Padre Francisco hastens to consecrate the chapel. The Virgin
Mother spreads her sainted arms on high. A school for the Indians
soon occupies the priest.

Months roll around. The peace and prosperity of the rancho are
emulated by the new station in the valley.

Don Miguel rides over the mountains often in the duties of his
position. Up and down the inland basin bronzed horsemen sweep over
the untenanted regions, locating new settlements. San Joaquin valley
slowly comes under man's dominion.

Patriot, pioneer, and leader, the Commandante travels from Sutter's
Fort to Los Angeles. He goes away light-hearted. The young wife
has a bright-eyed girl to fondle when the chief is in the saddle.

Happiness fills the parents' hearts. The baptism occasions the
greatest feast of Lagunitas. But, from the coast, as fall draws
near, rumors of trouble disturb the San Joaquin.

Though the Russians are about to leave the seacoast, still
Swiss Sutter has taken foothold on the Sacramento. The adherents
of Micheltorrena and Alvarado arc preparing for war in the early
spring. To leave Lagunitas is impossible. The Indian tribes are
untrustworthy. They show signs of aggressiveness. Father Ribaut
finds the Indians of the Sierras a century behind those of the
coast. They are devoid of spiritual ideas. Contact with traders,
and association with wild sea rovers, have given the Indians of
the shore much of the groundwork of practical civilization.