CHAP. I X . ]
CHRISTOPHER
363
COLUMBUS.
CHAPTER IX. DISTRESS
OF T H E ADMIRAL MATE RELIEF
ON BOARD OF T H E
OF HIS
SHIP
ULTI足
SETTLEMENT.
[1503.] W H I L E the Adelantado and his men were exposed to such immi足 nent peril on shore, great anxiety prevailed on board of the ships. Day after day elapsed without the return of Diego Tristan and his party, and it was feared some disaster had befallen them. Columbus would have sent on shore to make inquiries ; but there was only one boat remaining for the service of the squadron, and he dared not risk it in the rough sea and heavy surf. A dismal circumstance occurred to increase the gloom and uneasiness of the crews. On board of one of the caravels were confined the family and household of the cacique Quibian. It was the intention of Columbus to carry them to Spain, trusting that as long as they remained in the power of the Spaniards, their tribe would be de足 terred from further hostilities. They were shut up at night in the forecastle of the caravel, the hatchway of which was secured by a strong chain and padlock. As several of the crew slept upon the hatch, and it was so high as to be considered out of reach of the prisoners, they neglected to fasten the chain. The Indians discovered their negligence. Collecting a quantity of
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