ic act of the notary. But it had no better
effect than the preceding efforts. Hence he ordered his artillery to be
discharged, somewhat high, so that he might frighten and startle them,
without doing them any harm. This succeeded as he expected, for those
people, little accustomed to similar reports, immediately abandoned
the shore and sea, fleeing more quickly than they had gathered. Thus
our men landed without any opposition. The Indians are much more nimble
than the Spaniards, and it is very easy for them to run through their
land, while it is difficult for us. Our men were unable to enter and
obviate the danger, for, when the firearms were discharged, they set
fire to some houses. These were burnt, inasmuch as their material is
very inflammable, and with them much food, which, in short, was the
greatest loss, for there was great need of it. Without doubt all the
village would have been burned had not the wind been contrary, and for
the time being favored the other houses, so that they were not burned.

[The eighth chapter of Medina's narrative relates the finding of
the image of the child Jesus, which had been left in the island by a
member of the Magallanes expedition. Our author exults over this find,
which he extols as miraculous, and asserts to be the "greatest relic
... of the islands."]

Chapter IX

_Of the subjection of the Indians of Sugbu to the king of Espana_

After the above acts, it appears that affairs began to brighten; for
those Indians, after witnessing the kind treatment extended to them,
and seeing that the Spaniards were more affable than they appeared on
the outside, promised very fair reciprocity. The commander endeavored
to ascertain their reason for refusing to the Spaniards provisions
and entrance into their land, so decidedly contrary to the laws of
hospitality. They answered that they were afraid that the Spaniards'
object was to call them to strict account for the death of Magallanes
and his men, and that they had come for no other purpose. They thought
that his mildness toward them was only for the purpose of quieting them
so that he could later take sharp revenge more easily. The commander
believed that they spoke the truth in their reply, and promised to do
them no injury whatever for that crime; for on the one hand that affair
was already forgotten, and, on the other, the Spaniards' intention was
to establish and maintain among them friendly intercourse. Hence, the
first s