The original plan, as we have seen, had been that Father Junipero should accompany the governor in the second division of the land-expedition; but this, when the day fixed for departure came, was found to be quite impossible owing to the ulcerous sore on his leg, which had been much aggravated by the exertions of his recent hurried journey from Loreto to La Paz and back.  Greatly chafing under the delay, he was none the less obliged to postpone his start for several weeks.  At length, on the 28th of March, in company with two soldiers and a servant, he mounted his mule and set out.  The event showed that he had been guilty of undue haste, for he suffered terribly on the rough way, and on reaching San Xavier, whither he went to turn over the management of the Lower California missions to Palou, who was then settled there, his condition was such that his friend implored him to remain behind, and allow him (Palou) to go forward in his stead.  But of this Junipero would not hear, for he regarded himself as specially chosen and called by God for the work to which he stood, body and soul, committed.  “Let us speak no more of this,” he said.  “I have placed all my faith in God, through whose goodness I hope to reach not only San Diego, to plant and fix there the standard of the Holy Cross, but even as far as Monterey.”  And Palou, seeing that Junipero was not to be turned aside, wisely began to talk of other things.

After three days devoted to business connected with the missions of the lower province, the indomitable father determined to continue his journey, notwithstanding the fact that, still totally unable to move his leg, he had to be lifted by two men into the saddle.  We may imagine that poor Palou found it hard enough to answer his friend’s cheery farewells, and watched him with sickness of heart as he rode slowly away.  It seemed little likely indeed that they would ever meet again on this side of the grave.  But Junipero’s courage never gave out.  Partly for rest and partly for conference with those in charge, he lingered awhile at the missions along the way; but, nevertheless, presently came up with Portolà and his detachment, with whom he proceeded to Villacatà.  Here during a temporary halt, he founded a mission which was dedicated to San Fernando, King of Castile and Leon.  But the worst experiences of the journey were still in store.  For when the party was ready to move forward again towards San Diego, which, as time was fast running on, the commander was anxious to reach with the least possible delay, it was found that Junipero’s leg was in such an inflamed condition that he could neither stand, nor sit, nor sleep.  For a few leagues he persevered, without complaint to any one, and then collapsed.  Portolà urged him to return at once to San Fernando for the complete repose in which alone there seemed any chance of recovery, but after his manner Junipero refused; nor, out of kindly feeling for the tired native servants, would he ever hear of the litter which the commander