[1] Torres and Torquemada give the native name. Leza calls the island “Nuestra Señora de Loreto.” In the Memorial the name is “Monterey,” after the Viceroy of Peru.
[2] Torres gives 1940 leagues (169° 45′ E.). Latitude, 10° 10′ S.
[3] Outriggers.
Chapter XVII.
Another inhabited island is sighted, and it is related how three natives escaped from the ships, and other things that happened.
The ships were pursuing their course, when a certain person from the Almiranta shouted to the Captain that they should go in search of the Island of Santa Cruz. The Captain answered that the ships had to put their heads, as they were now put, to the S.E., with the intention of following that and other courses, for they now had sufficient wood and water to enable them to find what they were seeking. God had given us a N.W. wind, one as well suited for that intention as it sounds.
We stood on under little sail, for it was night, and the sea unknown, when towards dawn one of the natives sprang into the sea. He was a youth, but tall and vigorous, of good countenance and gentle bearing, whom the Captain prized highly for the ship. The sailors called as if he could understand them: “Come back to the ship; do not drown yourself. See how the Devil deceives him! Why should you lose so much good as surrounds you here?” But as his intention was different, not caring for words so little understood, he went on swimming to the island, which appeared to be about 3 leagues off.
We went on our way, and in the afternoon of the third day we saw an island[1] at a distance. We hove to for the night, and made sail towards it at daybreak. When we were near the land, the other native, also quite young and not less gay and well disposed, before he could be prevented, jumped overboard, and there remained, as if he was a buoy. At the place where he was, not caring for cries and menaces, with great effrontery, as if he was standing in the water, he took off a shirt he had on, and with incredible speed began swimming to the island, which he would soon reach, being near and to leeward. The Admiral was advised of the flight of the natives, that he might keep a closer watch over the two he had on board.