Adventure stories; California -- History -- To 1846 -- Fiction; Love stories; Western stories
Their nervousness was apparent. Scarcely one inside the plaza but
had participated in outbreaks before, and scarcely one that had not
sustained wounds. But other revolts had come unexpectedly, as rain from
a clear sky, whereas this was anticipated, of much moment, and naught
could be done to prevent it.
Dusk came, and a heavy fog rolled up the valley from the distant bay
to grow heavier as the hours passed, and shut out moon and stars. Not
a light was to be seen in any of the buildings at the mission; not a
torch burned on the plaza.
Soldiers were at their stations, whispering to one another, striding
back and forth nervously, fumbling at their weapons. Frailes prayed in
the church. Trusted neophytes carried water and cold food, and stood by
to handle ammunition when the time came.
Scouts had been sent out--a small number, since the defenders of the
mission were limited, but experienced men, both white and red, who
could be depended upon. A mile from the plaza, on every side, they
watched for the approach of the foe, ready to sound the warning and
then make their way in to aid in the defence.
Hour after hour passed without event. The _comandante_ and Ensign
Sanchez paced the plaza praying for action, knowing their men could not
endure the suspense much longer without giving way to their feelings
and violating orders as to silence.
In the guest house, Señora Vallejo was upon her knees like a pious
woman, and Señorita Anita stood beside a window looking out at the dark
night, biting her lower lip, clenching her tiny hands, and thinking of
the shame upon the name of Fernandez.
She half regretted that she had not come out openly and told her padre
the truth concerning Rojerio Rocha; yet she had not, hoping against
hope that something would occur to prevent his perfidy becoming known.
Perhaps his Indians would turn upon him and everyone think he had died
a loyal man. Perhaps Captain Fly-by-Night would perform the service he
had promised, and let the soul of Rojerio Rocha from his body before he
actually had engaged in shedding the blood of good and loyal men.
Sergeant Cassara and Gonzales appeared to be the only ones at the
mission not bothered by the waiting. They sat against the adobe wall in
a corner, speaking in whispers of other uprisings, jesting at times,
Gonzales recalling the days of his piracy and Cassara making envious
comments.
Midnight came, but no alarm had been given. Not a sound broke the
monotonous stillness of the night, yet the quiet was in itself
ominous. Frequently the _comandante_ and ensign stopped their pacing
to look toward the north, in the direction of San Luis Rey de Francia,
wondering what was transpiring there, half fearing to see the glare
of flames through the fog, conjecturing as to the whereabouts of the
Governor and his force.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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