The archbishop finally took him at his word; without warning he transferred him to another parish, and sent our friend, the archaeologist here, in his place.

This did not suit the man relieved; Chila itself was much to his liking; what he really wanted was to be relieved from the support of his superannuated predecessor.

No sooner was he transferred than he began to look with longing on his former charge and to make a vigorous effort to regain it.

Accusations were hurried to Oaxaca; the new priest was pursuing agriculture as a means of profit; he had not paid the dues to the aged priest; he had himself admitted to parishioners that his object in coming to Chila was more to study antiquities and natural history than to preach the gospel.

It is claimed that, immediately on receiving this communication, the archbishop sent a peremptory letter to the padre demanding an explanation; this letter, Ernst said, never was delivered, hence no explanation was sent.