silver scattered about.  Not content with what they found in the vessel, the Indians began to dive into the water to see if they could find any more.  Their efforts were not in vain, for they must have found in that way about eight thousand reals of eight to the peso, although somewhat oxidized by the sea-water.  From the top of the little elevation, an islet was discovered, of not more than one legua in circumference.  They went thither in successive trips of the small boat, and found three Lequian Indians, who had been there for months.  They were the only survivors of ten who had left their country.  On this island, the Spaniards refitted, as well as possible, their boat and another one that the Lequians had at hand, although it was also small.  They divided themselves between the two boats, and taking as much of the money as they could carry, started for Macao.  A short time after, a very violent vendaval struck and separated the boats.  The boat of the pilot Fuentiduena, obedient to the waves, was able to escape the danger and reach its destination.  Nothing is known of the other.  It is regarded as certain that it has foundered, and that its occupants have perished.  The ship for which they were looking in order to warn it had left Macao five days before for Manila, where the pilot himself returned many days after.  Upon his relation of the event, he was sent as pilot of the boat that went to look for the men of the wrecked ship.  On the way, perhaps he will look for the reef or the Chinese ship again, in order to finish getting what money it has.

Three ships left here in July of 1609 for Nueva Espana, and all of them were exposed to dangers and storms.  The ship “San Andres,” which was almiranta, and was the only one to reach Nueva Espana, encountered so terrific storms that its bow was under water during most of the voyage, and they were in so great danger that the pilot vowed never to embark again—­a very rare thing.

The ship “Santa Ana,” almost entirely dismantled by the violent winds and heavy seas, reached Japon, and its arrival there was through not a little of God’s mercy.  Although it remained thirteen days aground in a port of the kingdom of Bungo, [36] still it did not go to pieces.  On the contrary it was able to refit, and intends to prosecute its voyage this June of 1610.

The ship “San Francisco” of the said two ships [that failed to reach Nueva Espana] encountered a greater storm.  From the first it gave the passengers plenty of fear, both because of its dangerous leaks and a poor helm, and because of the disservices to the Divine Majesty which were committed.  To narrate all its fortunes would be long, so I shall content myself by referring to some of them.  In this country, leave to return to Castilla is granted with difficulty. [37] Accordingly, certain persons desirous of returning are wont to go below deck and conceal themselves until the ship is fifteen or sixteen days at sea, at which