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"The Senor Prefecto will answer that question," I replied. I had folded the package and hid it in the lining of my overcoat which I had thrown over my arm. The officer withdrew for a few minutes, but soon returned and allowed me to pass the sentry. Halting in front of a large door, a signal was given and it was opened by another officer.
All these things were filling me with apprehension. I knew I would be captured, but how could I save the bridge? I was determined to try at all hazards. "This document calls for the payment of $10,000, and guarantees you life employment by the government of Peru, provided you save the Sumbay bridge," said the prefecto as he handed me a paper duly witnessed by the priest.
I was ushered in, and from there into an adjoining room, where I was told to wait. Presently there came in a priest, then an officer with side arms, and last Senor Prefecto, who asked me the nature of my business. I replied that I had a message for the Prefecto, which could be imparted to him alone. When my errand was communicated to him, he could do as he chose.
On my arrival at the manager's office, I found him in consultation with the Prefecto of Arequipa and the General in command of the regular army. I was informed that another revolution was about to be attempted in Peru in favor of General Pierola.
After we had explained the matter more fully, he assured us that no messenger had come from the prefecto; this, which at first we thought to be a lie, was no doubt true. He was plainly scared. He begged us to be careful lest the people, who were ignorant, should overhear us.
This gate only employes had the right to use. I walked up town to the hotel Inca. I met several gentlemen who knew me and asked one to play a game of billiards before supper. No one seemed to think that my coming was anything more than the usual routine of railway business. After darkness, I lit a cigar and strolled down the street where the Prefecto lived.
There was much hesitation before my request for a private audience was granted, but on being searched, overcoat and all, the Senor Prefecto finally agreed to see me alone. When the others had retired, I took the package from the lining of my overcoat and gave it to him. I watched him closely as he read the contents.
The old gentleman had been insistent that we should return by Capacuaro and Cheran, indian towns. As our time was short, we asked the prefecto to send a messenger to Cheran with orders to dig some skulls and have them ready against the time of our arrival.
To our surprise this document was promptly furnished, good evidence that the prefecto had played us false, only pretending to despatch the messenger whom we had seen started. With profuse apologies and expressions of regret from the officials, we left Cheran, hurrying on to Nehuatzen for the night.
One of the pitiful cases that occurred during the decline of the Missions was the death of Padre Sarría, which took place at Soledad in 1835, or, as some authorities state, in 1838. This venerable priest had been very prominent in missionary labors, having occupied the position of Comisario Prefecto during many years. He was also the presidente for several years.
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