Page:History of California, Volume 3 (Bancroft).djvu/596

578 Bárbara, and he sent Castro with twenty-five men in great haste southward. At any rate, it gave the officers and men a chance to display the new uniforms lately received by the California. The pastorela was being performed at Bandini's house, Don Juan himself not being present apparently, and all prominent Dieguinos were assisting in the festivities of Christmas, when Castro and his force surrounded the house after midnight. The two Carrillos and the two Picos, with Joaquin Ortega, were taken prisoners. Alcalde Estudillo was wanted also, but hid in a loft, and was declared by his wife and son to be absent from home. Next day Castro started northward with his captives. Ortega was soon set at liberty.