he observed,
thoughtfully.

"And as your own distinguished countryman, Senor Orozco y Berra, has
pointed out," I continued, "many dark places in primitive history may be
made clear, many illusions may be dispelled, and many deeply
interesting truths may be gathered by one who will go among these
Indians, lending himself to their mode of life, and will note accurately
what he thus learns from sources wholly original."

"Fray Antonio has professed the same belief," Don Rafael answered. "But
that his love is greater for the saving of heathen souls than for the
advancement of antiquarian knowledge, he long ago would have done what
you now propose to do. He has done much towards gathering a portion of
the information that you seek, even as it is."

"And who is this Fray Antonio, senor?"

"He is the man who of all men can give you the wisest help in your
present need. We see but little of him here at the Museo, though he is
one of our most honored members, for his time is devoted so wholly to
the godly work to which he has given himself that but little remains to
him to use in other ways. He is a monk, vowed to the Rule of St.
Francis. As you know, since the promulgation of the Laws of the Reform,
monks are not permitted in our country to live in communities; but, with
only a few exceptions, the conventual churches which have not be
secularized still are administered by members of the religious orders to
which they formerly belonged. Fray Antonio has the charge of the church
of San Francisco--over by the market-place, you know--and virtually is a
parish priest. He is a religious enthusiast. In God's service he gives
himself no rest. The common people here, since his loving labors are
among them while the pestilence of small-pox raged, reverently believe
him to be a saint; and those of a higher class, who know what heroic
work he did in that dreadful time, and who see how perfectly his life
conforms to the principles which he professes, and how like is the
spirit of holiness that animates him to that of the sainted men who
founded the order to which he belongs, are disposed to hold a like
opinion. Truly, it is by the especial grace of God that men like Fray
Antonio are permitted at times to dwell upon this sinful earth."

Don Rafael spoke with a depth of feeling and a reverence of tone that
gave his strong words still greater strength and deeper meaning. After
that moment's pause he resumed: "But that which is of most in