Mercedes of Castile; Or, The Voyage to Cathay

by James Fenimore Cooper

  CHAPTER XXII.

  "There is a Power, whose care Teaches thy way along that pathless coast-- The desert and illimitable air-- Lone wandering, but not lost."

  Bryant.

  The two or three hours that succeeded, were hours of an extraordinaryand intense interest. The three vessels stood hovering off the duskyshore, barely keeping at a safe distance, stripped of most of theircanvas, resembling craft that cruised leisurely at a given point,indifferent to haste or speed. As they occasionally and slowly passedeach other, words of heart-felt congratulation were exchanged; but nonoisy or intemperate exultation was heard on that all-important night.The sensations excited in the adventurers, by their success, were toodeep and solemn for any such vulgar exhibition of joy; and perhaps therewas not one among them all who did not, at that moment, inwardly confesshis profound submission to, and absolute dependence on a DivineProvidence.

  Columbus was silent. Emotions like his seldom find vent in words; buthis heart was overflowing with gratitude and love. He believed himselfto be in the further east, and to have reached that part of the world bysailing west; and it is natural to suppose that he expected the curtainof day would rise on some of those scenes of oriental magnificence whichhad been so eloquently described by the Polos and other travellers inthose remote and little-known regions. That this or other islands wereinhabited, the little he had seen sufficiently proved; but, as yet, allthe rest was conjecture of the wildest and most uncertain character. Thefragrance of the land, however, was very perceptible in the vessels,thus affording an opportunity to two of the senses to unite inestablishing their success.

  At length the long wished-for day approached, and the eastern sky beganto assume the tints that precede the appearance of the sun. As the lightdiffused itself athwart the dark blue ocean, and reached the island, theoutlines of the latter became more and more distinct; then objectsbecame visible on its surface, trees, glades, rocks, and irregularities,starting out of the gloom, until the whole picture was drawn in thegray, solemn colors of morning. Presently the direct rays of the suntouched it, gilding its prominent points, and throwing others intoshadow. It then became apparent that the discovery was that of an islandof no great extent, well wooded, and of a verdant and pleasant aspect.The land was low, but possessed an outline sufficiently graceful tocause it to seem a paradise in the eyes of men who had seriously doubtedwhether they were ever to look on solid ground again. The view of hismother earth is always pleasant to the mariner who has long gazed onnothing but water and sky; but thrice beautiful did it now seem to menwho not only saw in it their despair cured, but their most brillianthopes revived. From the position of the land near him, Columbus did notdoubt that he had passed another island, on which the light had beenseen, and, from his known course, this conjecture has since beenrendered almost certain.

  The sun had scarcely risen, when living beings were seen rushing out ofthe woods, to gaze in astonishment at the sudden appearance of machines,that were at first mistaken by the untutored islanders, for messengersfrom heaven. Shortly after, Columbus anchored his little fleet, andlanded to take possession in the name of the two sovereigns.

  As much state was observed on this occasion as the limited means of theadventurers would allow. Each vessel sent a boat, with her commander.The admiral, attired in scarlet, and carrying the royal standard,proceeded in advance, while Martin Alonzo, and Vicente Yanez Pinzon,followed, holding banners bearing crosses, the symbol of the expedition,with letters representing the initials of the two sovereigns, or F. andY., for Fernando and Ysabel.

  The forms usual to such occasions were observed on reaching the shore.Columbus took possession, rendered thanks to God for the success of theexpedition, and then began to look about him in order to form someestimate of the value of his discovery.[3]

  [Footnote 3: It is a singular fact that the position and name of theprecise island that was first fallen in with, on this celebrated voyage,remain to this day, if not a matter of doubt, at least a matter ofdiscussion. By most persons, some of the best authorities included, itis believed that the adventurers made Cat Island, as the place is nowcalled, though the admiral gave it the appellation of San Salvador;while others contend for what is now termed Turk's Island. The reasongiven for the latter opinion is the position of the island, and thecourse subsequently steered in order to reach Cuba. Munoz is of opinionthat it was Watling's Island, which lies due east of Cat Island, at thedistance of a degree of longitude, or a few hours' run. As respectsTurk's Island, the facts do not sustain the theory. The course steered,after quitting the island, was not west, but south-west; and we findColumbus anxious to get south to reach the island of Cuba, which wasdescribed to him by the natives, and which he believed to be Cipango. Noreason is given by Munoz for his opinion; but Watling's Island does notanswer the description of the great navigator, while it is so placed asto have lain quite near his course, and was doubtless passed unseen inthe darkness. It is thought the light so often observed by Columbus wason this island.]

  No sooner were the ceremonies observed, than the people crowded roundthe admiral, and began to pour out their congratulations for hissuccess, with their contrition for their own distrust and disaffection.The scene has often been described as a proof of the waywardness andinconstancy of human judgments; the being who had so lately been scowledon as a reckless and selfish adventurer, being now regarded as littleless than a God. The admiral was no more elated by this adulation, thanhe had been intimidated by the previous dissatisfaction, maintaining hiscalmness of exterior and gravity of demeanor, with those who pressedaround him, though a close observer might have detected the gleaming oftriumph in his eye, and the glow of inward rapture on his cheek.

  "These honest people are as inconstant in their apprehensions, as theyare extreme in their rejoicings," said Columbus to Luis, when liberateda little from the throng; "yesterday they would have cast me into thesea, and to-day they are much disposed to forget God, himself, in hisunworthy creature. Dost not see, that the men who gave us most concern,on account of their discontent, are now the loudest in their applause?"

  "This is but nature, Senor; fear flying from panic to exultation. Theseknaves fancy they are praising you, when they are, in truth, rejoicingin their own escape from some unknown but dreaded evil. Our friendsSancho and Pepe seem not to be thus overwhelmed, for while the last isgathering flowers from this shore of India, the first seems to belooking about him with commendable coolness, as if he might becalculating the latitude and longitude of the Great Khan's doblas."

  Columbus smiled, and, accompanied by Luis, he drew nearer to the two menmentioned, who were a little apart from the rest of the group. Sanchowas standing with his hands thrust into the bosom of his doublet,regarding the scene with the coolness of a philosopher, and toward himthe admiral first directed his steps.

  "How is this, Sancho of the ship-yard-gate?" said the great navigator;"thou lookest on this glorious scene as coolly as thou wouldst regard astreet in Moguer, or a field in Andalusia?"

  "Senor Don Almirante, the same hand made both. This is not the firstisland on which I have landed; nor are yonder naked savages the firstmen I have seen who were not dressed in scarlet doublets."

  "But hast thou no feeling for success--no gratitude to God for this vastdiscovery? Reflect, my friend, we are on the confines of Asia, and yethave we come here by holding a western course."

  "That the last is true, Senor, I will swear myself, having held thetiller in mine own hands no small part of the way. Do you think, SenorDon Almirante, that we have come far enough in this direction to havegot to the back side of the earth, or to stand, as it might be, underthe very feet of Spain?"

  "By no means. The realms of the Great Khan will scarcely occupy theposition you mean."

  "Then, Senor, what will there be to prevent the doblas of that countryfrom falling off into the air, leaving us our journey for our pains?"

  "The same power that will prevent our caravels from dropping out of thesea, and the
water itself from following. These things depend on naturallaws, my friend, and nature is a legislator that will be respected."

  "It is all Moorish to me," returned Sancho, rubbing his eye-brows. "Herewe are, of a verity, if not actually beneath the feet of Spain,standing, as it might be, on the side of the house; and yet I find nomore difficulty in keeping on an even keel, than I did in Moguer--bySanta Clara! less, in some particulars, good solid Xeres wine being farless plenty here than there."

  "Thou art no Moor, Sancho, although thy father's name be a secret. Andthou, Pepe, what dost thou find in those flowers to draw thy attentionso early from all these wonders?"

  "Senor, I gather them for Monica. A female hath a more delicate feelingthan a man, and she will be glad to see with what sort of ornaments Godhath adorned the Indies."

  "Dost thou fancy, Pepe, that thy love can keep those flowers in bloom,until the good caravel shall recross the Atlantic?" demanded Luis,laughing.

  "Who knoweth, Senor Gutierrez? A warm heart maketh a thriving nursery.You would do well, too, if you prefer any Castilian lady to all others,to bethink you of her beauty, and gather some of these rare plants todeck her hair."

  Columbus now turned away, the natives seeming disposed to approach thestrangers, while Luis remained near the young sailor, who stillcontinued to collect the plants of the tropics. In a minute our hero wassimilarly employed; and long ere the admiral and the wondering islandershad commenced their first parley, he had arranged a gorgeous _bouquet_,which he already fancied in the glossy dark hair of Mercedes.

  The events of a public nature that followed, are too familiar to everyintelligent reader to need repetition here. After passing a short timeat San Salvador, Columbus proceeded to other islands, led on bycuriosity, and guided by real or fancied reports of the natives, untilthe 28th, when he reached that of Cuba. Here he imagined, for a time,that he had found the continent, and he continued coasting it, first ina north-westerly, and then in a south-easterly direction, for near amonth. Familiarity with the novel scenes that offered soon lessenedtheir influence, and the inbred feelings of avarice and ambition beganto resume their sway in the bosoms of several of those who had beenforemost in manifesting their submission to the admiral, when thediscovery of land so triumphantly proved the justice of his theories,and the weakness of their own misgivings. Among others who thus cameunder the influence of their nature, was Martin Alonzo Pinzon, who,finding himself almost entirely excluded from the society of the youngCount of Llera, in whose eyes he perceived he filled but a verysubordinate place, fell back on his own local importance, and began toenvy Columbus a glory that he now fancied he might have secured forhimself. Hot words had passed between the admiral and himself, on morethan one occasion, before the land was made, and every day something newoccurred to increase the coldness between them.

  It forms no part of this work to dwell on the events that followed, asthe adventurers proceeded from island to island, port to port, and riverto river. It was soon apparent that very important discoveries had beenmade; and the adventurers were led on day by day, pursuing theirinvestigations, and following directions that were ill comprehended, butwhich, it was fancied, pointed to mines of gold. Everywhere they metwith a gorgeous and bountiful nature, scenery that fascinated the eye,and a climate that soothed the senses; but, as yet, man was found livingin the simplest condition of the savage state. The delusion of being inthe Indies was general, and every intimation that fell from thoseuntutored beings, whether by word or sign, was supposed to have somereference to the riches of the east. All believed that, if notabsolutely within the kingdom of the Great Khan, they were at least onits confines. Under such circumstances, when each day actually producednew scenes, promising still greater novelties, few bethought them ofSpain, unless it were in connection with the glory of returning to her,successful and triumphant. Even Luis dwelt less intently in his thoughtson Mercedes, suffering her image, beautiful as it was, to be momentarilysupplanted by the unusual spectacles that arose before his physicalsight in such constant and unwearied succession. Little substantial,beyond the fertile soil and genial climate, offered, it is true, in theway of realizing all the bright expectations of the adventurers inconnection with pecuniary advantages; but each moment was fraught withhope, and no one knew what a day would bring forth.

  Two agents were at length sent into the interior to make discoveries,and Columbus profited by the occasion to careen his vessels. About thetime this mission was expected to return, Luis sallied forth with aparty of armed men to meet it, Sancho making one of his escort. Theambassadors were met on their way back at a short day's march from thevessels, accompanied by a few of the natives, who were following withintense curiosity, expecting at each moment to see their unknownvisitors take their flight toward heaven. A short halt was made for thepurpose of refreshing themselves, after the two parties had joined; andSancho, as reckless of danger on the land as on the ocean, stalked intoa village that lay near the halting place. Here he endeavored to makehimself as agreeable to the inhabitants as one of his appearance verywell could, by means of signs. Sancho figured in this little hamletunder some such advantages as those that are enjoyed in the country by agreat man from town; the spectators not being, as yet, sufficientlysophisticated to distinguish between the cut of a doublet and the mannerof wearing it, as between a clown and a noble. He had not been manyminutes playing the grandee among these simple beings, when they seemeddesirous of offering to him some mark of particular distinction.Presently, a man appeared, holding certain dark-looking and driedleaves, which he held out to the hero of the moment in a deferentialmanner, as a Turk would offer his dried sweet-meats, or an American hiscake. Sancho was about to accept the present, though he would greatlyhave preferred a dobla, of which he had not seen any since the lastreceived from the admiral, when a forward movement was made by most ofthe Cubans, who humbly, and with emphasis, uttered the word"tobacco"--"tobacco." On this hint, the person who held forth theoffering drew back, repeated the same word in an apologizing manner, andset about making what, it was now plain was termed a "tobacco," in thelanguage of that country. This was soon effected, by rolling up theleaves in the form of a rude segar, when a "tobacco," duly manufactured,was offered to the seaman. Sancho took the present, nodded his headcondescendingly, repeated the words himself, in the best manner hecould, and thrust the "tobacco" into his pocket. This movement evidentlyexcited some surprise among the spectators, but, after a littleconsultation, one of them lighted an end of a roll, applied the other tohis mouth, and began to puff forth volumes of a fragrant light smoke,not only to his own infinite satisfaction, but seemingly to that of allaround him. Sancho attempted an imitation, which resulted, as is commonwith the tyro in this accomplishment, in his reeling back to his partywith the pallid countenance of an opium-chewer, and a nausea that he hadnot experienced since the day he first ventured beyond the bar ofSaltes, to issue on the troubled surface of the Atlantic.

  This little scene might be termed the introduction of the well-knownAmerican weed into civilized society, the misapprehension of theSpaniards, touching the appellation, transferring the name of the rollto the plant itself. Thus did Sancho, of the ship-yard-gate, become thefirst Christian tobacco smoker, an accomplishment in which he was sosoon afterward rivalled by some of the greatest men of his age, andwhich has extended down to our own times.

  On the return of his agents, Columbus again sailed, pushing his wayalong the north shore of Cuba. While struggling against the trades, witha view to get to the eastward, he found the wind too fresh, anddetermined to bear up for a favorite haven in the island of Cuba, thathe had named Puerto del Principe. With this view a signal was made tocall the Pinta down, that vessel being far to windward; and, as nightwas near, lights were carried in order to enable Martin Alonzo to closewith his commander. The next morning, at the dawn of day, when Columbuscame on deck, he cast a glance around him, and beheld the Nina, hove-tounder his lee, but no signs of the other caravel.

  "Have none seen the Pinta?"
demanded the admiral, hastily, of Sancho,who stood at the helm.

  "Senor, _I_ did, as long as eyes could see a vessel that was striving toget out of view. Master Martin Alonzo hath disappeared in the easternboard, while we have been lying-to, here, in waiting for him to comedown."

  Columbus now perceived that he was deserted by the very man who had onceshown so much zeal in his behalf, and who had given, in the act, newproof of the manner in which friendship vanishes before self-interestand cupidity. There had been among the adventurers many reports of theexistence of gold mines, obtained from the descriptions of the natives;and the admiral made no doubt that his insubordinate follower hadprofited by the superior sailing of his caravel, to keep the wind, inthe expectation to be the first to reach the Eldorado of their wishes.As the weather still continued unfavorable, however, the Santa Maria andthe Nina returned to port, where they waited for a change. Thisseparation occurred on the 21st of November, at which moment theexpedition had not advanced beyond the north coast of Cuba.

  From this time until the sixth of the following month, Columbuscontinued his examination of this noble island, when he crossed what hassince been termed the "windward passage," and first touched on theshores of Hayti. All this time, there had been as much communication ascircumstances would allow, with the aborigines, the Spaniards makingfriends wherever they went, as a consequence of the humane and prudentmeasures of the admiral. It is true that violence had been done, in afew instances, by seizing half a dozen individuals in order to carrythem to Spain, as offerings to Dona Isabella; but this act was easilyreconcilable to usage in that age, equally on account of the deferencethat was paid to the kingly authority, and on the ground that theseizures were for the good of the captives' souls.

  The adventurers were more delighted with the bold, and yet winningaspect of Hayti, than they had been with even the adjacent island ofCuba. The inhabitants were found to be handsomer and more civilized thanany they had yet seen, while they retained the gentleness and docilitythat had proved so pleasing to the admiral. Gold, also, was seen amongthem in considerable quantities; and the Spaniards set on foot a tradeof some extent, in which the usual incentive of civilized man was thegreat aim of one side, and hawk's-bells appear to have been theprincipal desideratum with the other.

  In this manner, and in making hazardous advances along the coast, theadmiral was occupied until the 20th of the month, when he reached apoint that was said to be in the vicinity of the residence of the GreatCacique of all that portion of the island. This prince, whose name, asspelt by the Spaniards, was Guacanagari, had many tributary caciques,and was understood, from the half-intelligible descriptions of hissubjects, to be a monarch that was much beloved. On the 22d, while stilllying in the Bay of Acul, where the vessels had anchored two dayspreviously, a large canoe was seen entering the haven. It was shortlyafter announced to the admiral that this boat contained an ambassadorfrom the Great Cacique, who brought presents from his master, with arequest that the vessels would move a league or two further east, andanchor off the town inhabited by the prince himself. The wind preventingan immediate compliance, a messenger was despatched with a suitableanswer, and the ambassador returned. Fatigued with idleness, anxious tosee more of the interior, and impelled by a constitutional love ofadventure, Luis, who had struck up a hasty friendship with a young mancalled Mattinao, who attended the ambassador, asked permission toaccompany him, taking his passage in the canoe. Columbus gave hisconsent to this proposal with a good deal of reluctance, the rank andimportance of our hero inducing him to avoid the consequences of anytreachery or accident. The importunity of Luis finally prevailed,however, and he departed with many injunctions to be discreet, beingfrequently admonished of the censure that would await the admiral in theevent of any thing serious occurring. As a precaution, too, Sancho Mundowas directed to accompany the young man, in this chivalrous adventure,in the capacity of an esquire.

  No weapon more formidable than a blunt arrow having yet been seen in thehands of the natives, the young Count de Llera declined taking his mail,going armed only with a trusty sword, the temper of which had been triedon many a Moorish corslet and helm, in his foot encounters, andprotected by a light buckler. An arquebuse had been put into his hand,but he refused it, as a weapon unsuited to knightly hands, and asbetraying a distrust that was not merited by the previous conduct of thenatives. Sancho, however, was less scrupulous, and accepted the weapon.In order, moreover, to divert the attention of his followers from aconcession that the admiral felt to be a departure from his own rigidlaws, Luis and his companions landed, and entered the canoe at a pointconcealed from the vessels, in order that their absence might not beknown. It is owing to these circumstances, as well as to the generalmystery that was thrown about the connection of the young grandee withthe expedition, that the occurrences we are about to relate were neverentered by the admiral in his journal, and have consequently escaped theprying eyes of the various historians who have subsequently collected somuch from that pregnant document.