These poor savages of Porto Rico were gentle creatures. They knew little about war. When they found the Spaniards had no love for them and cared for nothing except gold, it was too late to save themselves. They were forced to wait upon their white masters. They had to work in the gold mines as they had never worked before. They missed the pleasant sunlight. They became weak and sick. Great numbers of them died. All this time Ponce de Leon was storing away great piles of the gold the Indians brought him. He made a poor governor. The king of Spain at last sent word he should no longer rule over the island of Porto Rico. He was now growing old. He had been sick many times. He began to think of what the Indians had told him. They said: "Much gold can be found in the land north of us. Something better than gold can also be found there. It is a wonderful fountain. If anyone tastes of its waters he shall never be sick again but shall be young forever." The heart of the Spaniard leaped for joy. "That is what I want," he said. "Such a fountain is indeed better than all the gold in the world." He might very easily say this, for he already had all the gold he needed. He started out with a gay company of his friends. They sailed about among the islands, stopping here and there to feast and make merry. Still they sailed on toward the north till at last they came in sight of a land beautiful with flowers. It was a glorious Easter Sunday. The air was sweet with delicious odors. "I will call this place Florida," said Ponce de Leon, "because it is the Flowery Easter." He and his men spent some time wandering about through the country, always looking for the wonderful fountain. "It may be here," he would think as he picked his way through a forest. "Listen!" one of his friends would cry as he heard the sound of running water and thought it might be the Fountain of Youth they were seeking. They were disappointed again and again. At last they went back to the ships and sailed for Spain. They had found plenty of fruits and flowers. They had met many Indians, some of whom were friendly and gentle, but others were fierce and warlike. Their eager eyes never beheld the Fountain of Youth. Ponce de Leon did not give up his hope of finding it, however. He told the king of Spain of the beautiful country of Florida and that he hoped to find gold there. The king said: "You may be the governor of this new land if you will take others with you and settle there." The old man went back to Florida. Alas! he only went to pain and trouble. As he was about to land, a party of Indians came out to meet him. They were not willing to let the white men come on shore. A fight took place. Ponce de Leon was shot. A poisoned arrow entered his body and made a frightful wound. He went back to the ship and set sail for Cuba. His wound did not heal, for the poison from the arrow was still working. He never again tried to find the Fountain of Youth, for he died in a few days.