he prevailing winds were from the
east, and had not power to disturb the torpid stillness of the ocean,
there was the risk of perishing amidst stagnant and shoreless waters,
and being prevented by contrary winds from ever returning to Spain.

Next a swell got up, which showed that their terrors caused by the calm
were imaginary. Notwithstanding this, and the favourable signs which
increased his confidence, he feared that after all, breaking into
mutiny, they would compel him to return.

The sailors fancied that their ships were too weak for so long a voyage,
and held secret consultations, exciting each other's discontent. They
had gone farther than any one before had done. Who could blame them,
should they, consulting their safety, turn back?

Columbus, though aware of the mutinous disposition of his crew,
maintained a serene and steady countenance, using gentle words with
some, stimulating the pride and avarice of others, and threatening the
refractory.

On the 25th of September the wind again became favourable, and the
squadron resumed its westerly course. Pinzon now, on examining the
chart, supposed that they must be approaching Cipango. Columbus desired
to have it returned, and it was thrown on board at the end of a line.

While Columbus and his pilot were studying it, they heard a shout, and
looking up saw Pinzon standing at the stern of the _Pinta_, crying,
"Land! land! Senor, I claim my reward!"

There was indeed an appearance of land to the south-west. Columbus and
the other officers threw themselves on their knees, and returned thanks
to God. The seamen, mounting the rigging, strained their eyes in the
direction pointed out, but the morning light put an end to their hopes.

Again with dejected hearts they proceeded, the sea, as before, tranquil,
the breeze propitious, and the weather mild and delightful. In a day or
two more weeds were seen floating from east to west, but no birds were
visible. The people again expressed their fears that they had passed
between two islands; but after the lapse of another day the ships were
visited by numberless birds, and various indications of land became more
numerous. Full of hope, the seamen ascended the rigging, and were
continually crying out that they saw land.

Columbus put a stop to these false alarms, declaring that should any one
assert that they saw land, and it was not discovered within three days,
he should forfeit all claim to the reward.

Pi