Three attempts to cross over to Hispaniola failed in consequence of rough weather.

On one occasion the canoes were in so much danger of being swamped that the Spaniards cast everything on board into the sea; and, as this did not lighten the canoes sufficiently, they then proceeded to force overboard their unfortunate companions, the Indians, who swam after them for a long time, but sank one by one, being prevented by the swords of the Spaniards from approaching.

Abandoning, as hopeless, their design of reaching Hispaniola, the mutineers then proceeded to roam over the island, quartering themselves on the Indians, and committing every possible excess.
Of course the influence of this conduct on the relations between Columbus and the natives, was soon apparent.

The trinkets and beads, which had once been so precious in their eyes, had first lost the charm of novelty, then the value of rarity.

The circulating medium became so depreciated that provisions were scarcely procurable.