On their arrival in Mexico, the sailors related many marvels about the
wealth of this island, giving their hearers to understand that, so to
say, gold and silver were almost to be picked up at discretion on the
shore, while the kettles and other cooking utensils of the natives were
made of these metals. These islands were named the Islands of Armenio,
after an Armenian merchant who was on board the ship. Donna Isabel
professed to have received from her late husband the true bearings of
these islands, which she confided to Hartog, and a course was set
accordingly.
Pedro de Castro, Donna Isabel's son, had now been forgiven his
treachery toward us in stealing our vessel, since Hartog considered his
punishment in having been marooned upon a desert island commensurate
with his offence. He was, therefore, permitted to join us in the cabin,
and was given employment as ship's purser, for which he was well
suited. He expressed great contrition for what he had done, and I
honestly believe at the time he intended to serve us faithfully. But
treachery once practised is oft-times repeated, so I made up my mind to
keep a watchful eye on Pedro de Castro lest we again be caught
tripping.
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