About four hundred years ago there lived an Italian sailor, named
Christopher Columbus. In those days people supposed that there were no
continents in the world besides Europe, Asia, and Africa, but Columbus
believed there was a great country across the ocean that had never been
discovered. He felt a burning desire to sail in search of this land, but
as he was a poor man he had not the money with which to get the
necessary ships and men. For some time he wandered from place to place
trying to induce others to help him carry out his plan, but he was only
laughed at and called a fool and a madman. At length he obtained an
interview with King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. At first they
refused to give him any assistance, but afterwards the Queen said she
would pledge her jewels to raise the needful money.
So in the month of August, Columbus sailed away upon his voyage of
discovery, his little fleet consisting of three small vessels. For four
weeks they sailed on over the dark and stormy waters, during which time
Columbus had much trouble with his sailors, who grumbled and complained
unceasingly. When at length they found themselves alone on the vast
unknown seas, with no sign of land, they became panic-stricken, and
implored Columbus to take them home again. He reproved them for their
want of courage. Then for a little while they showed a braver spirit,
but before long they again broke out into rebellion; but Columbus was so
strong-minded and courageous that he succeeded in quelling the mutiny.
Thus days passed, until one night, in the middle of October, as Columbus
was walking on deck he suddenly saw a light ahead which told the
sea-weary mariners that the longed-for land must lie not far distant.
When at last dawn came it showed an island lying in the blue waters
before them. A boat was at once lowered, in which Columbus and a party
of his men landed upon the unknown shore. Groups of dark-skinned natives
crowded to the water side, gazing in fear and wonder at the strange
white men. Then, with the Spanish royal flag in one hand and his sword
in the other, he took possession of the island in the name of King
Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Having visited other islands, Columbus
returned in triumph to Spain, where he was greeted as a hero.
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