was a prey to
the most painful anxiety.  His fear was that the _Pinta_ had already
foundered, and that his vessel would also go to the bottom.

An expedient occurred to him at this time by which, though he and his
ships should perish, the glory of his achievement might survive to his
name, and its advantages be secured to his sovereigns.  He wrote on a
parchment a brief account of his voyage and discovery; then, having
sealed and directed it to the King and Queen, he wrapped it in a waxed
cloth, which he placed in the centre of a piece of wax, and, enclosing
the whole in a large cask, threw it into the sea.  He also enclosed a
copy in a similar manner, placing the cask on the poop so that it might
float off should the vessel sink.

These precautions somewhat mitigated his anxiety.  Towards sunset a
streak of clear sky appeared in the west, the sign of finer weather.  It
came, though the sea ran so high that little sail could be carried.

At daybreak on the morning of the 15th the cry of "Land!" was raised.
The transports of the crew equalled those exhibited on first beholding
the New World.  Various conjectures were offered as to what land it was.
Some thought it the rock of Cintra, others the island of Madeira,
others a portion of Spain.  Columbus, however, knew that it was one of
the Azores, in possession of the Portuguese.

On the evening of the 17th of February the vessel dropped her anchor off
the island of Saint Mary's, the most southern of the Azores, and at
length the great navigator was enabled to enjoy the first moments of
sleep he had taken for many a day.

Next morning the inhabitants were astonished, on seeing the battered
vessel, that she had been able to live through the gale, which had, with
unexampled fury, raged for fifteen days.  Three seamen who had landed
were persuaded to remain and give an account of their adventures.

After some time the Governor, Juan de Castaneda, who claimed an
acquaintance with Columbus, sent off fowls, bread, and various
refreshments, apologising for not coming himsel