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Old Mission Stories of California By: Charles Franklin Carter |
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By Charles Franklin Carter Author of "The Missions of Nueva California"
and "Some By ways of California" San Francisco Copyright 1917, by Paul Elder and Company Contents Foreword
The Indian Sibyl's Prophecy
The Flight of Padre Peyri
Father Zalvidea's Money
La Beata
Juana
Father Uria's Saints
Pomponio
Foreword Of the last six stories comprising the seven in this little collection
of Stories of the Old Missions, all but one have, as a basis, some
modicum, larger or smaller, of historical fact, the tale of Juana alone
being wholly fanciful, although with an historical background. The first
story of the series may be considered as introductory to the mission
tales proper. In these quiet, unpretending stories the writer has attempted to give
a faithful picture of life among the Indians and Spaniards in Nueva
California during the early days of the past century. October, 1917.
The Indian Sibyl's Prophecy
In the southern part of the Mojave Desert a low hill stands somewhat
apart from the foot hills beyond, and back of it. Although not more
than two hundred feet above the surrounding plateau, on account of its
peculiar location, a commanding view may be had from its top. In front,
toward the south, and extending all the way from east to west, the plain
stretches off for many miles, until it approaches the distant horizon,
where it is merged into lofty mountains, forming a tumultuous, serrated
sky line. Midway between the hill and the distant mountains, lie the
beds, sharply defined, of three dry lakes. In the garish light of day
they show for what they are, the light yellow hard baked soil of the
desert, without even the ordinary sage brush; but in early morning and,
less frequently, toward evening, these lakes take on a semblance of
their former state, sometimes (so strong is the mirage) almost deceiving
those best acquainted with the region. Years ago how many it would
be difficult to say these dry lakes were veritable bodies of water;
indeed, at an earlier period than that, they were, without doubt, and
including a large extent of the surrounding desert, one vast lake. But
that was centuries ago, maybe, and with time the lake dried up, leaving,
at last, only these three light spots in the view, which, in their
turn, are growing smaller with the passing years, until they, too, will
vanish, obliterated by the encroaching vegetation. Back of the eminence from which this extended view is had, the mountains
come close, not as high as those toward the south, but still respectable
heights, snow covered in winter. They array themselves in fantastic
shapes, with colors changing from hour to hour. One thinks of the
desert as a barren sandy waste, minus water, trees and other vegetation,
clouds, and all the color and beauty of nature of more favored
districts. Not so. Water is scarce, it is true, and springs few and far
between, and the vegetation is in proportion; for what little there
is is mostly dependent on the annual rainfall, never excessive, at the
best, yet always sufficient for the brush covering the ground, and
the yuccas towering up many feet here and there. But color, beautiful,
brilliant, magnificent color, is here any and every day of the year, and
from earliest dawn until the last traces of the evening sun have faded
away, only to give place to moonlight unsurpassed anywhere in the world.
Truly, the desert is far from being the dry, desolate, uninteresting
region it is commonly pictured. More than a century and a quarter ago, there stood on the side of this
hill, and not far from its top, an Indian hut, or wickiup. It was built
after the manner of the Indian tribes of Southern California a circular
space of about fifteen feet in diameter enclosed by brush work, and
roofed by a low dome of the same material. At the side was an opening,
too small to permit one to enter without stooping low. This doorway, if
it may be so called, being window and chimney as well, fronted toward
the south, facing the dry lakes and the mountains beyond... Continue reading book >>
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Genres for this book |
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Fiction |
Historical Fiction |
History |
Literature |
Short stories |
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