water not seldom lapping the horses' feet, now on the mesa above. Open
to all impressions of the beautiful in nature as was Apolinaria, she had
little time, or, indeed, inclination, for its indulgence this morning,
for the messenger had set the pace at a hard gallop, and her attention
was taken up with the riding. She was a good horsewoman, and found no
difficulty in keeping up with Felipe, although, whenever they came to
a bit of bad road, he slackened his pace a little. The sun was not two
hours high when they reached San Buenaventura, where they were received
by the fathers, given fresh steeds, and were soon on their way again.
With the exchange of horses they kept up their speed, and as the hours
went by, the riders saw mile after mile left behind. Whenever they
stopped for horses at the ranchos lying on the road, they were welcomed
by all, and to Apolinaria was shown the greatest deference, and
everything was done to make her long ride as little fatiguing as
possible, for her fame was known to all, as well as the reason for her
present journey. Thus the day passed. Toward noon Apolinaria began
to feel the effects of her rapid flight, but she had no thought of
stopping, for she was determined to reach San Fernando that night.
Slowly the day wore by, and the miles slipped behind them; but the sun
was set, and night was over them before they reached San Fernando. Two
miles before arriving, they met a horseman who had been sent out on the
road to meet them, in case, as the padres hoped, Apolinaria should
come that night. At last they reached the mission, where Apolinaria was
welcomed warmly. But she was too exhausted to do more than eat a little,
drink a cup of chocolate, and then retire for the night, which she
passed in a heavy, dreamless sleep.

The next morning she was up with the first faint grey of dawn, although
she was so stiff and lame that every movement caused her agony; but this
wore off gradually as soon as she set out once more after breakfast with
the fathers. We shall not follow her journey in detail. The second day
was easier as she had only seventy-five miles to cover to reach San Juan
Capistrano. At Capistrano she found the first traces of the epidemic, a
few of the Indians being ill with the smallpox. At Mission San Luis Rey
there were a much larger number, and at all of the settlements in the
region were many patients, but only at the southernmost mission were the
people in great straits. In the aft