. Instead of obeying the admiral, this cowardly villain, with
others like him, sprang into the boat and made off for the other vessel,
which was about half a league off. The other vessel would not receive
them, and they rowed back again. But it was too late. The admiral did what
he could in the emergency: he cut down the mast, lightened the vessel as
best he might, took out his people and went with them to the other
caravel, sending his boat to Guacanagari to inform him of the misfortune.

KINDNESS OF INDIAN CHIEF.

The good Guacanagari was moved to tears by this sad affair. He gave not
only sympathy, however, but assistance. His people went out with their
canoes, and in a few moments cleared the vessel of all the goods in it.
Guacanagari was very careful that nothing should be lost. He himself stood
guard over the things which had been taken out of the ship. Then he sent
comforting messages to the admiral, saying that he would give him what he
had to make up for the loss. He put all the effects under shelter, and
placed guards round them. The wrecker's trade might flourish in Cornwall;
but, like other crimes of civilization, it was unknown in St. Domingo. The
admiral was evidently touched to the heart, as well he might be, by the
kindness of these Indians. He thus expresses himself, "They are a loving,
uncovetous people, so docile in all things, that I assure your highnesses
I believe in all the world there is not a better people, or a better
country; they love their neighbours as themselves, and they have the
sweetest and gentlest way of talking in the world, and always with a
smile."

A COLONY FOUNDED.

The admiral resolved to found a colony in Guacanagari's land, "having
found such good will and such signs of gold." In relating this, the
Spanish historian, Herrera, makes some curious reflections. He looks upon
the loss of the vessel as providential, in order that the true faith might
be preached in that country. Then he says, how providence causes its work
to be done, not on high motives only, but also on the ordinary ones which
influence mankind. He concludes by observing that providence dealt with
the Indians as a prudent father who has an ugly daughter, but makes up for
her ugliness by the help of a large dowry. By the ugliness in this case he
means the seas to be traversed, the hunger to be endured, and the labours
to be undertaken, which he considers no other nation but the Spaniards
would have encou