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LIFE A N D V O Y A G E S
through briers and thickets.
OF
[BOOK V I .
Some who were experienced seamen,
climbed the trees, to get a sight of the stars, by which to govern their course; but the spreading branches and thick foliage shut out all view of the heavens.
They were harassed with the fear,
that the admiral, thinking them dead, might set sail and leave them in this wilderness, cut off for ever from their homes and the abodes of civilized man.
At length, when almost reduced to des
pair, they had arrived at the sea-shore, and following it for some time, beheld, to their great joy, the fleet riding quietly at anchor. They brought with them several Indian women and boys; but in all their wanderings they had not met with any man ; the greater part of the warriors, as has been said, being fortunately absent on an expedition. Notwithstanding the hardships they had endured, and his joy at their return, Columbus put the captain under arrest, and stop ped part of the rations of the men, for having strayed away without permission, for in a service of such a critical nature it was neces sary to punish every breach of discipline.* * Dr. Chanca's Letter. Hist. del Almirante, cap. 4 6 .