the order, which he always managed with the greatest
diligence and care. Consequently, he brought back a fine company
[of religious] as we shall see in due time.

Our father Juan Enriquez was unwilling that there should he any
failure in the growth of the province during his term. Accordingly,
although it was said that it was of little advantage to have a
convent in Maluco, yet the provincial kept it, sending a father
there. He also maintained the other convents, notwithstanding that
he suppressed that of Cavite--as if it were not the most important,
for that place is growing daily; and although it be not for the gain,
at least it may serve as a hospitium for those journeying to and fro
between here and Espana. All the orders are doing the same thing,
although they can not support themselves there.

He visited all his province, although he did not come to that of
Bisayas, for the sea was very much infested with enemies, and his
predecessor had gone through it more than any of the other prelates
had done. At that time the province enjoyed great peace and quiet,
which was due to the prudence of our father, who ever carried himself
as the admirable religious that he was.

During that triennium I acted as prior of Panay for the second time;
for during the intermediary chapter of our father Baraona I went as
prior to Aclan, which was a house with a vote. Soon after the arrival
of the said visitor, that priorate falling vacant, he appointed me to
it, and for the sake of the vote. And on returning, that triennium,
together with the office of vicar-provincial, while in that convent,
and having in my company father Fray Martin de San Nicolas (who
I have already said was with Captain Lazaro de Torres at the rout
of Mindanao), we were eating one fast day [_dia de pescado_], when
a large fishbone, which must have been as long as a sewing-needle
and was thick and bent, and had a very sharp point, lodged in the
father's throat. Although he said nothing to me for a moment, he
stopped, ceased eating and commenced to groan, as one who feels
a very great pain. Afterward he kept changing color, but without
saying a word. I was about to ask him what was the accident that
caused his pain. I saw him rise, for already his breath was failing,
and with a loud voice he cried, "Ah! blessed St. Nicholas! help me,
for I am choking!" And, upon saying that, he threw from his throat
a fishbone of the size above mentioned. It had been so securely
f