except the tracks of the Indian in the soft mud of the river, and a
circle of ashes, the remains of a small fire. From all indications there
had been only one Indian in the neighborhood, and he, apparently, had
disappeared to return no more, for nothing was seen of him, though a
watch was maintained there for several weeks.

Such a state of extreme uncertainty as the mission was in could not have
lasted long, and the Father knew that unless something were done to end
it, the neophytes would most certainly rise in rebellion, and slay their
masters. Fortunately all danger was removed, a few days after Diego's
tragic end, by the arrival of a messenger with letters from Santa
B‡rbara. The news they contained was most grave. The vague, intangible
anxiety, so long experienced, had culminated at last in the uprising of
the Indians at Mission Pur’sima. On the Sabbath morning previous, they
had made a sudden assault on the mission, and had burned many of the
buildings, almost ruined the church, and, after much fighting, had
driven the Mexicans with the fathers to Mission Santa InŽs, twenty-five
miles distant. Word had been sent at once to Monterey, and a detachment
of soldiers from the presidio there had hastened to the spot. This
required two days, during which the insurgents held the mission; but on
the arrival of the troops, they were soon ousted and forced to retire.

The same thing was attempted at Santa InŽs, but not much difficulty was
found in quelling the disturbance. Some signs of insubordination were
shown at the neighboring missions, San Luis Obispo in the north, and
Santa B‡rbara, San Buenaventura and San Fernando south of the scene of
the trouble; but there was no disturbance after the Indians had learned
that the attempt at Pur’sima was unsuccessful; and they hastened to
pledge obedience to the fathers. There were four hundred Indians in
active insurrection, and although many were wounded, only sixteen were