Rezanov's polite interest in the virgin country
was cut short by the entrance of two Indians carry-
ing heavy bundles, which they opened upon the floor
without further delay.

The cloth of gold was magnificent, and the padres
handled it as rapturously as had their souls and fin-
gers been of the sex symbolized while exalted by the
essence of maternity, in whose service it would be
anointed. Rezanov looked on with an amused
sigh, yet conscious of being more comprehending
and sympathetic than if he had journeyed straight
from Europe to California. It was not the first time
he had felt a passing gratitude for his uncomfort-
able but illuminating sojourn so close to the springs
of nature.

The priests were as well pleased with the pieces
of fine English cloth; and as their own homespun
robes rasped like hair shirts, they silently but uni-
formly congratulated themselves that the color was
brown.

Father Abella turned to Rezanov, his saturnine
features relaxed.

"We are deeply grateful to your excellency, and
our prayers shall follow you always. Never have
we received presents so timely and so magnificent.