Gabriel Arcángel, near what is now known as the San Gabriel river; and
the third, the Mission of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, for which a
location was chosen near the coast, about twenty-five leagues southeast
of San Antonio. In his account of the founding of the first named of
these, Palou throws in a characteristic touch. After the bells had been
hung on trees and loudly tolled, he says, the excited padre-presidente
began to shout like one transported: - "Ho, gentiles! Come to the Holy
Church; Come! Come! and receive the faith of Jesus Christ!" His comrade,
Father Pieras, standing by astonished, interrupted his fervent eloquence
with the eminently practical remark that as there were no gentiles
within hearing, it was idle to ring the bells. But the enthusiast's
ardour was not to be damped by such considerations, and he continued to
ring and shout. I, for one, am grateful for such a detail as this. An
even more significant story, though of a quite different sort, is
recorded of the dedication of San Gabriel. It was, of course, inevitable
that here and there in connection with such a record as this of Serra
and his work, there should spring up legends of miraculous doings and
occurrences; though on the whole, it is, perhaps, remarkable that the
mythopoeic tendency was not more powerful. The incident now referred to
may be taken as an illustration. While the missionary party were engaged
in exploring for a suitable site, a large force of natives, under two
chiefs, suddenly broke in upon them. Serious conflict seemed imminent;
when one of the fathers drew forth a piece of canvas bearing the picture
of the Virgin. Instantly the savages threw their weapons to the ground,
and, following their leaders, crowded with offerings about the
marvellous image. Thus the danger was averted. Further troubles attended
the settlement at San Gabriel; but in after years it became one of the
most successful of all the missions, and gained particular fame from the
industries maintained by its converts, and their skill in carving wood,
horn and leather.