ressing his opinion on the
subject, and as he had no other opportunity of verifying this idea, he
died in the belief that Cuba was the extremity of the Asiatic coast.

From this point, escaping numerous perils, he now again steered
eastward, until on the 7th of July he anchored in the mouth of a fine
river, intending to give the crews rest and recreation after their
confinement of two months on board. He was here visited by the cacique
and his venerable minister of fourscore years, who brought a string of
beads, to which he attached a mystic value, and a calabash of a delicate
kind of fruit. These he presented in token of amity.

The people also brought utias, large pigeons, bread, and rich fruits;
indeed, they and the chief cacique received him with mingled
demonstrations of joy and reverence.

In all remarkable places Columbus visited he erected crosses in
conspicuous situations. Here a large one of wood was elevated on the
bank of a river. Mass was then performed, and after it was concluded,
the old counsellor approached, and expressed his satisfaction that the
strangers thus gave thanks to God.

"Be not vainglorious," he added, "at all you have accomplished. Know
that there are two places to which the souls of men go: the one dismal,
foul, and dark, prepared for those who have been unjust and cruel; the
other pleasant and full of delight for such as have promoted peace on
earth. Beware, then, that you wrongfully hurt no man, and do no harm to
those who have done no harm to thee."

The Admiral, greatly moved, assured him that he rejoiced to hear his
doctrine respecting the future state, and told him that he had been sent
by his sovereigns to teach them the true religion, and to help them
subdue their enemies the cannibals, and therefore that all peaceable men
might look to him as their protector.

The old man then offered to embark with the Admiral, seized with a
desire to visit the wonderful country from which he and his followers
came, and only with great reluctance, moved by the lamentations of his
wife and children, would he abandon his project.

After remaining several days here, Columbus put to sea; but unable to
fetch Hispaniola, stood over to Jamaica, intending to finish its
circumnavigation. The inhabitants came off, exhibiting the most
friendly disposition whenever the vessels neared the shore, and Diego
Colon, the interpreter, never failed to expatiate on the wonders he had
seen in Spain, an