The fact was, that Pinzon had heard from the natives of a certain island, whence all the gold was said to come, and he had wished to anticipate Columbus in the discovery of this El Dorado, and to secure the profits for himself.

He had not found this home of the gold, but had met with some natives from whom he had obtained, by barter, a large quantity of the precious metal.
Half of this he had appropriated: the other half he had distributed among his crew as a bribe to them to say nothing about the matter.
AFFRAY WITH ABORIGINES.
After a few days spent in refitting the vessels, and preparing for the homeward voyage, the Nina.

and her consort again set sail, coasting St.
Domingo in an easterly direction as far as the Gulf of Samana.

It was in this neighbourhood that the first affray with the aborigines took place, in consequence of an attack made by them upon an exploring expedition which Columbus had sent out.

But so anxious was he to preserve a good understanding with the natives, that he did not leave the scene of the encounter until he had come to an amicable agreement with them.