CHAP. V I I ]
CHRISTOPHER
COLUMBUS.
353
Mendez could learn from the Indians who had taken him up the river in their canoe, the body of a thousand warriors which he had seen on his previous reconnoitering expedition, had actually been on a hostile enterprise against the harbor, but had given it up on finding themselves observed. This information was confirmed by an Indian of the neighbor hood, who had become attached to the Spaniards and acted as interpreter. He revealed to the admiral the designs of his coun trymen, which he had overheard. Quibian intended to surprise the harbor at night with a great force, burn the ships and houses, and make a general massacre. Thus forewarned, Columbus im mediately set a double watch upon the harbor. The military spirit of the Adelantado suggested a bolder expedient. The hos tile plan of Quibian was doubtless delayed by his wound, and in the meantime he would maintain the semblance of friendship. The Adelantado determined to march at once to his residence, capture him, his family, and principal warriors, send them prison ers to Spain, and take possession of his village. With the Adelantado, to conceive a plan was to carry it into immediate execution, and, in fact, the impending danger admitted of no delay. Taking with him seventy-four men, well armed, among whom was Diego Mendez, and being accompanied by the Indian interpreter who had revealed the plot, he set off on the 30th of March, in boats, to the mouth of the Veragua, ascended it rapidly, and before the Indians could have notice of his move ments, landed at the foot of the hill on which the house of Quibian was situated. Lest the cacique should take alarm and fly at the sight of a large force, he ascended the hill, accompanied by only five men, among whom was Diego Mendez ; ordering the rest to come on,