Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/163

Rh that preceded the first Congress of the republic in 1825, it was judged expedient by the authorities of a distant provincial cathedral, that the gold and silver utensils and ornaments, with the precious stones and other costly moveables, should be removed, for greater safety, to another church in the interior of the country. To this end, boxes and hampers, with false slides and secret contrivances, were made; so that, in the event of their capture or examination by robbers, the most valuable articles might remain undiscovered. The treasures were packed with the utmost care and secresy; and much deliberation was exercised in the choice of an escort to accompany the precious cargo. At length it was decided that one Tezarin—a worthy disciple of the church, who had been employed to command an escort under government—and his band, with several holy brethren from the cathedral, should be entrusted with the duty.

The caravan set out in due time upon their journey, with the utmost caution and privacy: the treasure being disguised under the appearance of a common bale of merchandize; and its guardians wearing the semblance of merchants with their escort. They proceeded for a