Then came the barbecue, and everyone ate his fill of rich, sizzling steaks and the varieties of dishes prepared by Mexicans, Indians and Spaniards. There were tortillas, corn bread, and chili. The meal lasted until mid-afternoon and the hundreds of guests were in a satisfied, gay and festive mood. And naturally it was fiesta time.

Exhibitions of strength and feats of daring were performed. Prize livestock was shown and exquisite needlework and dresses of brilliant design were displayed. Things could be bought and sold. Large groups of people were being shown about the Mission and they strolled through the various rooms, with or without guides. The French traveler always seemed to be surrounded by an inquisitive crowd. Hunks of Indian candy made from the cacti were greatly relished by the young and old alike. And the Padres were kept busy listening to confessions and blessing crucifixes.

A form of rodeo was given by the vaqueros in which the cattle were lassoed, thrown, roped and branded all within a certain time limit.

The next event was known as la carrera del gallo the cock chase. In loose soil a rooster was buried with only his head and neck sticking out. At two hundred paces away the horsemen would dash across the square, one at a time, and try to snatch up the chicken by the neck while leaning from their saddle.

Esteban came riding out to take his place in the line of horsemen and Arturo pushed forward in order to see better, his heart pounding wildly. But when Esteban's turn came and he rode out to grab up the cock, the bird moved his head suddenly and Esteban missed. Arturo was disappointed. But the next rider succeeded in picking up the bird. The other riders turned about and set out in pursuit of him to rob him of his prize. Arturo's eyes widened in excitement. Esteban had the bird and was trying to get away. But another rider grabbed it away from him and took off with it. Arturo was thrilled as he watched the daring young rider and he sucked in his breath in amazement, for Esteban suddenly had hold of the bird again. He was attempting to get away with the dead fowl and be proclaimed the winner. But a rider came out and grabbed the bird away from him. just at the last minute and Esteban was left holding a torn piece of the wing. During the rush and stamping about of the horses and the shouts and physical activity of the men, not to mention the commotion of the spectators, the contestants were sprinkled with blood and feathers as the bird was torn to pieces. The winner was the rider who had the largest amount of the bird left, but it was not Esteban. Arturo went to join Esteban as the horse racing commenced. "Now it is my turn to tell you not to worry, Esteban. You almost won and that should be something to please you."

"But you do not understand little one. I have got to win something today. would be a poor Indian if I did not win some sort of a prize this day.

"I am an Indian too. The same blood flows in my body as it does in yours." "But your prize is the statue you made. I have nothing to show."

The two Indians watched the rest of the games together, and when it came time for the game called Quattro Canti or Four Corners, Esteban wanted to join in it, but Arturo pleaded with him not to. The game was too rough, he did not want Esteban to become scratched and marred. Esteban gave in to him and did not participate, although he would have liked to. He watched with envy as the four riders who were armed with tough willow switches, struck at each other unmercifully across the face and head, until the switch had been worn to a stub. Arturo did not like to look at this form of sport and Esteban looked over at him and grinned.

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