also knew of a rich country lying to the
southward, and to see that the large ornaments of clumsy workmanship
which they wore were of gold. When after six weeks the ship returned,
those on board were horrified at the wild and haggard faces of their
comrades, so wasted were they by hunger and disease; but they soon
revived, and, embarking once more, they joyfully left behind them the
dismal scene of so much suffering, which they had named the Port of
Famine. After a short run to the southward they again landed, and found
another Indian settlement. The inhabitants fled, and the Spaniards
secured a good store of maize and other food, and gold ornaments of
considerable value; but they retreated to their ship in horror when they
discovered human flesh roasting before a fire in one of the huts.

Once more they set sail, and encountered a furious storm, which so
shattered their vessel that they were glad to gain the shore at the
first possible landing-place. There they found a considerable town, the
inhabitants of which were a warlike race who speedily attacked them.
After some fighting the Spaniards were victorious, but they had lost
two of their number, and many were wounded. It was necessary that the
ship should be sent back to Panama for repairs, but Pizarro did not
consider that this place, which they had named Pueblo Quemado, would be
a safe resting-place for those who were left behind; so he embarked
again for Chicama, and when he was settled there his treasurer started
for Panama with the gold that had been collected, and instructions to
lay before Pedrarias, the governor, a full account of the expedition.
Meanwhile Almagro had succeeded in equipping a small caravel, and
started with about seventy men. He steered in the track of his comrade,
and by a previously concerted signal of notches upon the trees he was
able to recognise the places where Pizarro had landed. At Pueblo Quemado
the Indians received him ill, though they did not venture beyond their
palisades. This enraged Almagro, who stormed and took the place, driving
the natives into the woods. He paid dearly for his victory, however, as
a wound from a javelin deprived him of the sight of one eye. Pursuing
his voyage, he discovered several new places upon the coast, and
collected from them a considerable store of gold; but being anxious as
to the fate of Pizarro, of whom he had lost all trace for some time, he
turned back at the mouth of the San Juan River, and s