Evening was closing in, and all at once the church-bell rang.

Crowds of Indian labourers in their white dresses came flocking in, hardly distinguishable in the twilight, and the sound of their footsteps deadened as they walked over the dry stubble that covered the ground.

All work ceased, every one uncovered and knelt down; while, through the open church-doors, we heard the Indian choir chanting the vesper hymn.

In the haciendas of Mexico every day ends thus.

Many times I heard the Oracion chanted at nightfall, but its effect never diminished by repetition, and to my mind it has always seemed the most impressive of religious services.
Then the Administrador seated himself behind a great book, and the calling over the "raya" began.