main with the greater part
of the people while the Admiral should return to Spain for
reinforcements and supplies.

Eighty men were selected to remain, and they immediately set about
building dwellings and a store-house within bowshot of the river Belen.
Columbus endeavoured to conciliate the good-will of the Indians, that
they might bring provisions to the colony, and he made many presents to
Quibian to reconcile him to this intrusion into his territories.

When an attempt was made, however, to carry the vessels over the bar, it
was found there was not sufficient water for them. They had to wait for
the periodical swelling of the river before this could be accomplished.

Columbus was satisfied with the good disposition of the natives, but the
chief notary, Diego Mendez, his attached friend, had some doubts about
the matter, and offered to sally forth and visit a large Indian camp
which it was discovered had been formed in the neighbourhood.

Rowing up the river in a strongly-armed boat, he suddenly came upon a
thousand or more Indians evidently on a warlike expedition. Landing
alone, he offered to accompany them. This proposition was received in a
suspicious manner, and he returned to his boat. Watching narrowly
during the night, he perceived that they went back to Veragua.

Hastening to the Admiral, he expressed his opinion that the Indians
intended to surprise the settlement. Further to ascertain the
intentions of Quibian, he undertook to penetrate to his head-quarters.
Accompanied by one Rodrigo Escobar, he made his way to the mouth of the
Veragua, where he induced two Indians to convey him and his companion up
the river.

On reaching the village of the chief, the two Spaniards observed a
bustle of warlike preparation, and heard that Quibian was confined to
his house by a wound. Mendez on this announced that he was a surgeon,
and offered to cure the chief of his wound. Making his way towards the
chief's residence, he came upon an open space where he saw raised on
posts the heads of three hundred enemies of the tribe slain in battle.

As he approached the house, a powerful Indian--son of the cacique--
rushed out and struck him a blow; but Mendez producing a box of
ointment, pacified him. Though unable to gain access to the cacique, he
escaped without further injury to the boat, and he and his companion
made their way down to the harbour.

It was evident that the natives intended hostilities, and from