[87] As he does not speak of crossing water, the dwellings of these Indians were doubtless those seen by Lope de Oviedo on the island, where they lived from October until March, for the purpose of obtaining the roots from the shoal water, as well as fish and oysters.
[88] This would seem to indicate that Dorantes' boat was cast ashore on the same island.
[89] November, 1528. Dorantes' boat was therefore cast ashore the day before the landing of Cabeza de Vaca's party.
[90] About four miles.
[91] Pánuco, previously referred to.
[92] The edition of 1542 omits the last two words. Auia has been regarded as the native name of Malhado Island, but this is seemingly an error, otherwise Cabeza de Vaca would in all probability have mentioned the nativity of the Indian in later speaking (ch. 17) of his death from cold and hunger. Herrera says: "the island of Cuba," which seems more probable.
[93] That is, the Indians believed the Christians to be sorcerers.
[94] "Misfortune," "ill-fate."
[95] The Capoques, or Cahoques, and the Hans. See ch. 26.
[96] This is characteristic of all Indians, who punish their children very rarely.