But all these fond hopes were disappointed.
The natives, under a leader named Quibian, rallied in large numbers, probably intending to drive the colonists away.

It was only by the boldest measures that their plans were met.

When Columbus supposed that he had suppressed their enterprise, he took leave of his brother, as he had intended, leaving him but one of the four vessels.
Fortunately, as it proved, the wind did not serve.

He sent back a boat to communicate with the settlement, but it fell into the hands of the savages.

Doubtful as to the issue, a seaman, named Ledesma, volunteered to swim through the surf, and communicate with the settlement.