their plans to some of the converted In¬ 
dians of San Jago, and with menaces and warnings, invite 
them to join their party. After some wavering they do so; 
and the whole body moves toward the mission to take the life 
of their best friend and benefactor. They reach it between 
six and seven in the morning, on Friday, the first of October, 
1734. 
The good Padre has just left the chapel after Mass, and is 
engaged at his private devotions in his own chamber. They 
first inquire for the two mestizos, or half-breeds, who act as 
the Padre’s guard; and are informed that they have gone, by 
his order, to drive in two animals for the use of the mission. 
These then are not in the house to fire upon them. Never- 
theless, conscious of criminal intentions, they keep at a safe 
distance and send in messengers, with the letter of Padre 
Tamaral. Padre Carranco is on his knees praying, when 
they enter. But he rises and receives them affectionately; 
expresses his surprise that Padre Tamaral is not come with 
them ; and asks if they bring no letter ? They say “ yes,” 
and give it to him. The Padre begins to read ; and when 
absorbed in its contents, the whole body of conspirators rush 
tumultuously into the house. Two of them seize and drag 
him out between the house and the church, and there hold 
him by the gown, while others stab him through the body 
with arrows! And while his blood flows from the wounds, 
the dying Padre offers most earnest prayer to God that He 
will accept this sacrifice of his life, for his own sins and those 
of his deluded Indians ! 
