Entering a gate-way, we drove into the open square, in which the
stillness of death reigned. On one side was the church; on another,
a range of high buildings with grated windows; a third was a range
of smaller buildings, or offices; and the fourth seemed to be little
more than a high connecting wall. Not a living creature could we see.
We rode twice round the square, in the hope of waking up some one; and
in one circuit, saw a tall monk, with shaven head, sandals, and the
dress of the Grey Friars, pass rapidly through a gallery, but he
disappeared without noticing us. After two circuits, we stopped our
horses, and saw, at last, a man show himself in front of one of the
small buildings. We rode up to him, and found him dressed in the
common dress of the country, with a silver chain round his neck,
supporting a large bunch of keys. From this, we took him to be the
steward of the mission, and addressing him as "Mayordomo," received
a low bow and an invitation to walk into his room. Making our horses
fast, we went in. It was a plain room, containing a table, three or
four chairs, a small picture or two of some saint, or miracle, or
martyrdom, and a few dishes and glasses.
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