164 



HISTORY OF THE SEA. 



the Pinta. Such indications were sufficient to sustain the most 

 dejected. Still the sun sank to rest in a horizon whose pure 

 line was unbroken by land and unsullied by terrestrial vapor. 

 The caravels were called together, and, after the usual prayer 

 to the Virgin, Columbus announced to them that their trials 

 were at an end, and that the morrow's light would bring with it 

 the realization of all their hopes. The pilots were instructed 

 to take in sail after midnight, and a velvet pourpoint was pro- 

 mised to him who should first see land. The crews which, two 

 days before, considered Columbus as a trickster and a cheat, 

 now received his word as they would a gospel from on high. 

 The expectation and impatience which pervaded the three ships 

 were indescribable. No eye was closed that night. The Pinta, 

 being the most rapid sailer, was a long way in advance of the 

 others. The Nina and the Santa Maria followed slowly, for 

 sail had now been shortened, in her track. Suddenly a flash 

 and a heavy report from the Pinta announced the joyful tidings. 

 A Spaniard of Palos, named Juan Rodriguez Bermejo, had seen 

 the land and won the velvet pourpoint. Columbus fell upon his 

 knees, and, raising his hands to heaven, sang the Te Deum Lau- 

 damus. The sails were then furled and the fleet lay to. Arms 

 and holiday dresses were prepared, for they knew not what the 

 day would bring forth, whether the land would offer hospitality 

 or challenge to combat. The great mystery of the ocean was to 

 be revealed on the morrow : in the meantime, the night and the 

 darkness had in their keeping the mighty secret — whether the 

 land was a savage desert or a spicy and blooming garden. 



