party: when they should see land, whether it would really be Antillia,
whether they should have a good landfall, whether the island would be
fertile, whether there would be native inhabitants, and if so, whether
they should be baptized and sent to Spain as slaves, or whether they
should be retained on the island. It was decided, on the whole, that this
last should be done; and what with the prospect of winning souls, and the
certainty of having obedient subjects, the prospect seemed inviting.

One morning, at sunrise, there lay before them a tropic island, soft and
graceful, with green shrubs and cocoanut trees, and rising in the distance
to mountains whose scooped tops and dark, furrowed sides spoke of extinct
volcanoes--yet not so extinct but that a faint wreath of vapor still
mounted from the utmost peak of the highest among them. Here and there
were seen huts covered with great leaves or sheaves of grass, and among
these they saw figures moving and disappearing, watching their approach,
yet always ready to disappear in the recesses of the woods. Sounding
carefully the depth of water with their imperfect tackle, they anchored
off the main beach, and sent a boat on shore from each vessel, Luis being
in command of one. The natives at first hovered in the distance, but
presently came down to the shore to meet the visitors, some even swimming
off to the boats in advance. They were of a yellow complexion, with good
features, were naked except for goat-skins or woven palm fibres, or reeds
painted in different colors; and were gay and merry, singing and dancing
among themselves. When brought on board the ships, they ate bread and
figs, but refused wine and spices; and they seemed not to know the use of
rings or of swords, when shown to them. Whatever was given to them they
divided with one another. They cultivated fruit and grain on their island,
reared goats, and seemed willing to share all with their newly found
friends. Luis, always thoughtful, and somewhat anxious in temperament,
felt many doubts as to the usage which these peaceful islanders would