He was warmly received on his return to the ships, and the result of his efforts was soon visible in the daily supplies of food that now regularly arrived.
Thus was one difficulty overcome; but it was not likely that either Columbus himself or any of his people would be content to remain for ever on the beach of Jamaica.

It was necessary to establish communication with Espanola, and thence with Spain; but how to do it in the absence of ships or even boats?
Columbus, pondering much upon this matter, one day calls Diego Mendez aside; walks him off, most likely, under the great rustling trees beyond the beach, and there tells him his difficulty.
"My son," says he, "you and I understand the difficulties and dangers of our position here better than any one else.

We are few; the Indians are many; we know how fickle and easily irritated they are, and how a fire-brand thrown into our thatched cabins would set the whole thing ablaze.

It is quite true that you have very cleverly established a provision supply, but it is dependent entirely upon the good nature of the natives and it might cease to-morrow.

Here is my plan: you have a good canoe; why should some one not go over to Espanola in it and send back a ship for us ?" Diego Mendez, knowing very well what is meant, looks down upon the ground.