THE
C O M P A N I O N S OF C O L U M B U S .
265
Some of the largest of these were gathered by the Indians and given to the Spaniards.
The quantity thus procured confirmed
the hopes of Juan Ponce ; and leaving several of his companions in the house of the hospitable cacique, he returned to Hayti to report the success of his expedition.
He presented the speci
mens of gold to the Governor Ovando, who assayed them in a crucible.
The ore was not so fine as that of Hispaniola, but, as
it was supposed to exist in greater quantities, the governor deter mined on the subjugation of the island, and confided the enter prise to Juan Ponce de Leon.
CHAPTER JUAN
PONCE
ASPIRES
TO
THE
II.
GOVERNMENT
OF
PORTO
RICO.
[1509]
T H E natives of Boriquen were more warlike than those of His paniola ; being accustomed to the use of arms from the necessity of repelling the frequent invasions of the Caribs.
It was sup
posed, therefore, that the conquest of their island would be attended with some difficulty, and Juan Ponce de Leon made another, and as it were, a preparatory visit, to make himself acquainted with the country, and with the nature and resources of the inhabitants.
He found the companions whom he had left
there on his former visit, in good health and spirits, and full of gratitude towards the cacique Agueybanà, who had treated them with undiminished hospitality.
There appeared to be no need
of violence to win the island from such simple-hearted and con fiding people.
Juan Ponce flattered himself with the hopes of