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Indians
did not care much for the small ones, either because they had plenty of
large ones, or because they did not know how to pierce them.
Columbus
left the island and approached the land, where many people had
collected along the shore, to see if they also had pearls. The shore
was covered with men, women, and children, who came to look at the
ships, a strange thing for them. Many Indians presently visited the
ships, went on board and stood amazed at the dress, swords, and beards
of the Spaniards, and the cannon, tackle, and arms of the ship. Our
people crossed themselves, and were delighted to see that all those
Indians wore pearls on their necks and
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wrists. Columbus asked by signs where they fished them, and they pointed to the coast and island.
Columbus
then sent to the shore two boats with many Spaniards, for greater
certainty of those new riches, and because they importuned him. The
chief took them to a place where there was a circular building that
resembled a temple, where presently much bread and fruits of different
kinds were brought. At the end of the feast he gave them pearls for
sweetmeats, and took them afterward to the palace to see the women and
the arrangement of the house. Of the numerous women there, not one was
without rings of gold and necklaces of pearls. The Spaniards returned
to the ships, wondering at such pearls and gold, and requested
Columbus to leave them there. But he did not wish to do so, saying they
were too few to settle. He hoisted
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