chieftain. Columbus, however, viewed the matter in a different light. Whatever prepossessions he might have were in favor of the Cacique; his heart refused to believe in his criminality. Though conscious of innocence, Guacanagari might have feared the suspicions of the white men, and have exaggerated the effects of his wound; but the wounds of his subjects made by Indian weapons, and the destruction of his village, were strong proofs to Columbus of the truth of his story. To satisfy his more suspicious followers, and to pacify the friar without gratifying his love for persecution, he observed that true policy dictated amicable conduct towards Guacanagari, at least until his guilt was fully ascertained. They had too great a force at present to apprehend anything from his hostility, but violent measures in this early stage of their intercourse with the natives might spread a general panic, and impede all their operations on the island. Most of his officers concurred in this opinion; so it was determined, notwithstanding the inquisitorial suggestions of the friar, to take the story of the Indians for current truth, and to continue to treat them with friendship..

At the invitation of Columbus the Cacique, though still apparently in pain from his wound,* * Hist. del Almirante, cap. 89.

accompanied him to the ships that very evening. He had wondered at the power and grandeur of the white men when they visited his shores with two small caravels; his wonder was infinitely increased on beholding a fleet riding at anchor in the harbor, and on going on board of the Admiral's ship, which was a vessel of heavy burden. Here he beheld the Carib prisoners. So great was the dread of them among the timid inhabitants of Hayti that they contemplated them with fear and shuddering, even though in chains.* That the Admiral had dared to invade these terrible beings in their very island, and had dragged them as it were from their strongholds, was perhaps one of the greatest proofs to the Indians of the irresistible prowess of the white

men.

Columbus took the Cacique through the ship. The various works of art, the plants and fruits of the Old World, domestic fowls of different kinds, cattle, sheep, swine, and other animals brought to stock the island, all were wonders to him. But what most struck him with amazement was the horses. He had never seen any but the most diminutive quadrupeds, and was astonished at their size, their great strength, terrific appearance, yet perfect docil

* Peter Martyr, letter 153 to Pomponius Lætus.

ity.* He looked upon all these extraordinary objects as so many wonders brought from heaven, which he still believed to be the native home of the white men.

On board of the ship were ten of the women delivered from Carib captivity. They were chiefly natives of the island of Boriquen, or Porto Rico. These soon attracted the notice of the Cacique, who is represented to have been of an amorous complexion. He entered into conversation with them; for though the islanders spoke different languages, or rather, as is more probable, different dialects of the same language they were able, in general, to understand each other. Among these women was one distinguished above her companions by a certain loftiness of air and manner; she had been much noticed and admired by the Spaniards, who had given her the name of Catalina. The Cacique spoke to her repeatedly with great gentleness of tone and manner, pity in all probability being mingled with his admiration; for though rescued from the hands of the Caribs, she and her companions were in a manner captives on board of the ship.

A collation was now spread before the chief* Hist. del Almirante, ubi sup. Letter of Dr.

Chanca.

ease.

tain, and Columbus endeavored in every way to revive their former cordial intercourse. He treated his guest with every manifestation of perfect confidence, and talked of coming to live with him in his present residence, and of building houses in the vicinity. The Cacique expressed much satisfaction at the idea, but observed that the situation of the place was unhealthy, which was indeed the case. Notwithstanding every demonstration of friendship, however, the Cacique was evidently ill at The charm of mutual confidence was broken. It was evident that the gross licentiousness of the garrison had greatly impaired the veneration of the Indians for their heavenborn visitors. Even the reverence for the symbols of the Christian faith, which Columbus endeavored to inculcate, was frustrated by the profligacy of its votaries. Though fond of ornaments, it was with the greatest difficulty the Cacique could be prevailed upon by the Admiral to suspend an image of the Virgin about his neck, when he understood it to be an object of Christian adoration.*

The suspicions of the chieftain's guilt gained ground with many of the Spaniards. Father Boyle, in particular, regarded him with an evil eye, and privately advised the Admiral, * Hist. del Almirante, cap. 49.

now that he had him on board, to detain him prisoner; but Columbus rejected the counsel of the crafty friar, as contrary to sound policy and honorable faith. It is difficult, however, to conceal lurking ill-will. The Cacique accustomed in his former intercourse with the Spaniards to meet with faces beaming with gratitude and friendship, could not but perceive their altered looks. Notwithstanding the frank and cordial hospitality of the Admiral, therefore, he soon begged permission to return to land.*

A

The next morning there was a mysterious movement among the natives on shore. messenger from the Cacique inquired of the Admiral how long he intended to remain at the harbor, and was informed that he should sail on the following day. In the evening the brother of Guacanagari came on board, under pretext of bartering a quantity of gold; he was observed to converse in private with the Indian women, and particularly with Catalina, the one whose distinguished appearance had attracted the attention of Guacanagari. After remaining some time on board, he returned to the shore. It would seem from subsequent events, that the Cacique had been touched by the situation of this Indian beauty, or capti* Peter Martyr, decad. i., lib. ii.