he greatest sympathy with their
guests, who were treated with the utmost hospitality.

Two days afterwards Guacanagari came on board the _Nina_ to visit the
Admiral, and, with tears in his eyes, offered him all he possessed.
While he was on board a canoe arrived with pieces of gold, and, on
observing his countenance light up, the cacique told him there was a
place not far off, among the mountains, where it could be procured in
the greatest abundance. He called the place Cibao, which Columbus still
confounded with that of Cipango.

Guacanagari, after dining on board, where he exhibited the utmost
frankness, invited Columbus to his village. Here he had prepared an
abundant banquet, consisting of coneys, fish, roots, and various fruits.
He afterwards conducted the Admiral to some beautiful groves, where a
thousand natives were collected to perform their national games and
dances.

In return, the Admiral sent on board for a Castilian accustomed to the
use of the Moorish bow and arrows. The cacique was greatly surprised at
the skill with which the Castilian used his weapon, and told him that
the Caribs, who made frequent descents on his territory, were also armed
with bows and arrows.

Columbus promised his protection, and, to show his host the powerful
means at his disposal, ordered a heavy cannon and an arquebus to be
discharged. At the report the Indians fell to the ground, as if they
had been struck by a thunderbolt. As they saw the shot shivering a
tree, they were filled with dismay, until Columbus assured them that
these weapons should be turned against their enemies.

The cacique now presented Columbus with a wooden mask, the eyes, ears,
and other parts, of gold; and he also placed a golden crown on his head,
and hung plates of gold round his neck. The natives, though willing to
receive anything in exchange for gold, were chiefly delighted with the
hawks' bells, dancing and playing a dozen antics as they listened to the
sound. An Indian gave even a handful of gold for one of the toys, and
then bounded away, fearing that the stranger might repent having parted
so cheaply with such an inestimable a treasure. The shipwrecked
Spaniards, delighted with their idle life on shore, expressed their wish
to remain on the island. This, with the friendly behaviour of the
natives, induced Columbus to agree to their proposal. He considered
that they might explore the island, learn the language and manners of
the nati