ople left
behind had disobeyed all the orders given by Columbus. The simple
natives soon discovered that the beings they had at first worshipped as
gods were gross sensualists, who carried off their wives and daughters,
and possessed themselves of their gold and property by fraud and
violence.

In vain Arana interposed his authority. His lieutenants deserted him
and set off on an expedition to the mines of Cibao, where they were
captured by Caonabo and put to death. Others, abandoning the fortress,
lived carelessly about the neighbourhood, and Caonabo burst upon the
fortress while the residue of the garrison were asleep, and, setting it
on fire, massacred some, while others fled to the sea and were drowned.

Guacanagari and his people had fought faithfully in defence of their
guests, but were easily routed, and the cacique being wounded, his
village was burnt to the ground.

Columbus afterwards visited the unfortunate Guacanagari, who received
him in the same friendly spirit as before; but Father Boyle and others
declared their belief that he was acting a treacherous part, and
advised, when he afterwards returned the Admiral's visit, that he should
be detained. Columbus, however, rejected the counsel of his followers
as contrary to sound policy and honourable faith. The cacique, seeing
that he was mistrusted, took his departure, and for long kept out of the
way of the Spaniards.

Finding that this was not a suitable place for a settlement, Columbus
weighed anchor on the 7th of December, but in consequence of adverse
weather he put into a harbour about ten leagues east of Monte Cristo.
He was here struck by the advantages of its spacious harbour, there
being also two rivers watering a green and beautiful plain, while the
soil appeared to be fertile, and excellent fish were found. It was also
at no great distance from the mountains of Cibao.

It being considered, therefore, that no situation more favourable for
the projected colony could be found, the troops and labourers were
landed with their provisions, articles for traffic, guns, ammunition,
and live stock of all sorts, and an encampment was formed round a sheet
of water.

Streets and squares were projected; a church, public storehouse, and a
residence for the Admiral were commenced. These were built of stone.
The other houses were constructed of wood, plaster, and reeds; and for a
short time every one exerted himself with the utmost zeal.

To the firs