178
VOYAGES
A N D DISCOVERIES OF
in their expeditions in those days, whether against
Moors or
Indians. Finding his representations of no effect, Chiapes volunteered to take part in this perilous cruise, lest he should appear wanting in courage, or in good will to his guest.
Accompanied by the
cacique, therefore, Vasco Nunez embarked on the 17th of Octo ber with sixty men in nine canoes, managed by Indians, leaving the residue of his followers to recruit their health and strength in the village of Chiapes. Scarcely however had they put forth on the broad bosom of the gulf, when the wisdom of the cacique's advice was made apparent.
The wind began to blow freshly, raising a heavy and
tumultuous sea, which broke in roaring and foaming surges on the rocks and reefs, and among the numerous islets with which the gulf was studded.
The light canoes were deeply laden with
men unskilled in their management.
It was frightful to those in
one canoe to behold their companions, one instant tossed high on the breaking crest of a wave, the next plunging out of sight, in a watery abyss.
The Indians themselves, though almost amphi
bious in their habits, showed signs of consternation ; for amidst these rocks and breakers even the skill of the expert swimmer would be of little avail.
At length the Indians succeeded in ty
ing the canoes in pairs, side by side, to prevent their being over turned, and in this way they kept afloat, until towards evening they were enabled to reach a small island.
Here they landed,
and fastening the canoes to the rocks, or to small trees that grew upon the shore, they sought an elevated dry place, and stretched themselves to take repose. danger to encounter another.
They had but
escaped from one
Having been for a long time ac
customed to the sea on the northern side of the isthmus, where