somewhat pacified the natives, and Alarcon did all he could by signs
to express his peaceful intentions, throwing his arms to the bottom
of the boat and putting his foot on them, at the same time ordering
the boats to be placed nearer shore. After much manoeuvring they
finally brought about some trifling intercourse and then proceeded up
the river, the natives following along the shore. Repeatedly they
signalled for the Spaniards to land, but Alarcon, fearful of
treachery, declined, and spent the night in the middle of the stream.
Nor was the appearance of the natives reassuring, for they had their
faces hideously painted, some all over and others only half, while
still others carried painted masks before them. In their nostrils
they wore pendants, and their ears were pierced with holes wherein
they hung bones and shells. Their only clothing was a sort of girdle
around the waist.

* Hakluyt gives "25th," but it is a misprint, as this Thursday in
1540 was the 26th.


Gradually, intercourse increased, and presents of trinkets seemed to
incline all the natives in Alarcon's favour. At length he discovered
that they reverenced the sun, and without compunction he proclaimed
that he came from that orb. This deception served him well.
Henceforth no service was too great for the natives to perform for
these sacred beings. Everything was placed at their disposal.
Alarcon's word was their law. They relieved the men entirely of the
wearisome task of towing the boats, striving with each other for the
privilege. Without this help it would have been impossible for
Alarcon to have proceeded far up the river, and he fully appreciated
this, though the chief reward bestowed on the helpers and all the