As the stores were consumed, the Nina felt the want of the ballast which Columbus had intended to take on board at the Amazonian Island.
"Fill the empty casks with water," he said, "and let them serve as ballast," an expedient which has grown common enough now, but which then was probably original.
THE PROMISED PILGRAMAGE Nor, while he did all that human skill could suggest for the safety of his vessel, did Columbus neglect to invoke the aid of that Higher Power, at whose special instigation he believed himself to have undertaken the expedition.

With his whole crew he drew lots to choose one of their number to perform a pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Guadaloupe.

The admiral was chosen.

Twice more were lots drawn with a similar object, and once again the lot fell to the admiral.

Afterwards, he and all the crew made a vow to go in procession, clothed in penitential garments, to the first church, dedicated to the Virgin, which they should meet with on arriving at land; and this vow, as we shall see presently, was followed by quite unexpected consequences.
NARRATIVE INCLOSED IN CASK.
When the chances of weathering the storm had become small indeed, Columbus determined that, if possible, the tidings of his discovery should not perish with him.