Columbus, having no vessel but the little Nina left, determined to return to Europe with the news of his discovery, and to leave nearly forty men ashore.
It would appear that the men, themselves, were eager to stay.

The luxury of the climate and the friendly overtures of the people delighted them, They had no need to build substantial houses.

So far as houses were needed, those of the natives were sufficient.

All the preparations which Columbus thought necessary were made in the week between the twenty-sixth of December and the second of January.

On that day he expected to sail eastward, but unfavorable winds prevented.
He landed his men again, and by the exhibition of a pretended battle with European arms, he showed the natives the military force of their new neighbors.