The Spaniards, however, thought that the Indians might have been accidentally overturned in their canoe, as it was a small one, and as wine had been given them several times during their visit.
While he was still waiting for them, the Admiral sent some of his men to the place where La Navidad had stood.

They found that the strong fort with a palisade was burned down and demolished.

They also found some cloaks and other clothes which had been carried off by the Indians, who seemed uneasy, and at first would not come near the party.
"This did not appear well" to the Spaniards, as the Admiral had told them how many canoes had come out to visit him in that very place on the other voyage.

They tried to make friends, however, threw out to them some bells, beads and other presents, and finally a relation of the cacique and three others ventured to the boat, and were taken on board ship.
These men frankly admitted that the "christians" were all dead.

The Spaniards had been told so the night before by their Indian interpreter, but they had refused to believe him.