wn church and it may be said of me, with
reason, the wicked fleeth, when no man pursueth. How do we know that they
want to kill me and that the sentinels are placed for this express
purpose? I do not doubt the truth of what the fathers at Cinacatlan say,
but there are our Lord's words to his disciples when they sought to deter
him from returning to Judea, because they [the Jews] had sought to kill
him the day before. The day has twelve hours, in each one of which, or in
each minute or in each instant, the minds of men may change. If I do not
enter into my church, of whom may I complain to the King and the Pope for
putting me out of it?"

The Bishop's serenity was as perfect as his resolution was unchangeable,
and, gathering his scapular in his hand, he rose from his chair and set
out on his journey, amidst the tears and remonstrances of the friars.
Upon reaching the first post of sentinels he found the men off their
guard, as a report had spread that he had abandoned his intention to
advance. The Indians, when they recognised him, completely forgot the
orders they had received from their Spanish masters, and in mingled joy at
seeing their beloved Bishop again and distress at being there under such
duty, they threw themselves at his feet, weeping, protesting, and
imploring his forgiveness for their compulsory part in opposing him.(63)
Knowing that the poor creatures would pay dearly for their neglect of
orders, Las Casas had them bound, as though he had surprised and captured
them.

That night Ciudad Real was shaken by a terrible earthquake which drove the
frightened people into the public square. Talking amongst themselves,
some declared that this upheaval heralded the Bishop's approach and was
the beginning of the destruction he would bring upon their town.

CHAPTER XIX. - OPPOSITION TO LAS CASAS. HE LEAVES CIUDAD REAL. THE
MEXICAN SYNOD

At dawn Las Casas entered the city unnoticed and reached his cathedral,
from whence he sent Father Nicola Galiano, one of the clergy, to notify
the Council of his arrival and that he was awaiting them. The Bishop's
arrival, did in reality, cause a greater disturbance than the earthquake.
The members of the Council debated as to what was now to be done; the
Bishop was in the city and in his cathedral, despite their efforts to
exclude him. Finally it was decided to go in a body to the church, where
they seated themselves as though for a sermon. When the Bishop en