There were a few elderly women in
common colors; and a herd of young men and boys, some on foot and
others mounted, followed them, or walked or rode by their side,
frequently interrupting them by jokes and questions. But the most
singular thing of all was, that two men walked, one on each side of
the coffin, carrying muskets in the coffin, which they continually
loaded, and fired into the air. Whether this was to keep off the evil
spirits or not, I do not know. It was the only interpretation that I
could put upon it.
As we drew near the mission, we saw the great gate thrown open,
and the padre standing on the steps, with a crucifix in hand. The
mission is a large and deserted-looking place, the out-buildings going
to ruin, and everything giving one the impression of decayed grandeur.
A large stone fountain threw out pure water, from four mouths, into
a basin, before the church door; and we were on the point of riding up
to let our horses drink, when it occurred to us that it might be
consecrated, and we forbore. Just at this moment, the bells set up
their harsh, discordant clang; and the procession moved into the
court.
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