Going Home.
If he could discover this passage, he would not only perform a notable service to his country, but would have a comparatively short and safe voyage homeward. But after a run of nearly two months, he experienced such bitterly cold weather, his people suffered so severely, and his heavily-laden ship leaked so badly, that he deemed it prudent to abandon any further search for a northern strait; and accordingly running down the Coast in search of a stopping place, he passed the long, projecting promontory of Point Reyes, and under its lee discovered "a convenient and fit harbor" in which he anchored on June 17th, 1579. At this place, which is now known as Drake's Bay, he remained thirty-six days. During that period, which was required to thoroughly repair and refit his vessel, he had a number of interviews, and some remarkable intercourse with the natives.
A Marin Ranch.
Sir Francis Drake.—From an old English Painting.
Upon sailing into the harbor he found a wild, desolate looking beach; but the next day Indians appeared in considerable numbers. One of them paddled out in a canoe to within hailing distance of the ship, where he made a long oration, accompanied by violent gestures, after which he returned to the shore. Approaching the ship a second time in the same manner, he brought with him a head-dress of black feathers tastefully arranged, and a small basket, neatly woven, filled with an herb called "tabah." These he delivered to the English, and with the exception of a hat could not be induced to accept any of the presents offered him in return.