Page 345 - Third Book of Reading Lessons

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8. From all these symptoms, Columbus was so con dent of being near land, that, on the evening of the eleventh of October, after public prayers r suc­ cess, he oi-dered the sails to be furled, and strict watch to be kept, lest the ship should be driven ashore in the night. During this interval of suspense and expectation, no man shut his eyes; all kept upon deck, gazing intently towards that quarte where they expected to discover the land, which had been so long the object of their wishes.
9. About two hours be re midnight, Columbus, standing on the recastle, observed a light at a dis­ tance, and privately pointed it out to two of his peo­ ple. All three saw it in motion, as if it were carried om place to place. A little after midnight, the joy­ ful sound of LandI LandI was heard om the Pinta. But, having ben so often deceived by lla­ cious appearances, they had now become slow of be­ lief, and waited, in all the anguish of uncertainty and impatience, r the returμ of day.
10. As soon as morning dawned, their doubts and ars were dispelled. They beheld an island about two leagues to the north, whose at and verdant elds, well stored with wood, and watered with many rivulets, presented to them the aspect of a delight l country. The crew of the Pinta instantly began a hymn of thanksgiving to God, and were joined by those of the other ships, with tears of joy, and trans­ ports of congratulation.