LIFE
434
AND VOYAGES
OF
[BOOK V I I .
distance, of a tall ship under sail, from which circumstance the admiral called it " Alto Velo."
Several seamen were ordered to
climb to the top of the island, which commanded a great extent of ocean, and to look out for the other ships. was to be seen.
Nothing of them
On their return, the sailors killed eight sea-
wolves, which were sleeping on the sands; they also knocked down many pigeons and other birds with sticks, and took others with the hand; for in this unfrequented island, the animals seemed to have none of that wildness and timidity produced by the hos tility of man. Being rejoined by the two caravels, he continued along the coast, passing the beautiful country watered by the branches of the Neyva, where a fertile plain, covered with villages and groves, extended into the interior.
After proceeding some distance farther
to the east, the admiral learnt from the natives who came off to the ships, that several Spaniards from the settlement had pene trated to their province.
From all that he could learn from these
people, every thing appeared to be going on well in the island. Encouraged by the tranquillity of the interior, he landed nine men here, with orders to traverse the island, and give tidings of his safe arrival on the coast. Continuing to the eastward, he sent a boat on shore for water near a large village in a plain.
The inhabitants issued forth with
bows and arrows to give battle, while others were provided with cords to bind prisoners.
These were the natives of Higuey, the
eastern province of Hispaniola.
They were the most warlike
people of the island, having been inured to arms from the frequent descent of the Caribs. They were said also to make use of poisoned arrows.
In the present instance, their hostility was but in appear
ance.
When the crew landed, they threw by their weapons, and