CHAP. I.]
CHRISTOPHER
COLUMBUS.
235
they would be inspired with a dread of the force and weapons of the white men, and be deterred from molesting the little garrison of Fort Nativity.
The fact was, that these were of a bold and
hardy race, inhabiting a mountainous district called Ciguay, ex tending five and twenty leagues along the coast, and several leagues into the interior.
They differed in language, look, and
manners from the other natives of the island, and had the rude, but independent and vigorous character of mountaineers. Their frank and bold spirit was evinced on the day after the skirmish, when a multitude appearing on the beach, the admiral sent a large party, well armed, on shore in the boat. The natives approached as freely and confidently as if nothing had happened; neither did they betray, throughout their subsequent intercourse, any signs of lurking fear or enmity. The cacique who ruled over the neighboring country was on the shore.
He sent to the boat a
string of beads formed of small stones, or rather of the hard part of shells, which the Spaniards understood to be a token and assu rance of amity; but they were not yet aware of the full mean ing of this symbol, the wampum belt, the pledge of peace, held sacred among the Indians.
The chieftain followed shortly after,
and entering the boat with only three attendants, was conveyed on board of the caravel. This frank and confiding conduct, so indicative of a brave and generous nature, was properly appreciated by Columbus ; he received the cacique cordially, set before him a collation such as the caravel afforded, particularly biscuits and honey, which were great dainties with the Indians, and after showing him the won ders of the vessel, and making him and his attendants many presents, sent them to land highly gratified.
The residence of
the cacique was at such a distance that he could not repeat his