Chapter XIV

ON BURROS AND MULES

     After fifteen days on the water Juan and Old Father arrived at the Mexican port of San Blas only to hear orders had been given to stop building the ships that were to carry supplies to upper California. The missions, they were told, were to be abolished. This news served only to strengthen Father Serra's determination to be on his way without delay. At first he turned down the offer of burros for the journey, but reading the disappointment on Juan's face, changed his mind and accepted the offer.  Nevertheless the journey was treacherous and many months delayed when Juan and Serra both became ill and Old Father drifted between life and death. Finally recalling his promise to Chief Tatlun to bring Juan safely home, Serra's recovery began and the journey continued.