the Franciscan order, started on horseback for the beach. Rezanov
ordered Lieutenant Davidov and Dr. Langsdorff to the shore as his
representatives.

The Spaniards wore the undress uniform of black and scarlet in which
they had been surprised, but their peaked straw hats were decorated
with cords of gold or silver, the tassels hanging low on the broad
brim; their high deer-skin boots were gaily embroidered, and bristled
with immense silver spurs. The commanding officer alone had invested
himself with a gala serape, a square of red cloth with a bound and
embroidered slit for the head. Leading the rapid procession, his left
hand resting significantly on his sword, he was a fine specimen of the
young California grandee, dark and dashing and reckless, lithe of
figure, thoroughbred, ardent. His eyes were sparkling at the prospect
of excitement; not only had the Russians, by their nefarious
appropriation of the northwestern corner of the continent and a recent
piratical excursion in pursuit of otter, inspired the Spanish
Government with a profound disapproval and mistrust, but a rumor had
run up the coast that made every sea-gull look like the herald of a
hostile fleet. This was young Arguello's first taste of command, and
life was dull on the northern peninsula; he would have welcomed a
declaration of war.

Davidov and Langsdorff had come to shore in one of the JUNO'S canoes.
The conversation was held in Latin between the two men of learning.

"Who are you and whence come you?" asked the priest.

Langsdorff, who had been severely drilled by the plenipotentiary as to
text, replied with a profound bow: "We are Russians engaged in
completing the circumnavigation of the globe. It was our intention to
go directly to Monterey and present our official documents, as well as
our respects, to your illustrious Governor, but owing to contrary winds
and a resultant scarcity of provisions, we were under the necessity of
putting into the nearest harbor. The Juno is navigated by Lieutenant
Davidov and Lieutenant Khovstov, of the Imperial Navy of Russia; by
gracious permission associated with the Marine of the Russo-American
Company." He paused a moment, and then swept out his trump card with a
magnificent flourish: "Our expedition is in command of His Excellency,
Privy Counsellor and Grand Chamberlain Baron Rezanov, late Ambassador
to the Court of Japan, Plenipotentiary of the Russo-American Company,
Imperial Inspector of the ext