by all, and to Apolinaria was shown the greatest deference,, and
everything was done to make her long ride as little fatiguing as
possible, for her fame was known to all, as well as the reason for her
present journey. Thus the day passed. Toward noon Apolinaria began to
feel the effects of her rapid flight, but she had no thought of
stopping, for she was determined to reach San Fernando that night.
Slowly the day wore by, and the miles slipped behind them; but the sun
was set, and night was over them before they reached San Fernando. Two
miles before arriving, they met a horseman who had been sent out on the
road to meet them, in case, as the padres hoped, Apolinaria should come
that night. At last they reached the mission, where Apolinaria was
welcomed warmly. But she was too exhausted to do more than eat a little,
drink a cup of chocolate, and then retire for the night, which she
passed in a heavy, dreamless sleep.

The next morning she was up with the first faint grey of dawn, although
she was so stiff and lame that every movement caused her agony; but this
wore off gradually as soon as she set out once more after breakfast with
the fathers. We shall not follow her journey in detail. The second day
was easier as she had only seventy-five miles to cover to reach San Juan
Capistrano. At Capistrano she found the first traces of the epidemic, a
few of the Indians being ill with the smallpox. At Mission San Luis Rey
there were a much larger number, and at all of the settlements in the
region were many patients, but only at the southernmost mission were the
people in great straits. In the afternoon of the third day Apolinaria
arrived at her destination, tired out, but happy to be, at last, where
she was so much needed. Here she found a scene of desolation: more than
half of the neophyte population down with the fell disease; the two
fathers used up with the care of their especial work; the few Mexican
women available for nurses without a head to take charge of affairs at