[1503.]

While the Adelantado and his men were exposed to such imminent
peril on shore, great anxiety prevailed on board of the ships. Day
after day elapsed without the return of Diego Tristan and his party,
and it was feared that some disaster had befallen them. Columbus
would have sent on shore to make inquiries ; but there was only one
boat remaining for the service of the squadron, and he did not dare
to risk it, in the rough sea and heavy surf that were prevailing. A
dismal circumstance occurred, to increase the gloom and uneasiness
of the crews. On board of one of the caravels were confined the
family and household of the cacique Quibian. It was intended to
carry them to Spain ; for as long as they remained in the power of
the Spaniards, Columbus trusted that their tribe would be deterred
from further hostilities. They were shut up at night in the forecas-
tle of the caravel, the hatchway of which was secured by a strong
chain and padlock. As several of the crew slept upon the hatch,
and as it was so high as to be considered out of reach of the
prisoners, they neglected to fasten the chain. The Indians discover-
ed this negligence and formed a plan of escape. Collecting together
a quantity of stones from the ballast of the vessel, they made a great
heap directly under the hatchway. Several of the most powerful
warriors mounted upon the top, and bending their backs, by a sud-
den and simultaneous effort burst open the covert, flinging the sea-
men who slept upon it to the opposite side of the ship. In an instant
the greater part of the Indians sprang forth, plunged into the sea,
and swam for shora The alarm being given, several were prevent-
ed from sallying forth; others were seized on the deck, and forced
back into the foreccLStle ; the hatchway was carefully chained down,
and a guard was set for the rest of the night In the morning,
when the Spaniards went to examine the captives, they were all
found dead Some had hanged themselves with the ends of ropea^
their knees touching the floor; others had strangled thenuselves by
straining the cords tight with their feet The most inflexible de*
?oi. IL 9 I-



Digitized by VjOOQIC



122 UPE and voyages OF [BboK JLV.
