CHAP. X . ]
CHRISTOPHER
COLUMBUS.
71
time among them. The village was governed by a female ca cique, who soon conceived a strong attachment for the young Arragonian. Diaz was not insensible to her tenderness, a con nexion was formed between them, and they lived for some time very happily together. The recollection of his country and his friends began at length to steal upon the thoughts of the young Spaniard. It was a melancholy lot to be exiled from civilized life, and an outcast from among his countrymen. He longed to return to the settlement, but dreaded the punishment that awaited him, from the austere justice of the Adelantado. His Indian bride, observing him fre quently melancholy and lost in thought, penetrated the cause, with the quick intelligence of female affection. Fearful that he would abandon her, and return to his countrymen, she endeavored to devise some means of drawing the Spaniards to that part of the island. Knowing that gold was their sovereign attraction, she informed Diaz of certain rich mines in the neighborhood, and urged him to persuade his countrymen to abandon the compara tively steril and unhealthy vicinity of Isabella, and settle upon the fertile banks of the Ozema ; promising they should be re ceived with the utmost kindness and hospitality by her nation. Struck with the suggestion, Diaz made particular inquiries about the mines, and was convinced that they abounded in gold. He noticed the superior fruitfulness and beauty of the country, the excellence of the river, and the security of the harbor at its entrance. He flattered himself that the communication of such valuable intelligence would make his peace at Isabella, and obtain his pardon from the Adelantado. Full of these hopes, he pro cured guides from among the natives, and taking a temporary leave of his Indian bride, set out with his comrades through the