The Indians were friendly enough for all
their drum-beating and shell-blowing. Quibian's first frowning
aspect had been but aspect. A scarlet cloak and a sack
full of toys had made all right. There was rest on land,
with fruit and maize as we saw. Build a fort--leave a
ship--divide our force. A half would rest here, first settlers
of a golden country with all first settlers' advantage.
Half sail with Christopherus Columbus back to Spain--
straight to Spain--for supplies and men. He would return,
he swore it, with all speed. A ship should be left,
and beyond the ship, the Adelantado.--It was for volunteers
for the fortress and city of Veragua!
In the end eighty men said "We will stay." We began
to build. How long since we had built La Navidad!
The River Bethlehem, that had been full when we entered,
now was half empty of its waters. The _Consolacion_, the
_Juana_, and the _San Sebastian_ that were to depart for Spain
could not pass. The Admiral hung, fitted to go, but waiting
perforce for rains that should lift the ships so they might
pass the bar.
Again Juan Lepe was to stay--so surely would the staying
need a physician.
"It is March," said the Admiral. "God aiding, I and
Fernando shall be back in October at latest."
These Indians seemed to us to have Carib markings. Yet
they all professed amity and continuously brought in gold.
Pages:
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392