for the accuracy of his reckoning, they were accustomed to change
their figures somewhat, before reporting to Legazpi. Urdaneta's
figures proved nearer the truth, but even he changed his reckoning,
enlarging it, that he might be more in harmony with the pilots. Thus
it happened that the daily runs were exaggerated, giving rise to the
belief that Los Reyes had been passed. In accordance with this belief
the course of the fleet was changed on the twenty-eighth of December,
taking the latitude of ten degrees, in order to reach Matalotes and
other islands. On January 8, 1565, the "San Pablo" reported land on
the port bow, and the fleet directed its course southward. The report
proving incorrect, the former course was resumed and on the next day
a low, small island was discovered. The natives fled at sight or the
squadron. The ships ran close to land, and finding no anchorage, for
the anchors failed to touch bottom, Martin de Goyti was ordered to
go ahead to look for an anchorage. Landing-parties (among whom were
Urdaneta and Legazpi's grandson, Felipe de Salcedo, Martin de Goyti,
and Juan de la Isla) went on shore to gather what information they
could, and Salcedo was empowered to take possession of the island for
the king. Meanwhile it became necessary for the vessels to weigh anchor
and set sail, as the ebb-tide was taking them out to sea. The small
boats that had been sent ashore regained the fleet at ten o'clock,
and it continued its voyage. The landing-party had been well received
by the natives who had not decamped--an old man, his wife, and a
young woman with her child--who showed them their houses, fruits,
and articles of food, giving them some of the latter. They showed
signs of regret at the departure of the Spaniards. "The Indian was
well built and the women good looking. They were clad in garments
made of palm-leaf mats, which are very thin and skilfully made. They
had many Castilian fowl, quantities of fish and cocoanuts, potatoes,
yams, and other grain, such as millet." They used canoes, and made