The monks called it the San Antonio; and on its banks they built three noble Missions.

The shining white stone of the neighborhood rose in graceful domes and spires above the green trees.
Sculptures, basso-relievos, and lines of gorgeous coloring adorned the exteriors.

Within, were splendid altars and the appealing charms of incense, fine vestures and fine music; while from the belfreys, bells sweet and resonant called to the savages, who paused spell-bound and half-afraid to listen.
Certainly these priests had to fight as well as to pray.

The Indians did not suffer them to take possession of their Eden without passionate and practical protest.

But what the monks had taken, they kept; and the fort and the soldier followed the priest and the Cross.