CHAP. IL]
CHRISTOPHER
COLUMBUS.
395
crossing to Cuba, for which island the wind was favorable. It was thought they might easily cross thence to the end of Hispan足 iola. Others advised that they should return and make their peace with the admiral, or take from him what remained of arms and stores, having thrown almost every thing overboard during their late danger. Others counseled another attempt to cross over to Hispaniola, as soon as the sea should become tranquil. This last advice was adopted. They remained for a month at an Indian village near the eastern point of the island, living on the substance of the natives, and treating them in the most arbi足 trary and capricious manner. When at length the weather became serene, they made a second attempt, but were again driven back by adverse winds. Losing all patience, therefore, and de足 spairing of the enterprise, they abandoned their canoes, and re足 turned westward ; wandering from village to village, a dissolute and lawless gang, supporting themselves by fair means or foul, according as they met with kindness or hostility, and passing like a pestilence through the island.* * Hist. del Almirante, cap. 102.
C C
Las Casas, lib. ii. cap. 32.
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