` When day dawned , land was visible . A pleasant land it was . There were gay flowers , and tall trees with leaves and fruit , such as they had never seen before . On the shore were unclad copper-colored men , gazing with wonder at the Spanish ships . They took them for great birds , the white sails for their wings , and the Spaniards for superior beings brought down from heaven on their backs . '' `` Why , that 's Columbus finding San Salvador . Do n't you know about him ? '' demanded Bab , as if she were one of the `` superior beings , '' and intimately acquainted with the immortal Christopher . `` No , I do n't . Who was he any way ? I s ` pose that 's him paddlin ' ahead ; but which of the Injuns is Sam Salvindoor ? '' asked Ben , rather ashamed of his ignorance , but bent on finding out now he had begun . `` My gracious ! twelve years old and not know your Quackenbos ! '' laughed Bab , much amused , but rather glad to find that she could teach the `` whirligig boy '' something , for she considered him a remarkable creature . `` I do n't care a bit for your quackin ' boss , whoever he is . Tell about this fine feller with the ships ; I like him , '' persisted Ben . So Bab , with frequent interruptions and hints from Betty , told the wonderful tale in a simple way , which made it easy to understand ; for she liked history , and had a lively tongue of her own . `` I 'd like to read some more . Would my ten cents buy a book ? ''
asked XXXXX , anxious to learn a little since Bab laughed at him .
Bab Ben Betty Injuns Quackenbos Salvador Spanish day quackin whirligig