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ii ■%6< 0-, -^ *^ ^^'^ ..■ « \V '-^ ^- W.. -^- ..^-- « {lX- ^ ^ % -A*^ <. "^^O^ Of' ^^ )5 o^ ^ 4 \^^o,%j''' cp^^.^ ', ^^„ '- "^AO^ ^s. ^ ^ ^ - ^ ^ J _ - ■ " ^ .1 - j{> ^ °- ' o « .rr 3 75 cents THAOE MARK RiaiSTERIO No. 19 Issued monthly. Subscription, $9.C 'f'^N May, 1891 37Johnf|.Mu5icH. Illustrated. \VOKmiHQT0H CO. 747 DKOADWAY "SIK KNKillT, CAN vol' M A K 10 TIIA'l' VAiC, STAND (IN KM>':'' COLUMBIA A STORY OF THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA BY JOHN R. MUSICK ILLUSTRATED V NEW YORK WORTHINGTON COMPANY 747 Bkoadway 1891 Copyright, 1891, by JOHN R. MUSICK. ^y ^;/< ) a Press of J. J. Little & Co , Astor Place, New York. >^l CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. PAGE The Horns of Taurus ...... 1 CHAPTER II. Christina Ovilares 23 CHAPTER III. The Madman of Genoa 41 CHAPTER IV. The Wise Men of Salamanca 59 CHAPTER V. The Fall of the Crescent . . . . .78 CHAPTER VI. Again Denied 94 CHAPTER VII. At the Bridge of Pinos 113 CHAPTER VIII. From Gloom to Sunlight 128 CHAPTER IX. Seeking an Unknown World I44 7O \ iv CONTENTS. CHArTER X. The Mutiny 164 CHAPTER XL Lights along the Shore 181 CHAPTER XIL Search for the Grand Khan 200 CHAPTER Xin. Fort Nativity 219 CHAPTER XIV. Deserted — The Storm 235 CHAPTER XV. The Assassin Foiled 256 CHAPTER XVL Return to Palos 271 CHAPTER XVIL A Lesson from an Egg 286 CHAPTER XVIIL Father and Son 302 CHAPTER XIX. Emigration 318 CHAPTER XX. Conclusion 332 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE > " Sir Knight, can you make that egg stand on end ?" JProntispiece Hernando Estevan 1 Some one seized the lad and placed him out of danger . 22 Christopher Columbus 23 "Is he slain, Duke ?" 33 Christina Ovilares 43 Martin Alonzo Pinzon 80 Vincent Yanez Pinzon 82 "Look," whispered the lad, seizing Columbus by the arm. " He is my uncle Garcia 1 '" . . .87 Miguel tlie miitineer ....... 95 "Did I not know I was called of Heaven to plead the cause of an unknown world, I would not dare stand in your presence " .... 101 "We are pursued, Seiior Columbus " .... 126 "See, it varies," cried Columbus, starting to his feet . 170 Landing of Columbus 205 " Wluit I am about to say may cost me my life " . .211 He was forced backward, down to his knee . . 231 Vi LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. " Wliiiidi) VdU pi'Dposc (loiiii;' willi Ihi'iii ?" . . . 341? Sliuidiiii;' (Ui the crossiiii-cc of the 1i()\vs|)ImI, Icjuiing lurwanl Irviiii;- lo pierce the distance, and make (Hit the Cealures of those on shore, was Hernando Estevau 278 The youtli had a dim recollection of tliat face, and staggering forward, lie cried : "Father!" . 316 COLUMBIA. CHAPTEK I. THE HOENS OF TAURUS. Many names once familiar in Spanish history have been forgotten, or so involved in the threads of fiction as to be of doubt- ful origin. Among those still clinging to history by the slenderest cords of truth is the once well-known name of Estevau. At times it was lost to the world, but after a "^jW'W^ 'N few decades again appeared under the mao;ical touch of some poet, novelist, or his-, torian ; and in the dim twi- light of church legend are to be found a thou- sand stories of this once powerful family. Span- ish romance has so enshrined it in imperishable lines that it is difficult to separate ti'uth from fiction. The name Estevan is a peg on which countless charming inventions have been hung. Spanish llEUNANuo Estevan. 2 COLUMBIA. Cliristiuii and Arabian poets, ballad writers, and ancient chroniclers, historians to whose heads the wine of these delightful legends has too frequently mounted, liave made of " Bstevan " the incarnation of their own subtly-woven fancies. The origin of this family is not known. Not being directly related to the throne of any of the provinces, no chronicler has ever taken the trouble to investi- gate tlieir genealogy. They are mentioned in the Arabian chronicles of the Cid, a sort of a profes- sional highwayman, wbo is himself enwrapt in a mythical veil. The Spanish provinces in the peninsula divided their time between fighting each other and their common enemies, the Moors. When the three thrones were occupied first by Don Jnan of Aragon in 1425, there was none more loval to the house of Castile than Philip Estcvan, a prominent Spanish grandee and a gal- lant knight, who fell at the age of fifty while bat- tling with the Moors. He left two sons, Eoderigo and Garcia, and a large estate to be divided be- tween them, with promises of a title and ancestral honors for each. Roderigo and Garcia Estevan, sons of the gal- lant old knight of Castile, arrived at man's estate about the time the numerous petty kingdoms of Spain — Castile, Aragon, Navarre, and the Moorish kingdom of Granada — were being gradually amal- THE HORNS OF TAURUS. g gainated. into one comj)reliensive nationality, to enter upon the arena of European ]K)litics, and form a nation that was to be one of the great powers of earth. The brothers were of the ricos hombres, or higlier ckiss, which acted in war or peace like so many independent sovereigns. When trouble arose with Enrique IV. of Cas- tile, Roderigo, who was the elder by two 3'ears, remained true to his sovereign. Negotiations between the combatants resulted in a general amnesty, and the recognition of Isabella as heir- ess to the crown of Castile and Lcoii. Being now a brilliant matrimonial object, the new queen was beset with proposals of marriage, as history in- forms us, and chose among her many suitors the gallant Ferdinand of Aragon. While the bride-elect was being watched by Villena and his spies, and in peril of being seized by him with intent to defeat the marriage, she was taken to Yalladolid, guarded by a band of Castilian knights, among whom were Eoderigo and Garcia. They were present at the royal marriage, and Garcia became one of the conrt officers of the new king and queen, while Roderigo remained true to Em'ique until his death in 1474, which extinguished the male line of the house of Trasta- mara, and gave a short breathing space to the nation. At Segovia, December 13, 1474, in the 4 COL UMBIA. public square of the quaint old Castilian«cit3^, sur- rounded bv gorgeously clad functionaries, invok- ing the blessings of heaven on her reign — a tableau heightened by tlie exquisite Spanish sun- shine, the fantastic old colonnaded houses, the singularh' beautiful situation of the city with, its grouped and castellated hills, the lofty presence of the majestic and slender-columned cathedral, and the countless variegation of clanging bells, floating standards, Te Deums, and brilliant cos- tumery — Isabella was solemnly proclaimed queen. Garcia Estevan, who bad already grown to be a favorite with Ferdinand, was the herald first to proclaim • "Castile! Castile ! for. the Kino- Don Ferdinand and his consort Dona Isabella, Queen proprietor of these kinsfdoms ! " Both the brothers might have retained their favor with the new sovereigns had not difficulties risen between them, which estrano-ed each from the other ; Garcia differed from his brother, beins of an envious, jealous disposition, and more in- clined to hoard up wealth and honors than to seek fame and renown, which his more daring brother won from many a hard-fought battle-field. Roderigo was usually on the frontier, battling with the Moors, and knew nothins; of the intrigues of 7 O O Garcia. Their father had left the greater part of the THE HORNS OF TAURUS. . 5 family ostate to his elder son, who was his favor- ite, which piqued Garcia, and caused him to begin early to plot his brother's ruin; Eoderigo, gallant, brave, and generous, entertained no thought of evil against his brother, but went on seeking ad- ventures by land and sea, determined to add new laurels to the family name. Like many brave but restless men, he was constantly quitting one field of adventure for another. He returned from a campaign against the Moors, and sailed away with a Portuguese exploring party, then on his return again entered the field. All might have gone well had not an incident happened, about one j^ear after the coronation of Queen Isabella, which completely estranged them. The Moorish kingdom of Granada was in con- stant war with the Christians, and continually sending out predatory incursions into their terri- tory. The clash of arms was constantly heard in the sweet valleys and among the sunny hills of An- dalusia. Villages were sacked, and men, women, and children carried away into captivity. One day Eoderigo came upon a small party of Moors, returning from one of their predatory in- cursions, who had as prisoner a beautiful maiden, the daughter of a Christian gentleman of Navarre, who had fallen in defending his home. The knight lowered his visor, couched his lance, and. fi COLUMBIA. thougli ho was only one against six, charged lilce a tliunderbolt among them. Two of the Moors were slain, the others pnt to flight, and the victor bore the fair maid of Navarre in triumph to Castile. Garcia met tlie maiden whom his knightly brother had rescued, and became in- fatuated with her beautv. She was of an excel- lent and once powerful family, but her ancestors liad become impoverished by the internal wars which had for years cursed Spain. Her beauty and vivacity the slircwd Garcia knew would make her a great favorite at court. But the fair maid of Navarre preferred the gallant knight whom she had met under snch romantic circumstances, and in the race for her hand Garcia was beaten by Eoderigo, who won the beautiful Juana of Navarre, thereby incurring the bitterest hatred of his envious brother. Gar- cia's intrigues became bolder, and he succeeded in making the king believe that his brother was conspiring with King John II. of Portugal to overthrow the Spanish monarchs. In those days suspicion was followed by condemnation. Eoderigo had not been married quite two years when a babe was born to bless his home, and ere his child was old enough to lisp his name, the father was seized and imprisoned. After a short time he was released, but deprived of his estates and rank. Yet noble, generous, and loyal to the THE HORNS OF TAURUS. 7 last, lie joined liis king in a campaign against the Moors, and won distinction in several liard- fonglit engagements. He was now only a poor soldier, depending on his sword for a livelihood for himself, wife, and child. Garcia, whose hatred increased with vears, began to fear his brother might regain his lost favors with the prince, and set in operation new plots and intrigues, bringing into his service an apostate Moor named Abdallah Ahmed. They represented to their sovereigns that Koderigo was offerinij his services to King John II., and was secretly plotting an invasion to Spain. Hernando, lioderigo's babe, was but five years of age when the final crash which wrought his father's ruin came. His parents lived in a cottage on the coast, not far from the seajjort town of Palos, and the boy loved to sit on the beach and listen to the sad waves breathing their mournful tale of some far-off land. The child often won- dered to what vast unknown regions on the other side, that great body of water extended. One day his father came home, his face white with deep anxiety and despair, Hernando listened in simple, childish wonder to the hurried tearful interview, and, young as he was, his young heart seemed to feel a weight of lead fall upon it. His father's sighs and mother's tears were enough to convince him that something was wrong. Then 8 COLUMBIA. came an affectionate farewell, in which the mother broke down and sobbed, his father caught him in his arras, pressed a warm kiss on his cheek, and in an agon}^ of spirit cried: " May God bless you both ! " Then the father hurried away down to the wild, rocky shore, where a boat was ready to carry him off to a strange ship lying at anchor a short distance off. The fugitive was taken aboard the vessel, anchor was hoisted, and he sailed away upon that vast expanse of unknown water. Hernando and his mother stood on tlie edge of the cliff, and watched the sail grow smaller and smaller until it disappeared forever. Young as he was, the lad knew that his father had been condemned, and was flying for his life. His father had told his mother that Abdallah Ahmed, the wicked Moor, had, at the instigation of Garcia, made a false oath against him, and that the king had issued another warrant for him, dead or alive. The boy lived alone with his mother in their cottacre, and hearino; no tidinsjs from the absent father and husband, the mother and wife began to pine away. Her mother, the good granddame, Sehora Doria, came to live with tliem, and care for the unfortunate invalid, who in reality was dying of a broken heart. Weeks, months, and years passed, and the mother and wife grew more fee- ble as she waited and waited, patiently hoping THE HORNS OF TAURUS. 9 and praying for tidings from her beloved hus- band. She used to sit by the water, her little son at her side, and gazing away to the westward, told him stories from Marco Polo, about a wonderful country beyond the sea — of islands, continents, cities, and people who dwelt there ; and Hernando, listening to her, would exclaim: "Surely my father must be on one of those islands, and when I grow to be a man, mother, I will go and bring him back, and then you will weep no more." Then she told him that, according to Marco Polo, some of those islands were inhabited by wild, savage people, who made their captives slaves. Perhaps even then his father was a slave to some cruel master, poorly fed, cruelly beaten, and longing to come home to those whom he loved. Such an impression these stories made on his tender young mind, and so vivid became his imagination, that he fancied he could hear his father's voice calling from out the great expanse of water for deliverance. His mother grew weaker and weaker until at last she was confined to her bed, and then she died ; and Hernando sat alone on the beach, and listened to the waves, imagining that he heard his father's sighs and groans in their murmurs. When the storm lashed them to a fury he said that his 10 COLUMBIA. father's iiKistcrs were angry, and he could hear the shrieks of the slave. Hernando had reached his thirteenth year, and still lived in the humble cottage with the grand- daine. Thc}^ supported themselves by their gar- den, cow, and goats. The boy grew strong, was a brave lad, and had joined in one or two expedi- tions against the Moors. He bad but two objects in life; one was to avenge his father on the rene- gade Moor Abdallah, who had borne false witness against lioderigo. Abdallah had forsaken the cause of Christianity which he once pretended to espouse, and again fought under the crescent. One morning Hernando and the good old grand- dame Doria sat at breakfast, and, as usual, their conversation drifted away to the subject always nearest their hearts, the lad's missing father. Old Doria was never so happy as when sounding the praises of this gallant knight, or lamenting the wrongs he had suffered, and in the proud Her- nando she always found an eager listener. "I remember my father, and a grand, noble man he was," interrupted the lad. " Oh, I can remem- ber how he looked, with his coat of mail and sword clanging at his side ! No wonder poor mother grieved and died when he went away so mysteriousl}'^ and never came back," "Ah, it was a sad day, lad, when the good knight sailed ! " THE HORNS OF TAURUS. 11 " lie had to go, granddaiuc, for thoy would have killed him if he had stayed. But mother used to tell me of an Island of Seven Cities, which had houses roofed with gold '' "Aye, and savage men who kill people or make slaves of them," interrupted the grauddanic. Then the boy grew sad and thoughtful. His porridge became cool, nnd he seemed far away, a witness to his father's suffering and degradation. Suddenly recovering himself, he said: " It won't be long. I will soon be a man ; then father shall be rescued, and the cruel Moor Ab- dallah put to death. Less than a year ago I saw Abdallah, and told him when I became strong enough to wield a lance or arquebus I would slay him. "Beware of the Moors, lad; beware of the Moors. They are treacherous lieathen dogs, and may tlie Holy Virgin be praised when they are all driven from Christendom ! " The boy's eyes suddenly'- grew brighter, and he exclaimed : "Oh, Granddame Doria, I forgot to tell you ; I met him again yesterday ! " "Who, the Moor?" " No ; heaven forbid ! The dog is now f)enned up with his scurvy countrymen, like sheep, in Granada, with the king's artillery battling down the walls." 12 COLUMBIA. " Whom saw you, lad ? " "The oddest man I ever met. They call him Old Antipodes. I don't know what it means, granddame, but he is a good, brave man, a sailor, and a great explorer." "What is he like?" " Like a saint. Ah, good granddame, I never saw such a face, so full of kindness and love! His gray eyes and snow-white hair and beard give him a saint-like look. I was on the road from Palos with some boys when he passed. Some of the children cried : ' There comes the mad man of Genoa,' and they ran away, while I stood and watched him. As ho passed by he paused to look at me." " What did he say ? " "Nothing. He wore a breastplate, but he is more of a friar than a soldier." " Why do they call him a mad man, and if he be mad, why does he go armed ? " " They call him mad because he says the world is round, and turns over in a day and night ; and he also says people live on the other side of it — that there is a great continent there to balance this." "He must be mad, indeed, to say that," the in- credulous granddame answered. "If the world was round or turned over, we would fall off when we got on the under side." THE UORNS OF TAURUS. I3 This theory had puzzled older heads than Hernando's, The science of geography and nat- ural forces were in their infanc}', and laws of gravi- tation, now common with every school boy, almost wholly unknown. "I don't understand it, granddame, but he is no mad man even if he does say such strange things. He is too good and too great to be a mad man. He has spent his life in studying maps, charts, the stars, and the earth, and he has already be- come a great sailor and explorer. He wants to take a fleet, I am told, and go around the world." " Around the world ? " "Yes, granddame." "When he reaches the under side he will fall off." " I believe he can do it ; and if he gets our vsov- ereigns to fit out a fleet for him, I want to go along, for then I would find my father, and rescue liini from slaver}^ granddame, good, good, granddame, I hear my father every night in my sleep, calling me to come to his deliverance, and I must go!" Unable longer to control his emo- tions, the boy broke down and wept. "Poor child ! long dwelling on that subject will drive him as mad as the white-haired man." But buoyant childhood soon shakes off sorrow and care as the spaniel does the water from his sides. Hope and joy of youth will burst through 14 COLUMBTA. the darkest despair, and break over the strongest barriers, letting in sunshine on the saddest young heart. The boy was just recovering from his fit of sobbing, when the quick sound of approaching footsteps reached his ear, and a playmate, thrust- ing his face within the door, called : '* Come, Hernando, have you forgotten the Plaza deToros?" The speaker was his playmate Alberto, and Hernando now remembered having promised to accompany him that morning to the bull-fight near the village. The fight was to be a grand affair, and was as great an attraction in that day to the small boy of Spain as the circus and men- agerie are at present. Hernando glanced at his granddame for her approval, and the dear, good old soul, knowing how little happiness had been allotted to the poor child, readily assented, after exacting a promise that they would both be care- ful. It was fully three miles across rugged hills and steep, thorny paths to the Plaza de Toros, which was simply a vast amphitheatre, something likethe old Roman arena. But what was three miles to two active boys full of excitement and admiration of daring deeds in either man or beast? The day was hot and dusty, and the palm, maguay, tumble-down walls, and distant towers were the only features of the near landscape, which THE IIOJiNS OF TAURUS. 15 was Loundcd by the clonial circle of l)lue hills, the rim of a basin in wliich li(\s the village of Palos, like a pi^arl in an oyster-shell. IFalf aniile from Palos, amid a crowd of soldiers, corralled horses, waiting vehicles, beggars, cripples, and thieves, arose tbe Plaza de Toros. There was little attempt at architeetnral or artistical elevation about the Plaza de Toros, but it wore a businessdike executioner intention, which marked the unaesthetic Gotho-Spauiard, the unchanged child of hard Iberia, who looked for a sport of blood and death, required no extraneous stimulant. The interior of the arena was uii- adorned, but admirably calculated for seeing, and a bull-light is essentially a spectacle. In those times, as now, the bull-fight was a Saturnalia, One thought stirred in every heart. One heart beat in ten thousand bosoms. The moving line of the Calle de Alcala became the aorta of the village, through which a dense mass wound like a colossal snake to its prey. Four hundred years have worked but vei-y little change in the Spanish buU-fight, and, in fact, the arena of to-day is said to be the arena of twenty centuries ago. Once inside, and the classical scene bursts on the beholder in all the splendor of open day ; the vast space was filled with the glori- ous light of an unclouded heaven, s})read above like an azure canopy. 16 COLUMBIA. The boys liaviufj;' gained admission to the am- phitheatre made their way into the arena, which was crowded with men and boys, until the hour for clearing it came, when they occupied humble places between the first and second barriers, where they would have an excellent view of the sport. At the appointed hour the trumpet sounded, and the crowd, which had been yelling itself hoarse, rose in an outburst of enthusiasm, presenting a very brilliant appearance. This was before the decay of the picturesque, and a Spanish assembly was a glorious sight. Every shade and hue of the kaleidoscopic mass, that fluttered and glittered in the blazing sun and sombre shadow, seemed in motion. From the president's box a signal was given. Portals opened and two alguazils, or police-officers, well mounted and elegantly dressed, entered. After these came the chief matador, with a red flag and sword ; then the supernu- meraries with chulos, or assistants, on foot — all arrayed in sparkling costume of the period. Next came the picadors, mounted on veritable crow- baits for steeds, gayly dressed, with breastplates and greaves of leather. The procession wound up witli some gayly equipped mules, which were to remove the slain. " Oh, how grand ! " exclaimed the bovs, as they all filed into the arena, bowing and smiling to the sbouting spectators. THE HORNS OF TAURUS. 17 After the procession had inarched entirely around the arena, the second trumpet, which sig- nalled the combat, sounded. The alguazil rode in front of the state box, from whence the key to the bull-pen was thrown, and that official, catching it in his hat, handed it to a chulo, and galloped away amid the jeers of the crowd, who hoped the bull would catch and toss him on its sharp horns. The brilliant army of combatants now separated, each taking his respective place. The boys watched the chulo unlock the door which was to admit the bull. Out he came, a great black monster with long, tapering horns, sharp as sword-points. Let loose from his dark cell, and amazed at the novelty of the position, he gazed an instant at the crowd and waving hand- kerchiefs. After a brief interval he recovered his senses, while his splendid Achillean rage fired every limb, and with closed eyes and lowered horns he charged the foremost of the three pica- dors, who were drawn up at intervals close to the wooden barrier. The horseman with presented spear boldly awaited the onset, speaking a few words of command to the wretched, trembling horse. Only the poorest, broken-down hacks were sacrificed by the picadors. The steed begot as little sj^mpathy as the bull. When gored to death he was dragged out by the mules, leaving a bloody furrow in tlie sand. The picador thrust 3 18 COLUMBIA. his blunt liince against the shoulder of tlie liull, and held hiui back. In vain taurus kicked up behind, tossed his sliarp horns in the air, but the firm arm of the picador held bini at bay. Learn- ing that nothing was to be gained here, the bull turned away, trotting angrily to another picador, charged into him, and banged horse and rider head over heels on the ground ten feet awa}-. But taurus did not want to liurt anybod3\ He hugged the barrier, tried to leap it, and tben to break through the gate. There seemed danger of -final success, and Hernando suggested to his young companion that tbey ought to get into safer quarters. Alberto did not think so, as mounted soldiers with lances were in the space between the two barriers, to slay the bull in case he should leap the first. The chulos now began to chivy taurus. They were all picked young men, who had just com- menced their tauromachian career. The chulo's duty was that of a skirmisher, to draw off the bull when a picador was endangered. This was done with their party-colored silken cloaks and banners. Their mercurial address and agility were marvellous ; tliey would skim over the sand like glittering humming-birds, seeming scarcely to touch the earth. Then, as now, the chief weapon of the chulo was the banderillo, a barbed dart or arrow, wliich was wrapped with bits of THE HORNS OF TAUBLTS. 19 party-colored cloth and ribbons. These tormentors shouted in front of the bull, waving their cloaks until he charged right down into their midst. It seemed as if the furious beast must inevitably gore some of them, and Hernando held Lis breath in expectation of some dreadful tragedy. But just as the roaring monster with lowered liorns dashed into their midst, the men leaped nimbly aside, separating in different directions. This was bull-fightiDg four hundred years ago; and, in countries where this relic of barbarism is still tolerated, it is bull-fighting of the present. If such torture is amusement at this dav, we can excuse Hernando and his young companion for growing enthusiastic, and shouting with delight, when one feat more daring than another was per- formed. Sitting in the front row, back of the second bar- rier, was a man apparently fifty years of age, with broad, high forehead, and hair white as snow. His plumed hat lay on his knee, while his light gray eye watched Hernando with fatherly solici- tude. Did his prophetic soul read something in the bright lad, whicli told him that the destiny of the child and man was henceforth to be closely linked ? The boys were watching with deepest interest the conflict in the arena. The bull was goaded to madness, and the sorry mounts of the picadors were 20 COLUMBIA. uuable to escape his furj. He charged another, and no lance could hold him back ; he stood under the horse and drove his sharp homis again and again into his body, until the footmen tempted him awa}', and the unfortunate beast, mortally wounded and dying, was half led and half dragged from the arena. The picadors had furnished sport enough, and the first act ended as they retired. The second act was to be played by the chulos, or what in mod- ern days are called banderilleros. A chulo, taunting the bull with his red cloak until he provoked a charge, took a barbed dart in each hand, and as the bull dashed at him he es- caped the horns by bare six inches ; leaning over, as he jumped aside, to plant a dart on either side of his neck. This was repeated again and again, until the bull wore a collar of fluttering torture. This practice is almost the same at the present day, save that the banderillo is decked with tinsel, paper flowers, and streaniers, instead of ribbons. The bull tried hard to shake off that stinging collar, and, finding it impossible, dashed right and left at everybody and everything ; but in vain, the chulos were too nimble for him. At last he halted near the barricade and refused to stir. The hated red cloak v/as again and again flaunted in his eyes, but the poor, dumb animal knew he was powerless ; he was bleeding from a THE HORNS OF TAURUS. 21 dozen wounds; white slaver tinged with Ijlood hung from his open mouth, lie panted and stood still. That bloodshot eye had lost some of its fire, and a look of despair, almost human, was ex- pressed by the beast. lie was ready to give up the fight and^ go home, but he could never leave the arena alive. A low, piteous bellow escaped him, as, with lowering head, he refused to move. Determined to incite him to action, a nimble chulo leaped on his back and drove a sharp bande- rillo in each quivering flank. A wild bellow of agony and rage, such as never before shook the arena, made the ground quake, and like a flash the bull bounded away, hurling the chulo to the earth. With the speed of a steeple-chaser he flew across the Plaza de Toros, clearing the inside bar- rier with a lea}) that was astonishing. He was now almost on the two boys, Hernando and Alberto. With cries of terror they wheeled to fly ; l)ut the enraged bull saw tliem, and, lower- ing his horns, gave vent to another earth-quaking roar, and cliarged after them. Wildest excitement prevailed everywhere. Men screamed, and women swooned, while members of the caudrilla hastened after the escaped bull. Hernando was half-way to the second barrier, when he stumbled and fell. A cry of despair escaped his lips, and he imagined that he felt those Ions, keen horns tossing his body, when there 22 COLUMBIA. J-a'uo n, swift rusl, ,>f f,vf, 1,. ^-as solzo.1 a„<1 liiifled out ,.f iKirin's way. At the san.o instant a mounted kni-i,t with a kcM>n hnu-.^ rl.arovd laurus and slew liini. Almost fainting with dread, tlie lad ^rl a need up- ward to get a glimpse of his deliverer, aud beheld the same mild, sweet-faced man, with snowy hair and light gray eye, whom he had attempted to describe to his granddame-a man whose face showed the student and the Christian. He wore a breastplate and sword, yet he more nearly re- sembled a priest than a soldier. SOMK UNIC SKIZK.I) TllK I, AD AM> IM,A('i;i) III.M OITT OH" DANGER. CHAPTER II. CHRISTINA OVILAEES. Through the excited throng, Hernando's strange rescuer half led and half carried hira. T h c boy was t r e m b I i n g at his narrow es- cape, and divid- ing his time be- tween prayers o f gratitude, and glances at the s t r a n ge , fatherly face of the m a n who had rescued h i m. T h e Plaza de Toros had no more attractions for him. His life, which was to be devoted to the rescue of his father from captiv- ity among unknown barbarians, had been almost foolishly sacrificed. The stranger conducted the lad to a small pub- lic-house, where he ordered wine for the bov, who Christopuer Columbus. 24 C0LU3IBIA. was faint from excitement. Hernando sank down on a rude bencli at the table, and his rescuer sat beside him. An Andalusian girl brought wine, and pouring a glass half full the stranger held it to the lad's lips and said : "Drink this." It was the first time he had spoken, and if the boy was moved by his appearance, he was charmed by his voice. Never had he heard tones more gentle, at the same time deep and firm, as if the speaker was one for kings and princes to obey. He drank the wine and pushed back the glass, while, with his eager eyes fixed with all a lad's inquisitiveness on the strangely sad face, he asked : " Who are you? " "I am Christopher Columbus, a native of Genoa," was the answer. This was Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of the New World, with whom our story chiefly deals. He was tall, well formed, muscular, and of an elevated and dignified demeanoi-. His vis- age was long, and neither full nor meagre; his complexion, fair, freckled, and inclined to ruddy ; his nose, aquiline; his cheek bones were rather high ; his eyes, light gray, and apt to enkindle wnth enthusiasm ; his whole countenance had an air of authority. His hair in his youth was of a light color, but care, sorrow, and disappointment had turned it white as snow at thirty. He was CHRISTINA OVILARES. 25 moderate and simple in his diet and apparel, elo- quent in discourse, engaging and affable to stran- gers, while his amiability and suavity in domestic life strongly attached his household to his person. His temper was naturally irritable, but he sub- dued it by the magnanimity of his spirit, comport- ing himself with a courteous and gentle gravity, and never indulging in any intemperance of lan- guage. Throughout life he was noted for his strict attention to the offices of religion, observ- ing rigorously the fasts and ceremonies of the Church ; nor did his pict}" consist in mere forms, but partook of that loft}' and solemn enthusiasm which characterized his life. At this period of the world's history the name of Columbus was not generally known, and Her- nando may be pardoned for never having heard of it before. Realizing that he was in the presence of a superior being, he became abashed and silent. The man with snow-white hair and beard, fixing his sad gray eyes on Hernando, said : " You had a narrow escape, lad ; never go so near the inner barrier again." "I will not, kind sir. I thank you for saving my life. When do yon go away ? " " How soon I know not. I am hei'e awaiting the arrival of a friend whom I daily expect." " Then you are a knight on your way to Gra- nada to fight the Moors ? " 26 COLUMBIA. '* No, l;ul ; we go to try to sec tlic king and queen, who arc so occupied with this Moorish conquest that they will scarce consult with even the noblest in the land on any other topic than war. You must go to your parents; your father will be anxious about you." "Alas! I have no father." "Then he is dead?" " No, good sir, but lost. My father, wrongfully accused by liis brother and a wicked Moor, was ordered by the king to be arrested, and he sailed away across the sea to save his life. M}^ mother used to tell me of lands far away across the sea where dwell peo])le savage and cruel, who have made a slave of my fatlier, and at times I fancy I can hear him sliriek and groan in bondage. I am going to him some day." Columbus, strangely moved by the simple nar- rative, with a choking sigh answered : "You are too young to think of such a voyage, huh But your mother must be a good, wise woman; go home to her and assure her of your safety." "My mother is dead." " She, too, dead ! Oh, how sad ! " " She died many years ago, when I was quite young, and I })lant flowers twice a year at the head of her grave. My last promise made her was that my father should be found and released CHRISTINA VILA RES. 27 from bondage. I live with granddamc Scnora Doria, in the little cottage beyond the hills." Columbus felt strangely drawn toward this bright lad whose life he had saved. Conducting him to the crest of the hill, he bade him adieu, and, drawing his cloak about his shoulders, he stood and watched the lad hasten down the rocks and ravines to his humble cottage. Hernando found his granddame in a wild state of excitement and grief. Alberto had preceded him, and, not knowing that his young companion had been rescued, was telling how the bull had tossed Hernando up in the air again and again, goring him to death with his sharp horns. The boy's vivid imagination, and his fondness for ex- aggeration, made his story so plausible that when Hernando entered the cottage he was received like one come back from the dead. His granddame caught him in her arms, the tears streaming down her aged cheeks, while she blessed her patron saint that the boy was spared. For several days she would hardly allow him to go from her side ; but anon, as the recollection of his late adventure grew dim and blunt with time, the restless youth was again permitted to roam among the woods and hills where his unhappy childhood had been spent. Hernando was a lover of beautiful scenery, and with such a broad j)lay ground as Andalusia, it 2R OOL UMBIA. is no wonder that ho pined when in the cottage, jiloasant as the granddanie made his liome. Spain has always been noted for its charming scenery. In the loveliest atmosphere in tluMvorld, rose vast ranges of serrated, rudd y-peak i^< 1 n lou iitai ns to greet the gaze of the boy every morning, while between were delicious valleys, sometimes opening on an azure estuary of the purple-watered sea, in the dis- tance, locked in by mountain domes nearly twelve thousand feet in lieight, piercing the air with ]>enetrating and perennial coolness. The rivers sent their sluggish or silver torrents, according to the season, through a country which expanded before his young gaze into picturesque vegas over- flowing with wild olive, cili'on, eopcr-bush, the aloe, the cactus, the palm, lemon, orange, and evergreen oak, the silk-festooned mulberry, the snowy cotton and bending cane; now shooting up into cliffs of dazzling height, surmounted by dra- fjon-like castles. ^riiough born and reared amid such scenery, it never grew old to Hernando, and, enwrapped as it was in a halo o[ mythical history, one cannot wonder lluit it became strangely blended with his line poetic imagination. Even the wind sighing among the peaks, or rushing down the valleys, seemed to him the voice of an exiled father call- ing for help. It was an age as romantic as the scenery. CHRISriNA O VI LARES. 29 Moor and Christian roamed alternately through bill, valley, and plain. The peaceful landscape of to-day might be a field of carnage on the morrow. One week the vermilion towers of the Alhambra rose envelo})ed in light and per- fume, in aromatic gardens, in fountains and filigrced courts, in sparkling arabesques, in precious tranquillity, wherein the golden voice of Arabian verse breathed forth its plaintive and mocking whispers; thc^ next, the blood-red illumination burned over the ensanguined tur- rets, and the din of ai'ins, the clangor of the sackbuts and cyml^als, the flash of furious cimeters, and the blaze of the assassin and in- cendiary sparkled and resounded through its tempest-tossed spaces. City, village, and lonely valley were alike sid)- ject to invasion, and peasant and noble lived in constant dread. As Hernando was wending liis way around a rocky cliff, the sun's rays flashed from a weapon. Crouching close to the earth, he discovered four Moors on horseback riding down the glen. Only the rugged bluff hid his little home from view, and the near proximity of these brigands alarmed the lad. The village of Palos was a league away, and they might destroy the cottage ere help could come. Ilalf a mile farther around the foot-hill would bring them in sight of the cottage. 30 COLUMIUA. ( )iu' of tlu'iii (.'.un-iod ;i child on his liorsc, und I I(Mii;ui(h), ^re.it as the distance was, saw that the child w:is a white ji^irl, not over tcMi years of \v^{.\ who was a pi'isoiicr, for she was iic(| on the horse. " TIk^ *1(''S'^/' hissed the lad from his |)l;icc of eonceahniMit, "ai"(^ carrying,' the poor little caj>tive ofr to ()i';inad;i, to ht^ the slave; of llic inlidcl," ;uid his prond ('.'istilian Mood hoilcd with indi^^'uation. As the! Mooi's came riding down the valley, they wm'c^ somiM.iinc^s in |>lain view, ami j)art of the time hidden by the dense l\)lia<2:eo[ the orange or evergrc(Mi o;d<. Their horsc^s travelled slowly, and c\-cn from his dislniit point of observation llic li(>\' could set! that tlu; Moorish steeds were jadtMl from their long jonrnc^y. liikt! a, slender threiid of silver, a, stn^iin wound its S(M-|>entine wa\' along the vaJley, her(! appear- ing boldly, and tluM'c hiding from view amid the rich palms and alo(>s. 'I'hc small cavalcade reach- ing one of ihese graceful curves, which brought it into full \ iew from ilu; high clilT, callcMl a, halt, the lad watching them with great eagerness. The Moors dismounted, let their horses drink at the sti'cam, riMiiovcd the saddles, and seemed get- ting ready for an hour's rest. Curiosity, or ])er- haps a stronger feeling, overcame tlu^ lad's caution, and he ci-ept along the bInlV until he was within half a furlong of the Moors. His gaze became riveted on the tall, sinewy fellow, who wore a CITRTHTrNA OV I LARES. 31 rcil turbiiii Jind scoirKHl Ic'idcr of tlic siiiidl biuid. Momentarily forgetting liis precaution, lie started half upriglit, hissing through Ids clinched teeth: "It is Abdallah the dog, who sent my fatlier into c\\ile." ]5iit li(! bethought himself in iim(^ to escape dis- covery, and, crouching behind a bnnch of cactus, he gnashed his t(!eth as he beheld the author of all his family woe talking to the little prisoner. The child had been sobbing, and tJie brntal Moor was threatening her with a drawn cimeter. " '^riiey shall not drag her away to Granada or Aral)ia to live a life of slavery," gasped the brave lad, his soul rising with indignation at the thought. With mind mad(! up and purpose formed, he crawled back from the fac(! of the bluff until he was too fai" away to be; scjen by tli(5 Moors below, and, sj)ringing to his feet, he ran down the slope, along 1li(! tortuous path 1o the cottage. Tlis father's arquebus hung on the wall, and, as the lad knew how to load and fire it, his first thought was to secure it and shoot at the Moors from the top of the bluir, putting them to flight. Fortunately for the success of his })lan, his granddame was not in the cottage on Ids arrival. Clind)ing up the wall, he took down the match- lock, winch had grown rusty from long disuse. Then a new difliculty arose; there was neither powder nor slow-match, and the gun was worthless. 32 COLUMBIA. " I can't use it, but there is father's cross-bow. It will do quite as well," he thought. Taking down the cross-bow and several iron- pointed bolts, Hernando examined the steel bow, the crank and string, and thought they would do. Like the arquebus, long disuse had made the cross-bow rusty. The lad had a small, sharp sword of his own, which he kept bright and in good condition ; for, young as he was, he had learned to handle it quite effectively. With sword and cross-bow he hastened back toward the bluff from whence he expected to make the attack. He halted ere he reached it, to wind up the bow and have it ready when he should come in sight of the Moors. Placing the muzzle on the ground, and taking the double crank in both hands, he began winding it up. His agitation, his anxiety, and nervousness doubt- less aided to bring about the disaster — the bow snapped in twain. "Saint Anthony ! What am I to do? " cried the lad. " Arquebus useless for lack of powder, and cross-bow broken." Overcome by his ill-fortune, he threw himself on the ground and wept from mortification. He heard not the tramp of feet nor clank of swords, nor did he see the two tall, powerful men who were coming down the path toward him. CHBT8TINA OVILABES. 33 A voice so near at hand as to startle the morti- fied lad said : " What's this before us ? — a lad and a broken cross-bow." " Is he slain, duke ? " , , The last voice sounded y^; familiar, and the boy AJj/' ^ sprang to his feet, mak- ing a great effort to dry his \ tears before the new-comers should discover his weakness. The last speaker was his rescuer at the Plaza de Toros, Christo- pher Columbus, and his companion a tall, power- ful man, with dark hair and whiskers. They wore breastplates, and had swords at their sides. " He seems alive," answered the dark-whiskered man. 3 . . . ,B4 COLUMBIA. " By the mass, it's my young acquaintance of the Plaza de Toros. — What has gone amiss, my lad? Your cross-bow is broken, and you have tears in your eyes." " Good seiior, I have enough to make a Christian lad die of mortification ; four infidel Moors are in the valley, beyond the spur of the mountain, with a child prisoner whom they are carrying into slavery. I brought my cross-bow to rescue her, but it broke in winding." " Why, Columbus, this is a gallant lad," said the tall, dark-whiskered man. "Duke Medina Celi, you are brave," answered Columbus, in a voice that was effective. " Heaven forbid we should let a Christian child be dragged into infidel slavery." " My good sword is ready," the duke replied, drawing his trusty blade. " Lad, lead the way," said the brave Columbus, while his own bright blade leaped from its scab- bard. " That I will, good seiior, and I pray Heaven that I may get a chance at the dog Abdallah." The boy led the way down the path to a place in the bluflf where the descent could be made without being seen by those below. Reaching the valley, tbey crept through a dense growth of ever- green oaks until they were within forty paces of the Moors, before they were discovered. CHRISTINA 0VILARE8. 35 " Cbristiaiis, l)j Allah!" yelled Abdalluli, leaping to liis feet. There was no time for the use of bow, match- lock, or even the lance, for the Christians with drawn swords were too close, and time was only given to leap erect and snatch their ci meters. "Infidels, plunderers, thieves!" roared Medina Celi, dealing blows right and left with his trenchant blade. "Carry Christian children into slavery, will vou ? " Columbus was at his side, and, though they were two to four, they soon had the Moors hard pressed and retreating. " Abdallah, dog of a Moor ! " roared the angry lad, " this for my poor wronged father." And leap- ing forward, with his small keen sword he struck the Moor, who with another was fighting the duke, a blow on the side of his head. The blow was aimed so well, and delivered with such force, that the blade passed through the Mohammedan's bon- net, and cut away the upper part of his left ear, inflicting a wound on the side of his head. With a terrible yell, the Moor dropped his cim- eter, and, holding his hand on his bleeding ear, cried : " Hernando Estevan, I'll take vengeance on your father for this. I will find the slave and cut off both his ears." The boy was too much dumfounded by this 36 COLUMBIA. Statement to follow up the advantage he had gained, and allowed the Moor to escape. The duke was a shrewd knight, and, taking advantage of the momentary confusion of his remaining adversary, he beat down his guard, and ran him through the body. Seeing his companion fall, Abdallah gave utter- ance to a yell of rage and fear, and fled. Medina Celi sprang to the aid of Columbus, who was fight- ing the other two, and they, finding everything against them, also fled. "My lord duke, it has been an easy victory," said Columbus. "Hadn't we better give the infidels chase?" asked the duke, burning with anxiety to cut down the remaining rascals. " No ; see, they are mounting their Arabian steeds, while we are on foot," returned Columbus. " Let us look after the child — see who she is, and what injury has been done her." ' The prisoner was a modest little thing, her cheeks very pale, and her eyes swimming with tears, which silently rolled down her cheeks. Hernando was already at her side, soothing her with the assurance that there was no further danger. " Sweet child, weep no more," said Columbus, his kind face beaming with pity. " Your captors, save he that was slain, have fled." CHRISTINA 0VILARE8. 37 She still continued to sob, with grief rather tlian fear ; and Columbus, being eager to know her story, sat on a stone, and taking her, as a father would, on his knee, said : " Little one, tell me your name." " Christina Ovilares," was answered, between sobs. " Where is your home, Christina ? " " Alas ! I have none. I did live three leagues hence with my old grandfather ; my mother being dead, and my father slain in battle." " And where is your grandfather, sweet child." " He, too, is dead ; the Moors attacked our cot- tage this morning, slew him, burned our home, and carried me away." Overcome by the narration of her own sad story, the child broke down and sobbed bitterly. " Have you no relatives? " asked Columbus. " None." " Nor friends, nor home ? " " None, sen or." " My lord duke, here is a worthy object of charity. What shall we do with her ? I have no home to offer her." " Granddame and I have room in our cottage for her, and she shall come and live with us," interrupted Hernando ere the duke could speak. Columbus and the duke exchanged glances, and then the former said : 38 COL UMBIA. " It's best that can be done." " I agree with you, senor. Let us guard them to the cottage, and see that another attack is not made by the Moors." " Little fear of that," Columbus answered. " The infidel dogs have learned a lesson." Point- ing to the Moor who had just fallen, he added : " We must give him Christian burial." " Let us care for the living first, and give safe- conduct home to the lad and child ; then will be time enough to look after the dead." As they started up the cliff, the three Moors were discovered among the trees not a hundred paces down the valley. One of them had dis- mounted, and placing the rest of his arquebus on the ground, was aiming at them when discovered. He applied the slow-match, and there was a whiff of smoke, a stunning report, and a stone bullet struck the breastplate of Columbus, causing him to stagger. " Are you hurt, senor? " asked the duke. " No, no ; my good breastplate saved me. Let us get cross-bows or hand-guns, and pursue the infidel dogs." " It's no use, senor," cried the lad, "Why?" " Behold ! some knights from Navarre are coming." Waving plumes, polished helmets, and glittering CHRISTINA 0VILARE8. 39 lances flashed up the valley. A score of mailed knights, no doubt in pursuit of this predatory- band of Mussulmans, came galloping down the valley. " Pi-aj God they may not be too late," j)ut in the duke. " They see them," cried Columbus. "Ay, the Moors know their danger," the lad gasped. " See bow they mount and fly," The knights spurred their horses at the top of their speed, and flew like the wind down the road, after the Moors. From their elevated position, our friends watched the chase for miles. It was a race for life. The Moors threw away their hand-guns and lances, even their cimeters, in fact everything that would hinder their flight, and spared not their horses in the wild race. By this means they increased the distance between themselves and their pursuers. " Take the child to your home, lad ; you can now go in safety, for the Moors have been driven from the valley," said Columbus, " Will not the good senors come — and " " No, lad ; it's better we wait and meet the knights on their return; besides, the slain, infidel though he be, must have decent burial." Strongly impressed with a strange new and great responsibility, Hernando took the child's 40 COLUMBIA. little trembling hand in his own, and led her down the rugged path to their cottage. The humble home, half buried in evergreens, with the great blue bay beyond, was lovely in its picturesque rusticity. Pausing when in sight of his cottage, Hernando said: "I like you already," She made no answer ; but a grateful expression came over that little pale face, and he resumed : " Granddame will love you, too, and you must weep no more," When they reached the cottage, the seiiora was amazed at the story her grandson had to tell. She took the little girl in her arms, kissed away her tears, and assured her she should have a home with them as long as they lived. Christina's little heart was too full for utterance, and, throwing her small arms about the good old senora's neck, she sobbed for joy. CHAPTER III. THE MADMAN OF GENOA. Hernando gave bis warmest sympathies to the little girl whom he had aided in saving from a life of slavery and degradation. Like himself, she was an orphan, both having suffered from the same cause, and it was only natural that his heart should go out toward her. As two buds remain- ing on different trees of the same kind, after the tempest has broken all their branches, produce more delicious fruit if each, separated from the maternal stem, be engrafted on the neighboring tree ; so these two children, deprived of all their relations, early imbibed feelings of affection more tender than brother and. sister. They soothed each other's cares, and proved a constant consolation to each other. When Hernando, low in spirit, sat by the sea-side listening to the moaning of a cap- tive father far away across the great ocean, she whispered words of hope and comfort in his ear. If Christina in any of their rambles stumbled and fell, he was always first to raise her to her feet and whisper words of tender sympathy. Rarely indeed has such an attachment been known as that which these children early evinced 42 COLUMBIA. for each other. If Hernando was hurt or in pain, a sight of Christina brought a smile of happiness to his face, and sorrow and pain were forgotten. If any accident befell Christina, the cries of Her- nando gave notice of the disaster ; but the dear little creature would suppress her complaints, if she found he was unhappy. Many days after their first meeting were passed like a beautiful dawn, the prelude of a bright day. They were of great assistance to the old senora in her household duties. As soon as the crowing of the wakeful cock announced the approach of dawn, Christina arose, shook out her curls, and hastened to the neighboring spring for water; then, returning to the house, prepared the break- fast. When the rising sun gilded the distant mountain-peaks, they offered up their morning prayer together, a ceremony which always pre- ceded their first repast, which they often took before the door of the cottage, seated upon the grass, under a canopy of palms. Plentiful and wholesome nourishment gave early growth and vigor to these children, and their countenances expressed the peace and purity of their souls. So early does beauty develop in Spain that, though only ten years of age, Christina's figure was in some degree formed. A profusion of light hair shaded her face, to which her soft brown, gazelle-like eyes and coral lips gave the most THE MADMAN OF GENOA. 43 charming brilliancy. Her eyes sparkled with vi- vacity when she spoke, but when in repose they habitually tarned upward with an expression of tender melancholy. Hernando, who was over three years her senior, had already be- gun to display graces of youthful beauty. He was taller than Chris- tina, his skin of a darker tint, his nose more aqui- line, and his black eyes would have been too piercing, if the long eye- lashes by which they were shaded had not im- parted to them an ex- pression of softness, of- ten amounting to mel- ancholy. They delighted to wander alone, hand in hand, over rocks and hills and through shady glens, conversing in their soft Spanish tongues, or sit by the sea-side watch- ing the rising swells gathering in force and power, until the surging, rolling wave broke in crested splendor on the cold gray stones beneath. It Christina Ovilabes. 44 GOL UMBIA. was on such occasions that the lad would fancy he heard the enchained captive shriek in agony, and implore him to come to his rescue. He told her the story of his father over and over again, and while Christina could not willingly give up her new-found friend and brother, she would say nothing to deter him from his mission. One day as they sat on the sea-shore listening to the moaning waves, Christina descried a sail in the distance. They watched the snowy speck grow larger, and at last the small craft entered the little harbor, and a man disembarked, and fi'om the course he took was evidently bending his steps toward the village. "I know him," the lad whispered, as the sun- light fell on his noble features and snow-white hair. " It is our good friend, Senor Columbus." Both sprang to their feet and ran across the bit of rocky headland, so as to intercept the sti'anger. Eecognizing them, he paused, and with a smile on his benevolent face awaited their ap- proach. " My good children, it gives me joy to witness 3^our happiness," he said, as they came up with him. " We have you to thank for joy, life, and hap- piness," Hernando answered. " We came to greet you, good senor, and invite you to our cottage hard by, that our granddame may thank you. THE MADMAN OF GENOA. 45 and accord jou sucli hospitality as our poor cot- tage affords." " I can't go, lad," Columbus answered, his face growing grave. " I am to meet the Duke Medina Celi at the castle beyond the village." " The same grand man who fought so nobly for Christina. You are fortunate in having sucli friends." " Fortunate! Ah, boy, my life is full of bitter disappointment, and, were my work done, how gladly would I lay it down," answered Columbus, with a sad shake of the head. " But no," he added almost immediately, as if starting from a painful revery, " I am called of Heaven to rescue the Holy Sepulchre from the infidel. To do it, I must find the treasures described by Marco Polo beyond the seas, and raise an army for that pur- pose." The boy only partially comprehended him. The sage's eye lit with pious enthusiasm, and his cheek glowed with rapture. The children gazed on him in mingled awe and admiration, regarding him in the light of one inspired. "Do you really mean to cross the sea? " Her- nando asked. " I do. God has commanded me, and I must obey. Reason and science tell of a land over there, where a mighty people, greater and more powerful than the nations we know, dwell ; and, 46 COLUMBIA. though the wise may call me mad, I will find them. My hair has whitened, and my frame grown old, in cherishing this thought. For twenty years I have plead witli kings and princes for authority and means to prosecute my voyage, but have been denied. All things come to those who learn to wait, and as Heaven has spared my life I am convinced I shall yet succeed." Columbus, in reality, never doubted his final success. Being of a religious turn of mind, and feeling assured that God had ordained him for this special work, even in the midst of his keenest disappointments he never gave up in utter despair. Daily he prayed for success and strength to sur- mount every difficulty in the wa}^ to the discovery of a new world. He prayed that each defeat and disappointment might only strengthen him to re- newed energy. What man with such determina- tion could fail ? No gate stands barred to him who works with the tools of patience in the light of understanding. The children watched him wending his way over the hills until projecting rocks shut him out from view, and then the}' hurried homeward. Next day Hernando went to Palos, and on en- tering the village he heard shouts and cries from a crowd of idle boys. As he hastened around a corner to learn the cause of their merriment, his quick ear caught such cries as : THE MADMAN OF GENOA. 47 " Madman of Genoa ! " "Ho, ho! do jour antipodes walk on their heads?" "And do trees grow with tops down ? " " Pray, wise senor, how do your people stay on the earth and not fall off ? " " And won't your seas pour out ? " A rollicking crowd of vagabonds, sailors, thieves, and smugglers followed a tall, stately man, whose snow-white hair and sad demeanor demanded a higher respect than the taunts and jeers he re- ceived. Even smaller children joined the pi'oces- sion and pointed at their foreheads as the grand man, unmoved by their jests and sallies of wit, walked along the street. Under his arm he car- ried a bundle of maps and charts, for Columbus was a meditative cosmographer, perpetually brood- ing over the sinuous lines of his sea drawings, by the sale of which he was enabled to eke out a miserable existence. The lad, recognizing his friend and rescuer thus exposed to taunts and insults, grew furious with rage, and, leaping to his side, turned on the mob and cried : " For shame, cowards ! How dare you insult so good and so great a man ? " At which the troop of vagabonds roared in derision. Columbus laid his hand on the boy's head, and said : 48 COLUMBIA. "Peace, lad ; say no more." " They shall not insult mj preserver," Hernando answered, his eyes filling with tears. With a sweet, forgiving smile, indicating how far above the average malicious, revengeful man he was, Columbus took tlie boy's hand in his own, and said : "Come with me." As a father would lead a child, he conducted him to the same public-house where they Lad been on the day of the bull-fight ; the mob, hooting and jeering, followed them almost to the door. In an apartment where they would not be interrupted, Columbus sat down, the lad at liis side, and said : " I want to talk with you, Hernando, and I pray you to think nothing more of that foolish rabble. I have grown accustomed to their sneei's. You are young and impulsive : so once was T, but time and long suffering have changed me. But for the fact that I am called of Heaven, and cannot resist the promptings of the voice within, I should have long ago believed that I was mad. If I be mad, so were the great writers whose works I have studied. In Plato's Atlantis we read of the country of which Marco Polo tells us. If I am mad, so too were they ; but God and reason tell me they are true." " And you believe them?" asked the boy. " I do. I have seen the maps furnished by Paulo THE MADMAN OF GENOA. 49 Toscanelli, made from the original maps of Marco Polo and Ptolemy." " But those countries, if there are such coun- tries across the sea, are probably peopled by wild, fierce creatures." " There may be many wild and curious people beyond the sea, but we shall also find a grand country. A world exists there far surpassing ours, and it is to bring our people in closer relation with that world, and to discover new countries for our king and queen, that I propose to risk my life on this voyage. " The city of Kanbalu, in the province of Cathay, is twenty-four miles square, and the manufactures and merchandise brought there are enough to supply the universe." " Tell me all about it, please," the boy cried, his eyes beaming wild with enthusiasm; and Co- lumbus, who never tired of the subject, resumed : " Here precious stones are to be seen in abund- ance, the pearls, the silks, and divers perfumes of the East. Scarce a day passes without the arrival of a thousand cars laden with silk." "And the palace of the Grand Khan is there too. What a magnificent building it must be ! " cried the boy, his dark eyes sparkling with interest. '" The Grand Khan's palace is a group of palaces four miles in circuit. The interior is resplendent with gold and silver, and in it are guarded the 4 50 COLUMBIA. precious vases and jewels of the sovereign. All the appointments of the Grand Khan for war, for the chase, and various festivities with which he is wont to amuse himself, are too gorgeous for our description." " How wonderful ! " " Wonderful as they are, the province of Cathay is far inferior to Mangi. It contains twelve hun- dred cities." The boy was dumb with amazement, and Co- lumbus, warming up with his theme, went on : " Quinsai, the capital," Marco Polo says, " is the city of heaven. He was in the city, examined it diligently, and affirms it to be the largest in the world, for it is one hundred miles in circuit. Like Venice, it is built on little islands, and has twelve thousand stone bridges, the arches of which are so high that the largest vessels pass under them with- out having to lower a mast. It has three thousand baths and six hundred thousand families. It abounds with magnificent houses, and has a lake within its walls thirty miles in circumference, on the banks of wbich are the superb palaces of peo- ple of rank. Mangi was conquered by the Great Khan, who divided it into nine kingdoms, and appointed a tributary king over each. He draws an immense revenue from it, for the country abounds in gold and silver, sugar, spices, and perfumes." THE 31 A OMAN OF GENOA. 51 " Why don't you gb there ? " asked the boy. " No one will help me," was the answer. " My argument is unheeded, for some don't believe the world is round. I have brought to bear my best argument, and told them, over and over again, that by the compass we can now sail unknown seas, and with the astrolabe, by the altitude, de- termine our distance from the equator. There's a world of wealth and grandeur awaiting the bold discoverer." It was on such airy basis as the stories related by Columbus to his young friend that the great discoverer built his hopes and theories of a new, undiscovered world. Many other wild stories of a land beyond the unknown sea were going the rounds. Pieces of wood, strangely carved, had been borne in by the tide ; two dead bodies of an unknown race were said to have drifted on one of the Canaries. The inhabitants of these far west- ern isles declared that islands could be seen still west of them ; and so firm were they in the belief that they asked permission of the king of Portu- gal to discover and take possession of them. The minds of the people were full of wild, fan- tastic notions of this imaginary land. Some sup- posed it to be the Antilla mentioned by Aristotle ; others, the island of Seven Cities — so called from an ancient legend of seven bishops, who, with a multitude of followers, fled from Spain at the 62 GOL UMBIA. time of the Moorish conquest, and, guided by Heaven to some unknown island on the ocean, founded on it seven splendid cities. Others thought the island seen the legendary island of St. Brandon, named after a Scottish priest whom tradition said had gone away and established an empire on some unknown island, about the year A.D. 688. Whether Columbus believed all these stories or not, he knew that bold explorers had begun to . navigate the unknown ocean, and that his new world could not long remain undiscovered. "Have you asked anyone to help you?" in- quired the boy, after the narrator had paused in his recital of the wonders of the new world. " Yes, many, and I still ask. I am here to meet the Duke of Medina Celi, who was with me on the day we rescued the little girl. Some time ago he entertained me at his house, listened with the ear of conviction to my projects, and was once on the point of granting three or four caravels, when he changed his mind, thinking such impor- tant discoveries belonged to some monarch who could take possession of them." "Have you explained j^our plans to any mon- archs ? " " I applied to King John of Portugal ; he listened to all I had to say, gained all my points of information, and, while I was awaiting his THE 3IADMAN OF GENOA. 53 decision, sent a fleet on the very course I had laid down. Thej failed, for Heaven will never reward such treachery, and I quitted King John," " Have 3'ou tried Ferdinand and Isabella?" " Tliey are too busy. Conquest and expulsion of the infidel occupies their time, and though I have again and again been promised an audience with them, I have again and again been disappointed, 'Hope deferred rnaketh the heart sick,' and oh, how often have I been sick at heart I Did I not know that Heaven had ordained me for this work, I would have abandoned it years ago. Falsehood, perfidy, arid swindles of people in high places, disappointments and shattered hopes, turned my hair white at thirty. During all these years, I bave been exposed to continual scoffs and indig- nities, such as yoLi have witnessed to-day ; being ridiculed by the ignorant as a dreamer, and stig- matized by the illiberal as an adventurer. The very children point to their foreheads as I pass, and call me the madman of Genoa." " Will you give up the project ? " "Give it up ! I cannot. Had not Heaven called me to this work, I must have died of a broken heart years ago ; but, being called of God, I cannot die until it is accomplished. Through my friends the duke and Alonzo de Quintilla I have been enabled to gain the countenance of Pedro Gonza- lez de Mendoza, Arclibishop of Toledo, and Grand 54 COL UMBIA. Cardinal of Spain; These liave made an interces- sion with the monarchs, and a conncil of the wisest men in Spain is to be held in Salamanca, before which conncil I am to appear and state my theories, and they will make report to the royal princes now lighting with the Moors."' " Then why are you not hopeful ? For surely they will become convinced." " There is little to be hopeful for. They are men wise in their own conceit, and as my theories will conflict with their own set notions, I feel that they will be rejected as impractical. I have learned bitter lessons from men theoretically wise." "I thought you said you would succeed." " In the end I will, but I fear not with them. There may be years of disappointments, shattered hopes, and heart-aches yet in store for me ere success crowns my efforts. But God's will can- not be balked, and He sends me on this mission." " Sefior," cried the boy, suddenly, seizing the hand of Columbus in botb his own, while his eyes sparkled with a new, strange hope, " make me a promise." "What?" " I told vou the story of mv father." "You did." " I want to go with you on your voyage to the new world." " Child, you know not what you ask." THE MADMAN OF GENOA. 65 " I do, good seiior. I too am called of Heaven to rescue a captive father. I must go, for I feel that you cannot succeed without me." Columbus gazed on the fresh, honest young face and black, flashing eyes, and dared not say he spoke an untruth. After a moment's thought he answered : " On one condition only can you go." " Name the condition." "You must gain the consent of your grand- dame. I have a son of your age. I would not take him with me, and I begin to love you almost as much as if you were a son. Under no condi- tions would I consent for you to be exposed to the dangers and hardships of such a vo^^age, did I not believe that you, as well as I, are called of Heaven." The lad was jubilant, yet he felt a i)ang at thought of leaving Christina and the granddame, who had been so kind to him, but home attach- ments could not conflict with duty. On ascertain- ing that Columbus was to soon set out for Sala- manca, he exacted a ])romisc from him, that, should he gain his granddame's consent, he could accom- pany him. On his return Hernando found the senora busy with her household duties, Christina assisting her. The expression of happiness on the pretty face of Christina increased as Hernando approached. He 56 COLUMBIA. dared not tell the granddame until he had con- fided the matter to Christina : so he took her aside and told her all. "Then you will go away?" and the pretty face grew so sad that he kissed her again and again, and assured her that, when his father was found, he would return and never leave her side. Then together they returned to the granddame, where Hernando told all, and concluded with: "Can I go?" " No," was the prompt answer, " Granddame, don't you know how my father calls to me from across the sea ? Oh, will you not let me go to him?" "Go away, child. You are mad to think of such a thing." He quitted the cottage, and wandered to the lit- tle glen by the sea, where he sank down upon the mossy bank of a brooklet, and burying his face in his hands, burst into a flood of tears. He had sobbed there but a short time when a pair of light feet came skipping over the rocks, a fairy-like being bent over the sad youth, and a pair of ga- zelle-like eyes, beaming from out a profusion of golden curls, were on him. Christina, who always shared his troubles, had come to weep with him over his disappointment. The old senora was ill at ease at having refused the lad's request. She imbibed all the supersti- THE MADMAN OF GENOA. 57 tions of the age, and believed that the boy had heard the spirit of his father calling him to come to his rescue across the waters. All the afternoon her mind dwelt on the subject, and when she went to bed at night it was the last thought of her waking moments. In sleep it did not leave her, for scarce was she locked in slumber ere her dreaming fancy, look- ing out across the broad ocean to the westward, saw a mighty light flash over the sea. She seemed transported to the shores of an unknown land, where strange, gnome-like figures with hard, cruel faces met her on every hand. Amid the cries of slaves and clank of chains she beheld Hernando's father. Oh, how changed! Years of slaver}^ and suffer- ing had worn him away to a skeleton, and fixing his agonized eyes on her, he groaned : " Why do you withhold from me my only hope of release from a living death? " The senora awoke with a shriek, and such an impression did the dream have upon her that next morning she said : " Hernando, I saw vour father last night in a vision, and I will now consent for you to go with Sehor Columbus to the New World and release him from a living death." With a cry of joy he embraced the granddame and Christina, who tried hard to conceal the grief 58 COLUMBIA. she felt at loss of her brother. Noticing the cloud on Christina's face, he said : " Who will care for her when I am gone? " "That will be nij duty," the granddame an- swered. That very day Hernando went to Palos, where he found Columbus, and told him all. Placing his hand on the boy's head, the great man ex- claimed : " Henceforth our destinies are one. We go in a double cause, which must have a single result. Both of us are called of Heaven, and both will in the end receive Heaven's reward." CHAPTER lY. THE WISE MEN OF SALAMANCA. About a league from Salamanca, once the great seat of learning of Spain, the road winds about among hills, mountains, and picturesque passes in graceful serpentine curves, presenting a constant and varied sc^ne of beauty. The sun had not beeu an hour in the sky when a man arid boy, each mounted on a mule, came slowly jogging along this tortuous path. As the distant towers of Salamanca loom up into view, the face of the tired lad grows brighter in anticipation of reaching the end of a long, fatiguing journey. " We'll soon be there, seflor," spoke Hernando, pointing toward the tall spires and steeples of the old Dominican Convent of St. Stephen's, where they were to be entertained during the conference. In the hall of the convent Columbus was to appear before the great body of theologians and philosophers, to expound his new theories. " Yes, we'll soon be there," the great man an- swered. " And you will convince them, I know." The white head of the wnse man shook some- what dubiously, as he answered : 60 COLUMBIA. " False logic more often convinces than sound. I feel impressed that I am not understood, and justice cannot be given mv plans until I have shaken the throne with them. Men with set no- tions cannot be moved." And Columbus bowed his head thoughtfully. He was not of a despondent nature ; a man of grave, earnest demeanor, but far from possessing a melancholy temperament. On that journey he had travelled for hours in silence, buried in thought. Being called of Heaven for this special work, it is not to be wondered that his thoughts were beyond those of mortal ken. Hernando, being naturally quiet, seldom disturbed his medi- tations. His own sad thoughts checked the nat- ural overflow of his childish spirits. Added to the one great shadow that had fallen on his young life — the unknown fate of his father — was the re- gret at leaving Christina and the granddame. Reaching Salamanca, they went at once to the old Dominican Convent of St. Stephen, where they were to be lodged and entertained during the course of the examination. At this period in the world's history religion and science were closely associated in Spain. The treasures of learning were immured in monasteries, and the professors' chairs filled from the cloister. The clergy dominated over the State as well as Church, and, with the exception of hereditary THE WISE MEN OF SALAMANCA. 61 nobles, posts of honor and influence at court were almost entirely confined to the ecclesiastics. Columbus and his young companion were met at the gate by a sleek, smiling old friar, who greeted them with : "Welcome to this holy convent; you have journeyed a Jong distance, judging from thq dust on your garments, and you stand in need of rest." " Our journey has been fatiguing," Columbus answered. " And may the saints be praised that you were not assailed by the infidel Moors." The very thought of the Moors caused the friar to pause a moment, ci'oss himself, and pray that the marauding infidel might be driven from the land of the Christian. " It is coming, too," he added. " Our good sovereigns are gaining all the while, and ere long Granada must fall." " I pray Heaven it may," Columbus devoutly answered. Entering the court, servants came to take the mules away to their stalls. The good friar, strok- ing the boy's head, turned to Columbus and asked : " Is the bright lad your son ? " " He is an orphan, a noble lad whom I love almost as if he were my son." " Ay, may he find a father in you. I will take you to your apartments, where you will find food 62 COLUMBIA. and wine, and jou must have rest, for the confer- ence begins its session to-morrow. The junto is ah-eadj^ assembling." The boy carefully watched the face of Columbus to see if the intelligence produced any change, but the explorer expressed neither fear nor pleasure at the announcement. His face was grave, grand, and noble, as it always was, but dignified and unmoved as if carved from marble. Passing be- neath the portals of the grand old convent, they entered the chamber set apart for them. When dinner was served, Hernando was hungry, for the journey had given him a keen appetite ; but Colum- bus was so full of his great subject that he ate slowly and sparingly. All that day they saw no one save their attend- ant, and Hernando, being wearied, was urged to retire early in the evening. When the lad closed his eyes in sleep, Columbus still sat at a table poring over his charts and arranging his thoughts for the grand discussion that was to come on the morrow. Whether he slept any that night or not, the world will perhaps never know, but when the lad awoke, the sun was rising, and the great cosmographer still sat poring over his books, maps, and charts. Kising, Hernando dressed, and going to the side of his benefactor, asked : " Have you slept at all ? " THE WISE 31 EN OF SALAMANCA. 63 " I am ready now to present mj cause," was the answer. Instinctively Columbus knew that lie was tbat day to enter upon the greatest struggle of his life. The so-called learned men before whose august presence lie was to present his scheme were super- stitious bigots, more ready to find flaws in his logic than to see gems of truth. He took a bath, ate a light breakfast, and got ready for the unequal contest. " Can I go with you ? " asked the boy. " Is it your wish ? " " Yes." " The chances of success are small." " Why do you say so ? " " I believe that the greater part of the learned junto are already prepossessed against me," " From what cause ? " " I am neither rich nor of noble blood, and men in jilace and dignity are apt to be prejudiced against poor applicants. They already consider me as a kind of delinquent or impostor whose faults are to be detected and exposed. Again, I am only an obscure navigator, a member of no learned institution, destitute of all the trappings and circumstances which are thought necessary to make one worthy of consideration. But if this day is to be one of humiliation, come and be a witness to it." 64 • COLUMBIA. What a striking spectacle the hall of the old convent presented on this memorable occasion! The learning and wisdom of Spain were there assembled to listen to the theories and vagaries of an unknown man. Upon a dais at one end of the hall sat the learned junto, looking \ery grave, serious, and wise. On entering the hall in the presence of the assembled wisdom of Spain, the unknown navi- gator paused a moment and gazed on the assembly to search their faces, and, if possible, read their thoughts. In the eyes of one or two he saw marks of sympathy ; in others, interest, or rather curiosity ; while he read in a majority of the junto only unyielding prejudice. He was dressed neatly but plainly, and his snow-white hair and beard gave to him a patriarchal appearance. He held Hernando's hand in his left, and carried a bundle of maps and charts under his right arm. The appearance of the junto was so much more favorable than he had expected that Columbus stooped and whispered to the lad : "It is not so bad as I had anticipated." Columbus was modest yet self-possessed, neither dazzled nor daunted by the awful presence of so much learning. Never had a more imposing scene been presented in the old convent. A sim- ple, unknown mariner standing before an array of professors, friars, and dignitaries of the Church, to THE WISE MEN OF SALAMANCA. Q^ plead the cause of a new and unknown world. At first only the friars of St, Stephen seemed to have any interest in the matter; the other mem- bers of the university yawned and lolled in their chairs, and showed every indication of being bored. Columbus advanced toward the junto, and bowed ; then one of the friars of St. Stephen said : " Proceed at once with your theories." " Most holy and learned fathers ! " Deep and rich were those tones, as if flowing from the in- most depths of a great soul. At sound of bis voice every eye sparkled and every form became erect, while all signs of listless indifference gave place to interest. " I come, most holy fathers, called of Heaven to plead the cause of an unknown world — a world lying beyond the seas — a land where splendor, beauty, and magnificence, such as has never come to us in our fondest dreams, await the explorer." -As he became warmed up in his theme, a glow which seemed born of inspiration overspread his face, and the lad, gazing on him in wonder, at last declared : "Surely he is called of God ! " All save the learned friars of St. Stephen appear to have entrenched themselves behind the dogged position, that after so many profound philosophers and cosmographers had been studying the form of the world, and so many able navigators had been 5 66 GOL UMBIA. sailing about it for several thousand years, it was the height of presumption in an ordinary man that there remained such a vast discovery for him to make. Columbus came and labored in the most inop- portune age of the world's history for his great achievement, and nothing but his indomitable will and determination, with the enthusiastic hal- lucination that he was called by Heaven to liber- ate the Holy Sepulchre, and his only means of acquiring the necessary funds was in this discov- ery, could have stimulated him to such prodigious efforts. The imperfect state of science at the time, and the manner in which knowledge, though rapidly extending, was still impeded in its prog- ress by monastic bigotry, were against him. All subjects were still contemplated through the ob- scure medium of those ages, when the lights of antiquity were trampled out and faith was left to fill the place of inquiry. Bewildered, in a maze of religious controversy, mankind had retraced their steps, and receded from the boundary line of ancient knowledge. Having resurrected the theories of Ptolemy, Marco Polo, and Aristotle, Columbus had pinned his faith on the judgment of the ancient philoso- phers and astronomers, rather than present navi- gators or bigoted churchmen and philosophers of his own age. THE WISE MEN OF SALAMANCA. 67 As be gradually unfolded his plans, producing argument after argument to substantiate liis doc- trines, one of the most bigoted members of the junto suddenly interrupted him with : " What you say is sacrilege." " Why say you so? " asked Columbus. " It is in direct conflict with the Bible, the New Testament, the prophets, the epistles and gospels, as well as the expositions of various saints and commentators, St. Chrysostom, St. Augustine, St. Jerome, St. Gregory, St. Basil, St. Ambrose, and Lactantius Firmianus, the redoubted cham- pion of our faith." Being a religious enthusiast himself, Columbus was hardly ])repared for this turn of the discus- sion. At this time, doctrinal points were mixed up with philosophical discussions, and mathemat- ical demonstration was allowed no weight if it appeared to clash with a text of Scripture or a commentary of one of the fathers. After a moment's silence, Columbus replied: " Holy fathers, I reverence the doctrines and Scriptures as much as you, but the possibility of the antipodes in the southern hemisphere is an opinion so generally maintained by the ancients as to be pronounced by Pliny the great contest between the learned and the ignorant." Nevertheless, the antipodes proved a stum- bling-block in the way of the sages of Salamanca. 68 COLUMBIA. " Your statements cannot be true," interposed the principal objector, who had surrounded him- self with the works of Lactantius and St. Augus- tine, who in those days were considered of almost Divine authority. " Listen, while I read what Lactantius says on the subject." And the friar read : " ' Is there any one so foolish as to believe there are antipodes with their feet opposite ours ; peo- ple who walk with their heels upward and their heads hanging down ? That there is a part of the world in which all things are topsy-turvy ; where trees grow with their branches downward, and where it rains, hails, and snows upward ? The idea of the roundness of the earth was the cause of the inventing this fable of the antipodes with their heels in the air ; for the philosophers, having once erred, go on in their absurdities, defending one with another.' " The friar paused, laid down Lactantius, and took up as his next authority St. Augustine. Eesuming the thread of his discourse, he added : " St, Augustine pronounces the doctrine of anti- podes, with which this would-be explorer seems so thoroughly imbued, to be incompatible with the historical foundations of our faith ; since to assert that there are inhabited lands on the opposite side of the globe would be to maintain that there are races not descended from Adam, it being im- THE WISE MEN OF SALAMANCA. 69 possible for them to have passed the intervening ocean. This would be, therefore, to discredit the Bible, which expressly declares that all men are descended from one common parent. There are other points in the Holy Scriptures incompatible with the theory of this man. I believe he says the earth is spherical in form." The friar paused, that Columbus himself might answer, and without any hesitation he said : "Holy father, it is." " Then to his proposition I can bring the most direct proof that he is in conflict with God him- self. It is observed that, in the Psalms, the heav- ens are said to be extended like a hide; that according to our commentators, the curtain or covering of a tent, which among the pastoral people of ancient times was made of the hides of animals ; and even St. Paul, in his epistle to the Hebrews, compares the heavens to a tabernacle or tent extending over the earth, which of course must, by the very necessity of the argument, be flat." " Holy father, I fear that the figurative is being construed literally," interposed Columbus. "It is not for you to decide which is figurative and which literal," sharply answered the friar. " You, professing to be a Christian, have proved yourself heterodox," Columbus at once saw there was danger of his 70 COLUMBIA. being wrongfully accused, and had begun to say something in his own defence, when another friar, more versed in science, rose and said: "Admitting that the earth is globular in form, and that there is a bare possibility of an opposite side that is inhabitable, we all know from scien- tific researches that it is impossible for one to arrive there, in consequence of the insupportable heat of the torrid zone. Again, even granting that this point could be passed, the earth's cir- cumference must be so great as to require at least three years to make the voyage, and as it would be impossible to take sufficient- provisions, in my opinion, all would perish of hunger and thirst." And having delivered this remarkable opinion, the august personage with, a conclusive " ahem," designed to exterminate the unknown upstart, seated himself. Another argued, on the authority of Epicurus, that, admitting that the earth was spherical, it could only be inhabited at the northern hemis- phere, and that section only was canopied by the heavens; that the opposite side was chaos, a gulf, or a mere waste of water. If a ship could reach the extremity of India, she ' could never get back again, for the rotundity of the globe would present a mountain up which it would be impos- sible to sail, even with the most favorable wind. Other objections, more cogent in their nature, and THE WISE MEN OF SALAMANCA. 7I more worthy of the distinguished university, were advanced, and Hernando began to tremble for their cause; but its advocate stood unabashed and unmoved by the argument of the friars. The interview might end by sending him to the rack, but he had a warm religious feeling, added to which was his superior knowledge of science, and an earnest conviction tliat he was right. When all the objections were made, he pro- ceeded to reply with cogent reasoning, logical con- clusions, and a depth of religion and knowledge which swept away the dark clouds of objection. He showed how the inspired writers were not speaking technically as cosmographers, but figu- ratively, in language addressed to all comprehen- sions. The ignorant bigot of the past was as ready to misquote and misinterpret the Scriptures as the bigoted and dishonest infidel of the present. The commentaries of the fathers Columbus treated with deference, as pious homilies, but not as philosophical propositions w^hich it was neces- sary to either admit or refute. But the objections drawn from ancient philosophers he met boldly and ably, upon equal terms, for he was well posted on all points of cosmography. He proved con- clusively that the most illustrious of those sages believed both hemispheres to be inhabitable, though they imagined that the torrid zone pre- cluded communication. 72 VOLUMBIA. "I can. conclusively obviate that difBeulty," be continued. " 1 have myself voyaged to St. George la Miiia in Guinea, almost under the equinoctial line, and found the region not onl}' traversable, but abounding in population, fruits, and pastur- age." Then, as that simple, unknown navigator be- came warmed up, he elicited the closest attention from all. His convictions gave him confidence in the execution of what he conceived to be his great mission, and his ardent tom})erament became heat- ed by its own generous lires. His commanding person, his elevated demeanor, his air of author- ity, his kindling eye, and the persuasive intona- tions of his voice, gave majesty and force to his words, as, casting aside his maps and charts, and discarding for a time his jiractical and scientilic lore, his visionary sj)irit took iire at the doctrinal objections of his op})oncnts, and met them on tiieir own ground, pouring forth those magniticent texts of Scripture and those mysterious predictions of the prophets, which in liis enthusiastic moments he considered as types and annunciations of the sublime discoveries wliich he proposed. Influenced alike by reason and eloquence, Diego de Deza became convinced that Columbus was right. Diego de Deza was a learned friar of the Order of St. Dominic, at that time professor of theology in the Convent of St. Stephen, but who THE WISE MEN OF SALAMANCA. 73 afterward became Archbisliop of Seville, the sec- ond ecclesiastical dignitary of Spain. This able and erudite divine could appreciate wisdom, even when uttered })y unlearned lips. lie took a gen- erous interest in the cause, and by the exercise of almost superhuman powers calmed the blind zeal of his more ignorant brethren, so as to obtain for the unknown mariner a dispassionate if not an unprejudiced liearing. By the united efforts of Columbus and Diego de Deza, it is said, they brought over the most learned men of the schools. 'I'hc most serious objection raised to the theory of Columbus was sprung late in the discussion, and that was that his theory could not be recon- ciled with the cosmography of Ptolemy, to which all scholars yielded implicit faith. At this time the solar system of Copernicus, which was to re- verse the grand theory of Ptolemy, was unknown. It was requisite, before Columbus could make his solutions and reasonings understood, that he should remove from his auditors those erroneous princi- ples on which their objections were founded — a task more difficult than teaching a new doctrine. As time wore on, many began to lose interest in the conference, and the decision was delayed again and again. As days passed, and news of battles won and campaigns planned came from the front, the junto seemed to prefer discussing the practical question of expelling the Moors, to the 74 COLUMBIA. impractical theory of discovering a new world. A voyage to one o{ the planets would to-day be re- garded with as much incredulity, and as wild and visionary, as was the plan of Columbus. Fernando de Talavera, to whom the matter was especially intrusted, had too little esteem for it, and was too much occupied with the stir and bustle of public concerns, to press it to a conclusion; and thus the inquiry experienced continual procrastination and neglect. Columbus waited day after day, week after week, and month after month for a decision, but none came. Early in the spring of 1487 the Cas- tilian court had departed from Salamanca, and repaired to Cordova, preparing for the memorable campaign against Malaga. Instead of waiting in idleness the decision of the junto, Columbus toot an active part in the campaign. He tried to per- suade Hernando to return to his home, but the youth said : " No, no ; I'll go with you. You are my father's only hope, and I must not lose sight of you." " We may not have a decision for months yet," argued Columbus. " When we do get it, the chances are the decision will be against us." "I must be with you when the decision does come," the lad answered. The summer of 1490 passed, and still Columbus and Hernando were kept in tantalizing suspense. THE WISE MEN OF SALAMANCA. 75 They fought for Ferdinand and Isabella in many battles, and doubtless their perilous adventures, and the many stirring scenes of the war, made the days of suspense less irksome, Columbus and Hernando still lingered at Cor- dova, when it was ascertained that the sovereigns were preparing to depart on a campaign in the Yega of Granada, with a determination never to raise their camp from before the city until their victorious banners should float upon its towers. "I must have a decision of the junto at once," he said to Ferdinand, who, having an interest in the affair which was subordinate to his own con- quests, ordered Fernando de Talavera to hold a definite conference of the scientific men to whom the project had been referred, and make a report of their decision. The bishop tardily complied, and at length reported to their majesties, as the general opinion of the junto, that the proposed scheme was vain and impossible, and that it did not become such great princes to engage in an enterprise of the kind on such weak grounds as had been advanced. But Columbus had one enlightened mind and one enthusiastic soul in the person of Friar Diego de Deza, tutor of Prince Juan, who so tempered mat- ters that the plan was not rejected. Fernando de Talavera repaired to Cordova, where Columbus still waited a decision. With hope brightening 70 COLUMBIA. Iiis f;u'o, Colninhus liastciicd to mod liim, and asked : "J lave vou a decision?" " Yes." " '•Do tliey reject it?" "No. I am autliorizcd to say tliat the great cares and expenses ol" the wars liave r(*nd(M-ed it iinpossihle for the sover(>i<2;ns to eii<2;at2,"e in any \\c\s cnter[)rise; bnt, when the war is (n'er, they will have both tinu^ and inehiiation to treat with you on tlu^ subject." Cohunbus reeled as it' he had been struck a bh)\v, and leaning against th(> wall said : " 1 was almost. I'oolish enough to hope." " Doi's not, this ju'omise give yon hope?" asked the royal messenger. "It is but a starving promise, at best, after so many days of weary attendane(\ anxious expecta- tions, and deferred hope." « But he gained strength and courage to repair \o the court at Seville, and get tiie answer from tlu^ lips of his scn'crcigns. It. was virtually the sann\ (ItH'lining to engage in I lie enterprise at jtresent, Imt pi'omising, wIumi tlu^ wai' was ovei', to give liim tlieii- aid in the atVair. "What will we ^\o now? Shall we wait?" Hernando asked when \\\o\ lelt tlu> eonrl. " It's no use," Oolund)us answei'i>d. "This in- delinite postponement is only a t'oni'tly mode THE WISE Mim OF SALAMANCA. 77 of (^vadiii^' oin- iiiiport.iinity. Wo will Icjivc Spain." "Surely iliey will ro<;o»iHi(l(M-." " 1 have iKj confidcMKH! in vn^wc inoiriiHCS wliicli lia,v(! so often l('(| 1,0 (liKa])|)oitiirticiit. \ Iiuvo already been beguiled out, of too nuuiy prctiious years of waning exintenee, and to-morrow I will tiiiMi my back on Seville and d(;[)art for Krancc." CIIAPTKh' V. y.WA. OK 'I'lIK (IIIKSCENT. AnoUT li:ill";i lc;iij;uo IVoiii i\\c litlK' so;i|H)rt town ol" P;iK)s do Mogiior, in Andalusia, tluM-c still stands to this i.]i\y an ancient convent of b'raiicisean friars, dedicated to Santa Maria de Ixahida. One day, aeeordino' to the nodtifarions wi'itinus of the Plieto, wliirh are still [)rescrvod ai Se\ille, a stranj^'cr o\\ foot, in innuhle i>ause hut. of distiu- ii'uished air, aeconi})anied hy a hov, stopped at the gate oi the eonviMit, and askt'd the poiMcM- foi- a little bread and water foi- his ehihl. WhiK-ri'- ceiving this humble refreshment, the jti'ior of the eonvent, duan IVmhv- de Mai'ehena, hap|)iMiing to pass by, was struck l>y the ap[)eai'a.nce of the stranger, and observing, from his air and accent, that he was a foreigner, entered into ci^nversation with Iiim, and learned tlu> particulars of his story. That strangt'r was (."IoIuiuImis. 'riu> prior was a man i^f I'xtcnsive iid'ormation, who, from his close })roximity to I'alos, had given considerable attention to geography and nautical science. 'VUc inhabitants of Palos were among the most c>nterprising navigators of Spain, having made frctpuMit voyages and iliscoveries on the itWLi, OF run: ciwiscknt. 70 Arri<':i-ii coii-sl. Till' [trior vv;is ;.'i'<':iJ,ly iiili rcslcd l)y l,li(^ <'()iiv<'rs;ili<>ii of ( loliiinWiis, :iiiil slriick vvitJi the ^riuidciir of liis views. Il^ vv;is ;i, rcmnrkublf! occurrence, in llic nionolonoiis lile of IJk; clois1,ei', 1,0 li;ive ii, in;in of sneli ii sin^njlnr eliiiructcr, intent on so (sxtriiordiiiury :iti cinUirprisc!, applying- for ])rc;i(l iind \vii,1.er ;il, llie oiij(> of Ins (tonvcrit. WIkmi t,li<; |)rioi' h^iirned t,li:i,t, IJk! voyager was on ilie poitit, of abandoning Spain lo «(!(;!-: patronage; in tlic court, of h'r;i,nc(!, and that so itMf)ortant an onici"[)ris(! was about to Ix; lost forcve'i" to tlie country, li'fs i)atriotisrn took alarm, lieing dilli- (lent of liin own judgment, Ik; d(!tuine(l (Jolund)us as liis guest, and sent for- a, scientilic fri<;nd — Garcia F(!rnandcz — a physician, r(;siderit in l*aioH. I^'ernniidez wjiscfpiidly iiri[)rcHHcd with th(! appear- ance and eonv(;rsation of th(! Htr;uigcr. " It can yet l>e arranged, senoi'," asserted tli(! good doe-tor, "and you must rem;i,in a while! longer. "Alas! my fr-iends, I haviiu>iilous inoetin*;" ol tlioso famous ua\ignli>rs, who \\imh> dcstinod to briui;- ow each othiM- ctci'iial i\mio\vu ami ruin. Martin AK>n/.o Piuzou was in the poi't of PaK>s at tho tiiuo. The fame of tlie Pinzons was fur jjjreater at this time than that of Oi>lumb\is, and Hernando, who had often secMi thiMii when in port at Paios, liad never had anv higher ambition in iiis boyhood than to sail in one of their ships. The [)rior br o u g h t with him fi-om Palos a tall, jH^verful man. with broad, high Wow j.\ and dark beard. He wore a s w o r d and breastplate, ami as the lad studied the faee oi the great sailor, he pro- {)ounih\l to himself the question : " Can he hel]) us ? " Columbus seemed to feel that at last they were Hearing the end. Martin Alonzo Pinzon was an experienced navigator, a man of good family and great wealth, and was not so liable to be preju- diced by false logic and theories distorted from trulit, as the learned uumi of the realm. Mautin Alonzo Pinzon. FALL 01'' TIII'J (niKHCjKNT. 81 'IMiis first meeting betwecu Murtin J-*inz()ii juhI Christopher (Joliiinliiis was eordial, iind from ihe lii-si they seeincd to In; friends. In the great sea- eu[)tuiu the future discoverer found an interested and intelligent listener. "1 doubt not your theory, Senor C(dnrnbijs," the sailor answered, wlien Colurrd>ushad explained liis phuis. " I lia,ve r(\seued from the waves many reliefs drifting in from that unknown sea. In ad(iition to the bcjdies of a strange raee whieh floated to our shores, I have picked up wood of a S[)eeies urdcnown to us, as well as strange and won(Jerful carvings." Hernan(h), who had been listening with breath- less interest and ut>ter silence uj) to this momcnl, now allowed his anxiety to overcome his years, and boldly asked : " Would you undertake such a voyage, senor ? " Almost immediately he remembered he was a boy — that it was not his j)lace to speak — and he hung his head in confusion. Pinzon was a kind-hearted as well as irjtelligent and bi'ave mariner, and with an encouraging smile he an- swered : "Yes; I am so favorably impressed with th(! plan that lam willing to engage in il- with my purse and person. I>y all means, renew your aj)- plication at court, senor." "Alas! T have no money," was the answer. 6 a2 COLUMBIA. "I will bear the expenses niyself. Give up, I pray you, all idea of a journey to France." " Wait, and by all means make one more effort," put in Friar Juan Perez, who, confirmed in his faith bj tlie concurrence of tliose learned and practical councillors, now became one of tlu; most enthusiastic advocates of the new enterprise. " I was once confessor to the queen, and one of our calling always has access to her. If you will remain, T will write to her immedi- ately on the subject." Columbus was easily per- suaded, for he felt as if in leaving Spain he was aban- doning home ; and he was also reluctant to renew in another court the vexations and disappointments expe- rienced in Spain and J^ortugal. " I will stay," he at last decided. " And I will send Sebastian llodriguez as am- bassador to the queen. She is in the new mili- tary city of Santa Fe, which has been built in the Vega, before Granada." , In two days the ambassador was sent with the friar's letter, and in dii(> time came back with an answer from tlie queen to Juan l^erez, requesting that he would repair immediately to the court, ViNCKNT YANEZ PlNZON. FALL OF THE CRESGFNT. 83 leaving Christoplicr Cohiin])ns in confident li()])e until he should further heui" IVoiii her. The royal letter spread joy throughout the convent. No sooner did the enthusiastic fi'iar receive it, than he saddled his mule, and, though it was nearly midnight, set out through the country of the con- quered Moors, by roads which were by no means safe, to Granada. "Another long period of unrest and anxiety is before me," remarked Columbus, when he was again alone with his young iwoti'ge. "Let us pray Heaven it may not be in vain," said the youth. " I am not despondent, for I feel that each effort strengthens my cause," answered Columbus. "There is much ground for hope. The sacred office of Juan Perez will gain hiui a ready entrance to the court, and when once I can get the ear of the queen I am certain of success." As history has })roven, Columbus was correct in all his calculations. Juan Perez gained admis- sion to the queen and laid before her the plans of Columbus. Though she had in a general way heard something of Columbus as a wild, visionary enthusiast or adventurer, his claims had never been presented to her in their true light Ixifore. Juan Perez found an able coadjutor in the Mar- chioness of Moya, who entered into the affair with all a woman's disinterested enthusiasm, having 84 COLUMBIA. met Columbus nud fonuod liis acquaintance on a fonncr occasion, and already knowing something of his plans, and how he had spent his life and fortune in trying to give to Spain a greater honor than a nation had ever attained. Isabella was moved as only a wise Christian woman could be, by such unvselfisli devotion. "This man Colund)us must be a great nund, after all," she ci'ied, at the conclusion of the joint appeal of the marchioness and friar. " Send him to me; and, as he may have suffered by long priva- tions, I will order that twenty thousand maravedis in florins be forwarded to him to bear his travelling expenses." Again there was joy at the convent and the town of Palos, when Garcia Fernandez delivered the order, and the money with it, to Columbus. The intervening time Hernando had spent at home with his granddamc and Christina, return- ing only the day before Garcia Fernandez aiTived with the message and money. "Can I accompany you?" he asked. For a moment Columbus hesitated, and then said : " Yes ; our destinies are linked together, and you may go." They at once exchanged their threadbare garbs for those more suited to the sphere of a court, and set out once more to the camp before Granada. FALL OF TllM CRESCENT. 85 But (lisappoiiiiiiiciiis wore not yet :it jui end. In fact, from the bcginnin:h with. While the Spaniards lilled the air with shouts and cries of joy, the Moors made the welkin ring with groans and sobs of bitterness. It was then that the Moorish bard from the depths of his soul broke forth with : "Beautiful Granada, how is thy glory faded! The flower of thy chivalry lies low in the land of the stranger. No longer does the Vivarrambla echo to the tramp ol steed and sound of trumpet; no longer is it crowded with thy youthful nobles, gloriously arrayed for the tilt and tourney. Beau- tiful Granada I The soft note of the lute no longer floats through the moonlit streets. The serenade is no more heard beneath thy balconies. The lively Castanet is silent upon thy hills. The graceful dance of the zambra is no more to be seen beneath thy bowers. Beautiful Granada ! Why is the Alhambra so lorn and desolate? The or- ange and myrtle still breathe their perfumes into its silken chambers ; the nightingale still sings within its groves; its marble halls are still re- freshed with llu> flash of fountains and gush of limpid rills. Alas, alas! the countenance of the FAf.n OF THE CRESCENT. Ui kinjj; no longer sliincs within tboso walls. The light of the Alharabra is forever set." So deep was their grief and so great their lam- entations that Hernando was for the time l)einj2: moved to compassion. But suddenly his eyes grew bright, glistening with hate, and starting from th(^. sid(^ of Columbus, he ran across the in- tervcniing space between the people and ranks of the Moors, and approaching a tall, dark-skinned fellow who had lost the upper half of his left car, he cried : "Abdallah Alimed, arc you here? " "Christian dog, have you come to rejoice over our ruin?" the Moor answered. "No." " Then away ! " "No, no. I would ask you questions." " How know you that the Mussulman will give truthful answers? " "You must swear by your prophet to give me a truthful answer. "Where is my father?" "Think you that I know?" "From the dai'k liints which you breathed on one other occasion, you must know to what strange far-off land he sailed." "I know nothing to tell." " Dog of a Mohammedan, you deserve to have your other ear cut from your head." The infuriated Moor raised his hand, and would 92 COLUMBIA. have struck the lad had not a fellow Moor seized his arm. "Are you mad, Abdallah ? Know you not that we dare not touch the child of a Christian ? " " I'll bide my time ; but, Hernando Estevan, I hate you for taking away the fair child Christina. I will be even with you yet, and I'll take her with me when vve again invade Andalusia." The indignation of Hernando now almost burst all bounds. He could hardly reconcile himself to the idea of Christina's name being polluted by the breath of such a villain, and with clinched fist sprang forward to strike his enemy, when sud- denly a gayly caparisoned horseman spurred his steed between them. Turning his flashing eyes on Hernando, he cried : "Away, youngster — brat — away ! '" " Uncle Garcia, there stands the man whose lying tongue ruined my father," cried the excited and indignant youth. " I know you not — away ! " " You are my uncle Grarcia Estevan." "Lying brat, away." " In the name of my wronged father — '' the lad began ; but Garcia Estevan flew into a rage, and with the flat side of his sword struck the youth a blow which staggered him. "Shame, shame ! " cried a voice, and next mo- FALL OF THE CRESCENT. 93 ment Columbus seized the stunned boy in his arm, and snatched his own sword from its sheath. "Have jou not wronged him enough already? Do you now wish to end your foul work in the niurder of your brother's child?" "Who are you, you old white-haired sitmer," roared Garcia, and raising his sword lie aimed a downward stroke at Columbus, '^i^hc explorer was a skilled swordsman, and with the greatest ease warded ofT the stroke. Before they could cross blades again, a steel-clad horseman, mounted on a powerful black steed, galloped between them and cried : "Hold, Sir Garcia! As you value your life, harm not Sefior Columl)us." The new arrival was Alon/.o (^lintilla, the accountant-general, and a man with wiiom Sir Garcia dared not dis])ute. " Seiior Columbus, if you would make your enterprise a success, you must avoid private quar- rels." " I have no quarrel to make with that man ; I but defended the lad and myself." " Say no more ; I know all." CHAPTER VI. AftAIN DENIED. Though burning with hate and dread, Gareia Estevan was powerless to harm either the child or his white-haired champion. Alonzo de Quintilla, the accountant-general, was too powerful a per- sonage for even the king's favorite to oppose. "Away, Estevan," cried Alonzo de Quintilla. " He is but a meddlesome fool," answered the angry knight. "Enough ! I know yon, and I know this man and hoy. Begone!" As Sir Garcia rode away he gave Columbus a look which boded him no good. " What does he mean ? " the knight asked him- self. "Why has he espoused the old fellow's cause, and why has the man with white hair es- poused the cause of the boy? " During all the remainder of the im])osing cere- mony Garcia was ill at ease, and the Moor Abdal- lah Ahmed kept out of sight. The face of the boy haunted the wicked uncle, and when he reached his chamber that night he determined to know more of the lad and his strange companion, and what was their object in Granada. He sum- AGAIN DENIED. 95 moned his esquire, and asked bim if he knew the boy Hernando or his white-haired companion, " I do not, Sir Garcia," the esquire answered, " Can you learn anything of them, Sancho ? " " I know a man who will furnish you with the information you desire." •' Find him and send him to me," Sancho went away, and an hour later reappeared with a low-browed, surly, villanous-looking fellow, who by his attire and man- ner was evidently a sailor. " What is your name ? " asked the knight. "I am Miguel, an hon- est sailor from Palos." " Can 1 engage your services ? " " In what, sir knight? " " There is an old, white-haired man here with a boy. I saw them to-day following the parade." "Are they in your way, sir knight?" asked Miguel, with a deep hidden meaning, yet one well understood by the knight. " I don't mean that yet, Miguel. I merely want to know who he is, and what is his business here." "The lad?" " T know him. He is the son of my brother, who fled Spain a few years ago to escape the MiouEL THE Mutineer. 96 COLUMniA. wrath of an injured king. I want to know tho kid's white-liaireii companion, and what nu>ti\e brings him here.'' "I will learn, sir knight. Unless T mistake, they are the same who were at Palos a low wooks since. I will learn all, anil let yon know." Sir Garcia slept little that night, and when he did, he dreamed of the pale-faeeil lad, whose eyes were so strikingly like the wronged brothers. '' What cursed fate comes now to snatcli from me the laurels I have won by years of toil, danger, and sehemiuijr '? " he aski>d himself, as he tossed npon his bed. " Are the golden spurs to be stripped from my heels by that brat and that infernal old meddler? " AV'hen he fouml tlu^ n\(M-niug sunlight streaming in at his chandKn-, he ealliHl his .valet and asUed for the sailor Miguel. "He is in waiting, Sir dareia.'' The kniixht rose, dressed and breakfasted hnr- riedly, and sent for the spy. Miguel entered wnth downcast eyes, as if conscious of his own guilt. "Have you learned anything?" asked Sir Gar- cia. "I have, senor." "What?" "The lad's champion is a Genoese navigator, named Christopher Columbus." '■ What is he doinff here? "' AGAIN bhlNIKI). 97 " He came to have an audience with the queen and her couneillorH." " For 'whM parpoHf. 7 " Garcia was Ireinblirifr with approiienBion. ^I'lie sailor, wiio waK .slow of Kpee(;ii, hesitated a moment and answered : "Christoplier ColumijUH iias taken it into his head to go to tiie antipodes." "Where is that?" "I don't know, sir knight, but it is somewhere that he expects to discover a new world." " Is he an explorer?" " He iB." " r have }ieard of him. Now, tell me for what puriKjse he hus uskc-d an audience with the queen." " Tf> fit oiit a fleet to go to tiie arit,ipf>did I not know thiit I stood in tin; luuid of Heaven, chosen frcnn among mcui for tiie acc(jniplishment of its liigh f)ur[)Ose, I would not dare stand iKjfore you and plead this cause for an unknown world. I read of the discoveries I conternphate making, in Holy Writ, whi(;h are darkly shadowed forth in the mystifj revelations of the prophets, 1'hc ends of the eui-th are to })c Itronght together, and ail nations, tongues, iuid hmgufjges united under ihf; l)!inn(;r- of the Kedeemer. ^JMie triumjtiiant con- summation of my enterprise, great queen, is bring- ing the remote anrl unknown regions of the eartli into communion with Christian Kurrrf^e; carrying the light (A true faith into benighted and pagan hinds, and trathering tlieir countless nations under the holy dominion of the Church." A l)(;t,t(;r preface lo his argument could not iiave been chosen. The queen and ecclesiastics were wrajtt in wonder. The closest attention was given iiim from this time on, ;i,nd liud not tlie queen been already favorably impressc'i with the [)lan, she would have been converted. Only Fernando de ^Palavera seemed unmoved by the powerful argum(;nt; and as Columbus 102 COLUMBIA. warmed up, producing argument after argument, holding throne and attendants spellbound, Tala- vera became alarmed. Columbus placed his argument under three heads, and logically argued each in its turn. First was the nature of things ; second, the authorit}^ of learned writers; third, the reports of navigators. As his first, he asserted as a fundamental argu- ment that the earth was a terraqueous sphere, which might be travelled around from east to west, and that when on opposite points men stood foot to foot. According to Ptolemy, he divided the circumference from east to west at the equator into twenty-four hours of fifteen degrees each, making in all three hundred and sixty degrees. Comparing the globe of Ptolemy with the earlier map of Marinus of Tyre, he supposed that fifteen hours had been known to the ancients, extending from the Canary Islands to the city of Thin^e in Asia, a place set down as at the eastern limits of the known world. " The Portuguese," continued Columbus in his address to the monarchs of Spain, " have advanced the western frontier one hour more by the dis- covery of the Azores and Cape de Verde Islands. There then remain eight hours, or one-third the circumference of the earth, unknown and unex- plored. This space may in a great measure be filled up by the eastern regions of Asia, which AGAIN DENTED. 103 may extend so far as t(^ nearly surround the globe, and even to approach the western shores of Europe and Africa. The tract of ocean between these countries is no doubt less than has been sup- posed." Under the second head of his argument. Colum- bus submitted to the queen authors whose writ- ings had weight in convincing him that the intervening ocean could be but of moderate expanse and easily traversed. Among these he cited tlie opinion of Aristotle, Seneca, and Pliny, that one might pass from Cadiz to the Indies in a few days. The wonderful narratives of Marco Polo and John Mandeville, with whi<;li he was thoroughly acquainted, he quoted page after page. He read the letter of Fernando Martinez, a learned canon of Lisbon, who maintained that India could be reached by a western course, asserting that the distance could not be greater than four thousand miles in a direct line from Lisbon to the province of Mangi, near Cathay, As a third argument, he enumerated the various i>ndications of land in the west, which had floated to the known world — the dead bodies of a strange race of men, branches of trees bearing an unknown fruit, and pieces of wood strangely carved and evi- dently of a workmanship unknown to the inhabi- tants of Europe. Reeds of an immense size, grown no doubt on an. unknown land, had floated from 104 COLUMBIA. the west to the island of Porto Santo, where liad also been cast up on the shore some pieces of wood, strangely carved by other than iron instru- ments. His argument partoolc of logic, philos- ophy, {ind eloquence, and the queen was herself a delighted auditor. Having concluded, ho stood with his head meekly bowed awaiting her answer. " I have listened carefully to all you have said, and I am strongly impressed with the force and logic of your conclusions. I shall gladly negotiate with you, and on to-morrow those in whom I hav^e confidence will be appointed to meet you and arrange all plans. " Victory at last, after eighteen years' weary waiting," sighed Columbus, as he left the scene of his recent triumphs. " We can go now, can't we," asked the lad, as they went to their apartments. " We have a hope." "A hope! Isn't it sure?" " No ; we may not be able to make terms. If the queen should put certain parties on the list to negotiate with me, it might even yet fail. I will make this voyage on my own terms, or never make it." When Columbus met the parties appointed by the queen to negotiate with him, his worst fears were realized. Almost the first person he saw was AGAIN DENIED. 105 Fernando *de Talavera, and just behind him the cold, sinister Sir Garcia Estevan, both of whom were pledged to balk the enterprise. Talavera had risen bj the recent conquests to be Arch- bishop of Granada. How Sir Garcia had ever managed to become one of the queen's agents, Columbus was never able to learn. At the meeting of the queen's solicitors with Columbus, Talavera said : "Our royal princess and queen of Castile, Isa- bella, has sent us to consult with you. She is fav- orably impressed with your proposed voyage, and wishes to know on what terms you will undertake it." This was what Columbus desired. So fully im- bued was he with the grandeur of his enterprise that he would listen to nothing but princely con- ditions. He answered : "My principal stipulations are that I shall be invested with the titles and privileges of admiral and viceroy over the countries I may discover, with one-tenth of all the gains, either by trade or conquest." "You demand too much," cried Talavera, whose pride was shocked to see one whom he had con- sidered a needy adventurer aspiring to a rank and dignity superior to his own. " It is certainly a shrewd arrangement, Senor Columbus," put in the sneering Sir Garcia. " You 106 COLUMBIA. propose to secure, at all events, the honor of a command, and have nothing to lose in case of a failure." To this charge Columbus promptly replied : "I will furnish one-eighth of the cost, on con- dition of enjoying one-eighth of the profits." "Where will you get the means?" asked Sir Garcia, with another sneer on his fine, handsome face. "Friends in Palos," meaning the Pinzons, "will furnish the money for the enterprise." " You ask too much," said Fernando de Tal- avera, who had always regarded Columbus as a dreaming speculator and needy applicant for bread. " Your terms are whollv inadmissible," added Sir Garcia, who was glad of any opportunity to thwart the man who had befriended his brother's child. One of the others, more favorable to Columbus, asked : " Won't you be satisfied with less ? " "No; nothing less than what I have stated," was the exalted answer. "It seems that this man who for years has been a threadbare solicitor at our ante-chambers will now be suited with nothing less than a proposi- tion that approaches the dignity of the throne," put in the sneering Sir Garcia. AGAIN DENIED. 107 "Mj' uncle hates us, and he will defeat us yet," Hernando whispered to Columbus. The wise man thought he understood the cause of Sir Garcia's spleen. He gave the lad a hopeful smile, but would not yield an inch to the queen's ambassadors, who left him to make report to her majesty. " We are as far away now as ever," sobbed Her- nando, when he and Columbus were aloue. "I fear so," Columbus answered. "It's all on account of my uncle. I am the millstone which sinks you, senor." "Nay, lad, blame not yourself. Your uncle may hate me on your account, but it is not your fault. Heaven always rewards the just in the end." "Yes, seiior, but sometimes it is such a long distance to the end." Isabella was always attentive to the opinions of her ghostly advisers, and the archbishop, being her confessor, had a peculiar influence over her. As we have seen, he had been unduly prejudiced by Sir Garcia, and he concluded, in presenting the demands of Columbus, with the following: "Your gracious highness will see that this un- known man is making princely demands— de- mands which the dignity of the throne of Castile cannot consider. With a depleted treasury from long wars with the Moors, I could not advise your highness to accept such exorbitant terms." 108 COLUMBTA. The queen bowed her head in thought, and then said : " The proposed advantages might be bought at too great a price. Offer more moderate condi- tions, and such as are highly honorable and ad- vantageous." The archbishop and his followers bowed, and quitted her rojal presence. Columbus was found awaiting the report from her majesty. He was cool, determined, and un- moved. " Have you her majesty's answer ? " he asked, as the archbishop and Sir Garcia entered his chamber. " She sends us to say that your demands are too great, but that we are authorized to make more moderate terms, yet such as are strictly h on orabl e ' ' "Say no more," interrupted Col ambus, impa- tiently. " I have made my demand, and I will listen to nothing less." " Will you really listen to nothing else? " " Tell your gracious queen that, notwithstand- ing my love and high regard for her majesty, I will in this matter not cede one point of my de- mand." "Is that your final answer? " " It is." "Shall we bear it to her?" " You can." AGATN DENIED. 109 As they departed there was a look of fiendish triumph on the villanous face of Sir Garcia Este- van. He had ballvcd the great navigator. The more he saw of the attachment of Columbus to his nephew, the more he hated him and deter- mined to defeat him. '' The lad will share his honors, no doubt," thought Sir Garcia, "and, if they should succeed in this great discovery which he proposes, might supersede me in my title and estates. I must see that he does not succeed." The matter was reported as unfavorably as pos- sible to the queen, and she, still reluctant to give up the enterprise, was about to ask one more in- terview, when Fernando de Talavera interrupted her with : " It is useless, your majesty. This common sailor is too firmly set in his way to listen to reason. He is a dreamer, a speculator, and an adventurer, who has determined at all hazards to elevate himself to the nobility with succession forever." " What would you advise? " asked the queen. " Break of? all negotiations at once," put in Sir Garcia. " That's wholesome advice, your majesty," an- swered the archbishop. " I regard his plans as delusions, and himself as one gone mad over long speculations on vague and impossible theories." no COLUMBIA. Tlie queen was still rehictant. to (^ive np the plan. That patient, earnest, pleading face, those sad eyes, and the deep intonations of a convincing voice, which had carried conviction to her heart, haunted licr. But her advisers overruled her for the time being, and she said: "You mo,y inform him that negotiations ai-c at an end. " Columbus had been expecting such a ro))ort, and when it came he received the blow in meek- ness, liumilitv, and courage. Hernando sobbed for a few moments, for he keenly felt the disappointment. He felt that he was, in a measure, the cause of the failure. "Will you abandon the plan now?"' he asked. " My life is consecrated to this discovery," Co- lumbus answered. "My brother Bartholomew is in England and may have better success than I. I shall accei)t no paltry offer for a life's service, the greatest part of which has been consumed iu applications at various courts." Nothing could shake his perseverance, or make him descend to terms beneath the dignity of his enterprise. In all his negotiations he forgot his present obscurity and indigence. His ardent im- agination realized the magnitude of his contem- plated discoveries, and he felt that he was dis- cussing the destiny of a future empire. Though so large a portion of his life had worn AGAIN DENIED. HI away in fruitless solicitings, though there was no certainty that the same weary career was not to be entered upon at any other court, yet so indig- nant was lie at the repeated disappointments he had experienced in Spain, that ho dctcrinined to abandon it forever rather than compromise his demands. Hope long deferred liad made his heart sick, and lie felt it would bo a n^licf to l)e beyond the borders of Spain. When he informed the lad that he had deter- mined to leave him at the cottage near Palos, and seek in a foreign land the aid which had just been denied him, Hernando was greatly distressed. "I have encumbered you, F know ; and, but for me, you might have succeeded." " You are unjust to blame yourself ; I have no regrets that T have befriended you. Oft times when almost fainting you have encouraged me. Have no fears of the final result, for as each dis- appointment and failure only increase my deter- mination, I will yet succeed." The friends of Columbus gathered about him, and tried to dissuade him from going. Among fhem were Luis de St. Angel and Alonzo d.e Quin- tilla. " Surely after so nearly succeeding, you will not now abandon the cause," said the accountant- general. 112 COLUMBIA. " Abandon the cause — no, I will never abandon the cause," Columbus answered, in his lofty manner. '' I am about to abandon Spain. I would have given to my adopted country the glory and honor of discovering a new world ; but they have declined the proffer, and I must now in a foreign land seek what is denied me at home." The mules were saddled ; and, sad and dejected, but by no means despairing, Columbus and thela'd mounted and rode away. His two friends stood and watched Columbus and the boy wend their way down the long road, and disappear around a spur of the mountain. > CHAPTER VIL AT THE BRIDGE OF PINOS. "Don't despair, Senor Colombo," said Her- nando, as they jogged along on their mules. " Being called of Heaven, I can't despair," was the answer, " Your faith is unbounded." " Faith is as strong as we make it." " One would think, after so many failures, that you would begin to doubt that you were really called of Heaven." To this Columbus slowly and solemnly made answer : " The ways of God are all mystery to us. He chasteneth those whom he loveth. We are not permitted to lift the veil and gaze into the futuer, and perhaps it's best that we are not. I have no doubt of Heaven having called me to this work, else why should I struggle on from year to year? It is useless to ask me to abandon the work. I cannot give it up, try as I will. I am powerless to resist the promptings of Heaven, and each failure only makes me more determined to succeed. Had I not been called of God, I should have long since despaired, and quitted the work in disgust." 8 114 COL UMBIA. " If God has really called you, why does He place so many obstacles in the way of suc- cess ? " "The ways of Providence are inscrutable, and beyond our understanding. We know not wh}^ the wicked seem to prosper while the good are oppressed with calamity and affliction ; yet an eye of faith can pierce through it all, and see even the golden prize beyond a world of sorrow and , darkness, I know God has called me, and this introductory school of disappointments may be necessary to fit me for the great work which is laid out before me." They journeyed on, and the boj", with his troubled eyes bent on the ground, was buried in painful thought. His wild fancy went out across land and sea, until from that far-ofl unknown region he again heard the groans of the captive long bound in chains, and waiting — waiting for freedom. " Oh, come, come, come ! " every hoof-beat seemed to say. Every whispering zephyr that stirred the leaves of the Andalusian forest seemed whispering " Come." Prom the mountain-top, from the valley, the winding steep, or the deep gorge at their side, there came to his ear the ever pathetic wail, " Come ! " He was a lad of most excellent fancy, and his lively imagination, stirred by long dwelling on the painful subject, seemed to go out AT THE BRIDOE OF PIN08. 115 and converse with a captive father. Never was liallucination more a reality. Columbus, who was lost in thought, forgot the boy, until Hernando said : "Grant me one request, senor?" "Wbat?" "When you do go, can I go with you? " "Yes." " From whatever port your fleet of discovery may sail, let me go?" "I will, if possible." Hernando feared to part with Columbus lest he should forever lose sight of him,, and, losing him, lose all hope of carrying out the promise given a dying mother. It is so easy to forget absent friends, to drift along in the new course of events, and, forming other acquaintances, forget old ones amid new scenes, that Hernando feared this would be his fate. A sigh escaped his lips, as if he had not full faith in the promise of Columbus. During the many months he had journeyed with the great man from town to town, he had never known him to fail to keep his promise; but there were so many things to wean him away, that he doubted if he would be remembered. Then there was danger of years being spent in fruitless applica- tion. The white head was bent lower, and the frame seemed to have grown older, since the last 116 COLUMBIA. hope had beei] shattered. All this while Her- nando pictured his father's fate so terribly that his brain reeled, and he felt at times as if reason must be dethroned. " Heaven grant that the required help may speedily come," mentally prayed the lad, as he rode by the side of the disappointed navigator, who was scarce less despondent than himself. Columbus was asking himself how much longer he could live under this strain. From the utmost depths of his soul, he felt the promptings of a mighty ambition inspired by the grandest motives — a great soul rising up within itself, and demand- ing recognition of the world. Had he all along been mistaken, and was he to die unhonored and unknown ? Were those great impulses within his breast to perish ere they could be given forth to the world, and, after all, was he to have inscribed on his tomb the word ^'•Failure " f " It is darkest just before dawn," says a wise old saw, and not infrequently this proves true. Never had Columbus been more despondent than on that February day in the year 1492, as he rode forth from Santa Fe, believing he had turned his back forever on Spain. Man proposes and God disposes, and Columbus little dreamed what course events would take ere he had finished his career. At the very moment he was in darkest despair. AT THE BRIDOE OF PINOS. 117 and when he thought all lost,_he was on the verge of the one great triumph of his hfe. His enemies watched his departure with great satisfaction ; and Garcia Estevan and Fernando de Talavera, feeling confident they had forever done with the troublesome applicant, now quitted the side of the queen to engage in other matters leav- ing Isabella free to be approached by the friends of the navigator. . , Luis de St. Angel, receiver of the ecclesiastical revenues in Arragon, stood watching the form ot Columbus until he disappeared in the distance, and, turning to Alonzo de Quintilla, he said : " For shame, that Spain should lose so glorious a prize." " It is." " She must not." " How can this be prevented ? " asked Qumtilla. " We must see the queen, Quintilla. Now that Sir Garcia and the archbishop are away, we must see her and plead with her to accede to his terms. He demands nothing if he fails, and no more than he is justly entitled to if success crowns his efiorts." , " Your are right," answered the great-hearted Quintilla. „ " Let us haste to the queen, nor lose a moment. " Had we not better secure other aid ? " " Who ? " 118 COLUMBIA. " The Marchioness of Moya has great influence with Isabella. This is an affair that will reflect glorj on our good queen throughout all ages to come." The friends of Columbus hastened to the pal- ace, and begged for an immediate audience with the queen. Fortunately they found the marchion- ess and several other friends at the court. Luis de St. Angel was principal spokesman, and the exigency of the moment gave him courage and eloquence. Isabella was a little surprised, as her officers almost thrust themselves unceremoniously in her presence ; but she was slow to anger, and listened to the impassioned entreaty of St. Angel, in which was even mingled rej^roaches : " Your majesties' subjects are both grieved and astonished that the good queen, who has evinced the spirit to undertake so many perilous enter- prises, should hesitate at one where the loss will be so trifling, while the gain may be incalculable. If Columbus succeeds, lie will win the honors he asks. Many a common soldier has been knighted for valor on the field of battle, and spurs thus won are of higher consideration than any hered- itary title or honor. If the navigator succeeds, and your majesty has great faith that he will, then is he not worthy of his demands ? Again, noble queen, I would remind you how much might be AT THE BRIDGE OF PINOS. . 119 done for the glory of God, the exaltation of the Church, and the extension of your own dominion. Think what cause of regret to yourself, of triumph to your enemies, and of sorrow to your friends, should the enterprise you have rejected be accom- plished by some other power; and it will be, if you refuse the offer made by Columbus. Eemem- ber, great and noble princess, what fame other princes have acquired by their discoveries, and here is an opportunity which surpasses them all. I entreat your majesty not to be misled by the assertion of learned men that the project is the dream of a visionary. The judgment of Columbus is sound and his plans practical. Even his failure would not reflect disgrace upon the crown. It is worth the trouble and expense to clear up even a matter of doubt upon a subject of such great im- portance, for it belongs to enlightened and mag- nanimous princes to investigate questions of the kind, and to explore the wonders and secrets of the universe. Columbus liberally offered to bear one-eighth of the expense, and I can assure you that all the requisites for this great enterprise will consist of but two vessels and about three thou- sand crowns. I beseech your majesty, do not allow this golden opportunity of placing new laurels on your brow to escape. Send yet, while there is time, a messenger after this man Colum- bus, and bring him back." 120 COLUMBIA. The argument was made with that persuasive power which honest zeal imparts, and the Queen of Castile was greatl}' moved bj the force of it. The Marchioness of Moya exerted her eloquence to persuade the queen, in language and manner so earnest that Isabella could no longer resist. Her generous spirit was enkindled, and it seemed as if, for the first time, the subject broke on her mind in all its real grandeur, and at the conclusion of the marchioness's appeal she declared : " I have formed mj resolution ; I will under- take the enterprise." She cast a glance at Ferdinand, as if seeking his approval, but the king only shook his head. " What says my liege, will you join me in this great enterprise? " asked the beautiful queen, " I cannot," was the answer. "Why?" Ferdinand had all along looked coldly on this scheme, and during the hottest of the discussion had remained silent. It was only when appealed to that he spoke at all. " Our royal finances have been absolutely drained by the war, and some time must be given to replenish them." " Do you disapprove the plan ? " *' Not if we had the money, but, not having it, it is useless to talk of expenses." " Had you the funds, would you conseut? " AT THE BRIDGE OF PINOS. 121 " That is not under consideration ; we have not the money," the king answered. The queen had declared that her resolution was formed and she would undertai^e the enterprise, but how could she draw on an exhavisted treasury for a measure to which the king was adverse? There was a moment of hesitation, and all watched this suspense with trembling anxiety. The next moment all were assured. With an enthusiasm worthy of herself and the cause, Isabella exclaimed: " I undertake the enterprise for my own crown of Castile, and will pledge my jewels to raise the necessary funds." This was the proudest moment in the life of Isabella ; it stamped her renown forever as the patroness of the discovery of the New World. St. Angel, eager to secure this noble impulse, cried : " I assure your majesty it is not necessary to pledge your jewels, as I am ready to advance the necessary funds." " Can you ? " cried the queen. " I can, and with your leave I will. All we ask is your sanction." " I give it." " Then we will send for Columbus, and enter at once into the contract." "Where is he?" 122 COLUMBIA. " He left the city for the port of Palos, doubt- less to take his departui'e from Spain forever." "Let a courier be despatched at once, and instruct liim to stay not his flight until he lias overtaken the navigator. Send for a courier at once." The king did not try to dissuade the queen, but, seeing she was determined in the matter, quitted the council chamber, while a page went for a courier. We had as well state in this connection that St. Angel really secured the funds for this expedition from the coffers of Arragon ; seventeen thousand florins being advanced by the accountant out of the treasury of King Ferdinand. Tljat prudent mon- arch, however, took care to have his kingdom indemnified some few j^ears later; for in remun- eration of this loan, a part of the first gold brought from the New World was employed in gilding the vaults and ceiling of the royal saloon in the grand palace of Saragoza, in Arragon, anciently the Aljaferia, or abode of the Moorish kings. While the page was seeking a courier, the queen was all impatience, lest Columbus should be gone so far that she could not bring him back. " We must not lose this chance," she cried, wringing her hands in her great anxiety. "I AT THE BRIDGE OF PINO 8. 123 never understood this subject before. If I had, it would have been attended to long ago." "Your majesty must not blame yourself," put in St. Angel. '' It will not be too late," " Why does the courier not come ? " " He will arrive in due time." " But just now a moment is an age. Every second of precious time he is getting farther and farther away, and may be beyond our recall, ere our courier can overtake him." At this moment a courier entered in breathless haste, for he knew that some matter of great moment was about to be intrusted to him. " Mount the swiftest horse in the royal stables, and ride for life, until you overtake Christopher Columbus, now on his waj^ to Palos," said the queen, panting with excitement. " Tell him the queen accedes to his proposal, and asks his imme- diate return." "Who is this Columbus?" asked the courier, for at this time Columbus was not generally known among the court attaches. " Describe him." "With your majesty's permission, I will," put in St. Angel. " Proceed," the queen answered. Then St. Angel resumed : " He is tall and erect, with hair and beard of snowy whiteness, though but fifty-six. His face 124 COL UMBIA. is heavily furrowed with sorrow, disappointment, and care, rather than age. He rides a mule, is accompanied by a boy fifteen or sixteen years of age, similarly mounted, and is now on his way across the Vega to the bridge of Pinos." " Go, fly ! " cried the queen. " The future glory and renown of Spain depend on your speed." " Your majesty, I will go." The courier bowed and quickly retired. A powerful black Arabian horse, noted for speed and endurance, was saddled, and leaping on his back the courier sped away like the wind in pur- suit of the man who but a few hours before had been rejected. The weather was mild notwithstanding it was February, In this delightful_ semi-tropical clime the rigors of winter are scarce ever known. The day was almost as mild as a May day in New England, and tropical plants were blooming along the roadside. Feathered warblers were carolling their sweetest songs, and all nature seemed to rejoice. Man, who should be the happiest of all creation, being made in the image of God, alone was sad. Columbus and his young companion paid little heed to the beauties which grew in spontaneous abundance all about their pathway, their minds being filled with vexatious thoughts and disap- pointments. The sun had long since passed the AT THE BRIDGE OF PINOS. 125 meridian, and was descending low in the horizon, and yet man and boy journeyed on, forgetful of the fact that they had journeyed over the noonday hour without halting for rest or refreshments. Childhood is joyous. It is the exception that gloom and despair settle over a young mind, and Hernando, despite the recent disappointments, was won back to nature by the frisking, twittering birds. They had pursued their lonely journey across the Vega and reached the pass approaching the bridge of Pinos, about two leagues from Granada, at the foot of the mountain Elvira — a pass famous in the Moorish wars for many a desperate en- counter between the Christian and inlidel. The shadows were lengthening, and the eyes of the lad were wandering away to westward, when there suddenly came on the air the sound of horse's hoofs. Deeply buried in thought, Columbus heard them not, but the quick ear of his young companion felt the concussion, and turning in his saddle he saw a man mounted on a black charger, coming after them at full speed. His splendid attire and glittering trappings indicated that he was a servant of the royal household, and for a moment the youth was speechless in wonder. The pursuer took off his gorgeously plumed hat, swung it in the air, and in a loud voice called to them to halt. Tliev 126 COLUMBIA. had just reached the bridge of Pinos when the shout reached their ears. " We are pursued, Senor Colombo," said the lad. Turning in his saddle, Columbus gave the ap- proaching man a hasty glance, and remarked : " It's the queen's courier ; he comes to bring us news." A glow of oft-revived hope beamed brightly in the face of the navigator. " llalt, halt, halt!" cried the courier, waving his hat above his head. "He means us, senor," tbe boy said. "Shall we halt and wait for him ? " "Yes." They stopped almost on the bridge, and here were overtaken by the queen's courier, spurring at full speed. "Are you Christopher Columbus?" asked the courier, reining in his panting steed. " I am," was the answer. " The queen has sent me to summon you back to Sante Fe." Columbus hesitated for a moment. Was it worth while to return and subject himself to the delays and equivocations of the coui't? "I doubt whether it is better to delay my departure," he remarked. " I gave the queen ray terms and she has rejected them, and I will do no better." WE AKE PUHSUED, SENOR COLUMBUS." AT THR BRIDGE OF PINOS. 127 "Oh, senor, try once more," began the boy. " She concedes to your terms," interrupted the courier. "A sudden zeal has been excited in the mind of our queen, and she has given your friends positive assurance that she will undertake the enterprise, even thougb slie pledges her jewels to raise the necessary funds." "Go, senor, go," cried Hernando, who was all hope and joy. "We will yet succeed, and my father will be rescued." No longer feeling a doubt, Columbus wheeled his mule" about and hastened back with joyful alacrity to Santa Fe, confiding in the noble pro- bity of the princess. CHAPTER VIIL FEOM GLOOM TO SUNLIGHT. Let those disposed to faint under difficulties, in the prosecution of any laudable undertaking, remember that eighteen years elapsed after the time Columbus conceived his enterprise before he was enabled to carry it into effect; that the greater part of that time was passed in almost hopeless solicitation amid poverty, neglect, and taunting ridicule ; that the prime of his life had wasted away in the struggle, and when his perseverance was finally crowned with success he was in his fifty-sixth year. His example should encourage the enterprising to never de- spair. It was nightfall ere Columbus reached Santa Fe, but the queen had made provisions for him and the boy to be lodged in a wing of the castle, and next morning she assured him herself that his terms would be agreed upon. " The king does not favor it," the queen con- tinued, " and I undertake it for mycrown of Cas- tile; yet I feel confident that we can win him over to a nominal consent, at least." "His signature to the agreement would give FROM OLOOM TO SUNLIGHT. 129 great weight to my authority," Columbus an- swered. "And I shall seek to obtain it. But, Senor Colombo, is this little boy whom I always see with you your son ? " " No, your majest}'. He is a lad with whom I was accidentally thrown, and who wishes to go witb me on the voyage. I have a son, for whom I liave a favor to ask." "What favor?" " When I sail I leave him practically an orphan among strangers. He will be unprovided for, as all my means, as well as the substance of friends, are hazarded in this enterprise. He is a brigbt, honest, earnest lad, and would serve you in any capacity. Can you not give him some position ? " The generous-hearted queen was moved toward the little fellow wlio was to be left alone and friendless in Spain, and after a few moments' re- flection answered : "I will make bim a page to our young Prince Juan, tbe heir apparent, with an allowance for his support." Columbus was deeply moved at the good queen's proposition. It was more tban he had ever hoped for, and seemed like the realization of a fairy dream, for this was an honor granted only to per- sons of distinguished rank, and at first lie could hardly believe she meant it, 9 130 COLUMBIA. Diego was at once sent for, and as Hernando still lingered at Santa Fe, he met the son of his benefactor, Thej were soon fast friends, and were seldom separated until Diego's appointment was confirmed, and the lad had entered on his duties. In their rambles about the court and city the boys related their personal histories. "I go with your father to find a father lost," sighed Hernando, "And I remain, perhaps to lose a father," Diego answered. "Be of good cheer, for he will succeed in his great enterprise, and make your name among the brightest handed down in history," "I have read of great men, and their lives have always had more sorrow than joy in them. To be great means to be miserable, and I sometimes wonder if honors gained in conquest or discovery arc worth the pains." They had wandered beyond the walls of the city, and were sitting under the wide-spread- ing branches of a giant old oak. A cavalier was discovered galloping down the road toward them. He wore no helmet or visor, and his features could be plainly seen, Hernando started to his feet, gasping: " It is my Uncle Garcia ! " FROM GLOOM TO SUNLIOHT. 131 Diego Columbus, having heard the dark story of wrongs, felt his bosom swell with indignation, and was strongly inclined, boy as be was, to denounce the sneering villain. Sir Garcia drew rein in front of the boys, and, fixing his eyes on Hernando, asked: " Were you with Columbus ? " "I was." " Arc you his son? " "No; there is bis son." " Was he made page to Prince Juan ? " "He was." "Are you going with Columbus on this voy- age?" " I am." " Is your name Hernando Estevan ? " "It is." Tbe knight nodded his head and rode away. For a long time tbe boys stood gazing after him, and at last Diego asked : " What does he mean ? " " I cannot say," Hernando answered. " Whatever his meaning may be, it bodes you no good, Hernando." " Perchance not. He aided the wicked Moor to work my father's ruin, and I doubt not he would do me an injury if be dared." Sir Garcia Estevan was ill at ease, and when he had reached his own chamber he sat down to 132 COLUMBIA. meditate on matters and determine what course to pursue. " Columbus succeeded at the moment we thought defeat assured," reflected the villain, a dangerous sneer on his handsome face. " He takes Eoder- igo's son with him on this voyage of discovery. If I was assured that Eoderigo was dead, there would be less to fear ; but, if living, and the expe- dition of Columbus proves successful, then may I have cause to tremble. Even if Roderigo be dead, and the son comes to share the glories of Columbus, he may even yet displace me ; for the lad evidently has his ambition, and hates his uncle. I must defeat the voyage." Long he pondered over the curious case, and finally called his esquire. "Do you know where the sailor Miguel can be found," he asked. " I do. Sir Garcia." " Bring him to me at once." "I will." The esquire bowed and took his departure. The knight took off his greaves and breastplate, and hung them by his sword upon the rack. An hour later the sailor was ushered into his presence. Miguel bowed and stood humbly before the knight, his hat in his hands. , " I am very much interested in you, Miguel," remarked the knight, with a smile on his hand- FROM GLOOM TO SUNLIGHT. 133 some face. " I have become so interested in you that I have taken the pains to examine into your past history." Miguel grew uneasy and hung his head. " I know all ; you have been engaged in many shady enterprises ; among them, perhaps, smug- gling is the least." "Oh, sir knight " " Peace, be still ! I have not declared that it was my intention to prosecute you on what infor- mation I have, but I sent for you to learn if you are willing to serve me." " With my life, my lord." " Swear it ! " " I do — on the holy cross." "If you prove false, you shall pay the forfeit with your life." "I know it. What would you have me do, my lord?" " Columbus has secured aid of the crown in a voyage, and rumor has already gone the rounds that he will sail from the port of Palos. He takes with him on that voyage a boy named Hernando, a mildly insane lad, filled with an hallucination that his father is a captive on some island far off in the western seas. You must see to it that the voyage is a failure." "How shall I?" " Hasten to Palos and ship as one of the crew 134: COLUMBIA. on board the admiral's vessel ; then jou will find many ways of bringing about a failure. Incite a mutiny." "Ay, I see." "Scuttle the ship." " And lose my own life." " Do it while so near land that you may escape. But if that be too difficult, see that neither the lad nor Christopher Columbus comes back alive." "I understand you, my lord." " If necessary, wield the dagger ; you know how to do it. Assassinate both ere they return to triumph over me." " I understand " " Your reward shall be two thousand florins for slaying them, but slay not unless success should promise to crown their efforts," "Why not slay even though they fail ? " "I care not to have blood unnecessarily on my garments. If they fail, they return humiliated, and I do not care to take their lives. Only in case of success are they dangerous. You can, by inciting the crew to mutiny, bring about a failure. The ships are richly laden ; seize them and sail to some foreign port, where you can dispose of ves- sels and cargo to an advantage." Miguel thought it not a bad idea. While they are hatching up a plot at which even Satan might blush, we will give one more glance at Columbus FROM GLOOM TO 8UNL1GUT. 135 and the king and queen, with whom he was closing negotiations. A perfect understanding having been effected with the sovereigns, articles of agreement were ordered to be drawn out by Juan de Coloma, the royal secretary. They were to the following effect: ^^First, That Columbus should have for him- self, during his life, and his heirs and successors forever, the office of admiral in all the lands and continents which he might discover or acquire in the ocean, with similar honors and prerogatives to those enjoyed by the high admiral of Castile in his district. ^^ Second, That he should be viceroy and gov- ernor-general over all of said lauds and continents ; with the privilege of nominating three candidates for the government or province, one of whom should be selected by the sovereigns. "I'AzVo?, That he should be entitled to reserve for himself one-tenth of all pearls, precious stones, gold, silver, spices, and all other articles of mer- chandise, in whatever manner found, brought, bar- tered, or gained within his admiralty, the costs being first deducted. ^'•Fourth^ That he or his lieutenant should be the sole judge in all causes and disputes arising out of traffic between those countries and Spain, provided the high admiral of Castile had similar jurisdiction in his district. 136 COLUMBIA. ^^ Fifth, That he might then, and at all after times, contribute an eighth part of the expense in fitting out vessels to sail on this enterprise, and receive an eighth part of the profits." The last stipulation in the contract, admitting Columbus to bear an eighth of the enterprise, was made in consequence of his indignant proffer on being reproached b_y Sir Garcia Estevan with de- manding ample emoluments, while incurring no part of the expense. Through the aid of the Pinzons of Palos he fulfilled the engagement, and added a third vessel to the armament. Thus one- eighth of the expense attendant on this grand ex- pedition, undertaken by a powerful nation, was actually borne by the individual who conceived it, and who staked his life on its success. So slow were the papers in preparation that the capitulations were not signed by Ferdinand and Isabella until the seventeenth day of April, 1492, when they were duly executed at the city of Santa Fe, in the Vega or plain of Granada. A commission was drawn out in form and issued by the sovereigns to Columbus, in the city of Granada, on the thirtieth of the same month ; in which the dignities and prerogatives of viceroy and governor were made hereditary in his family ; and he and his heirs were authorized to prefix the title of Don to their names, a distinction in those days accorded only to persons of rank and estate. FROM OLOOM TO 8UJSLI0UT. 137 The chief aim of Columbus was the propaga- tion and extension of the Christian religion, and the rescue of the Holy Sepulchre from the hand of the infidel. The latter was the dream of his life, and great aim for which he labored. Believing he would reach the western shore of Asia, letters to the Grand Khan of Tartary were issued to him by the king and queen of Spain. While these negotiations were pending at court, Hernando Estevan left Granada, and hastened to his cottage home to acquaint those whom he loved of their success, and spend a few days with them ere he took his de])arture on that voyage to seek an unknown world. lie had been away almost three years, return- ing only at long intervals, and everything was slightly changed. Dame Doria had grown older, stouter, and her hair was a little grayer. The furrows on her face had deepened, but she was still strong and active. The greatest change was in Christina. She was now thirteen years of age, and had developed a rare and wonderful beauty. With that develop- ment came other changes. When he came to greet her with a brotherly kiss as of old, she shrank from him, and her cheek flushed hot with a richer crimson than the cactus flower. Tlic lad asked himself what it meant. Had she grown afraid oi hiui, or had his long 138 COLUMBIA. absence made her careless about him? Hernando was grieved by her treatment, until, on the next day after his arrival, he accidentally caught her kissing a small present he had brought her from Granada. The lad could not at first comprehend the world of tenderness she evinced for this bauble. Amber does not shed so sweet a perfume as the veriest trifles touched by those we love, and this simple gift was to the young girl an object of her youthful adoration. " Why is Christina so changed ? " Hernando asked himself again and again. From the moment of his arrival the coy little maiden had felt her heart agitated by a sensation new and strange to her. Her beautiful blue eyes lost their lustre, her cheek its freshness, and her frame was overpowered with a universal languor. Serenity no longer sat upon her brow nor played upon her lips. At one moment she was gay with- out cause for joy ; at the next, melancholy or abashed without any apparent reason. She fled her innocent amusements, her gentle toil ; and even the society of Hernando and the good old seiiora seemed to increase her bewilderment — wandering about among the woods and rocky glens, every- where seeking the rest she could not find. One day, while wandering about the rocky steeps, she suddenly came on Hernando, who was seeking her, and advanced sportively to meet him, FROM GLOOM TO SUNLIGHT. I39 but was suddenly overcome by confusion; Lor pale cheeks were covered with blushes, and her eyes no longer dared meet his. " Christina," cried Hernando, as she turned away, " why do you always fly from me? " His voice, so gentle and tender, reached her ear, and arrested her almost fleeing steps. She paused, her e^-es still on the ground, and stood trembling, from what cause she could not tell. Slowly and carefully, as a child advances on a hare which it fears will take fright, the boy advanced to the coy maiden. " Christina, why are you so unhappy? Why do you shun me in this way ? Our happiest moments have been spent wandering, hand in hand, among this scenery along the beach. Our days together are few indeed, for soon I shall depart on an unknown sea to seek a lost father. Can't you greet me as the dear little sister you once were ? I may never — never return from the great unknown water. Many have sailed away upon it, but none ever came back." He was interrupted by a convulsive sob, and saw tears trickling down her prettj^ cheeks. Blaming himself for causing her needless pain, Hernando sprang to her side, and clasping the maiden in his arms, pressed a kiss upon her tear- bedewed cheek, and cried : " Forgive me, Christina ; I have wounded you." 140 COL UMBIA. " Hernando, brother, jou are all I have to love, for the cruel infidel left nie without a kindred on earth. It grieves me to see jou depart on such a voyage." Abashed at her own voice, the coy maiden was again seized with an almost uncontrollable desire to fly, Hernando placed an arm about the trembling seiiorita. She started as if she felt an electric thrill, but he held her fast, and overcome with an emotion as sudden as it was overpowering, she threw her arms about her foster-brother's neck, and sobbed bitterly. Her tired soul found mo- mentary rest, but it was only for a moment. When he sought to soothe her by his embraces, she turned away her head, and fled toward the ocean. The caresses of lier brother excited too much emotion in her heart, and she sought the solitude of the surf-beaten shore. Hernando, unused to the secret windings of the female heart, vexed himself in vain, endeavoring to comprehend the meaning of these new and strange caprices. But all was in vain. Shy, coy, and distant as she was, her eyes were always on him, and her heart was his. He went to the cot- tage, where he told the old granddame of her changed demeanor, and Dame Doria answered : " Christina and yourself will soon be children no longer. Familiarities common in childhood can in your changed states no longer be thought of." FROM GLOOM TO SUNLIGHT. 141 The lad's face was sad, and, gaining no consola- tion from his granddame, he sought the comforting solitude of the sea-side. There he sat listening to the sobbing wavelets beating gently against the pebbly strand, or the far-oii" splash of the porpoise in the water. Was his father soon to be found and rescued from a life of slavery? he asked him- self, or had he been all along laboring under a delusion? His father might be sleeping beneath the sea, and his search would be in vain. He was never more sad than now, as he sat listening to the sad sea waves. A gentle footstep on the sands behind started the lad from his painful revery, and, quickly turning, he beheld Christina, her face flushed with modest confusion. Again she was about to fly, when a glance at his sad, pale face won her to his side. '' Are you ill ? " she asked. " I am sad, Christina. I feel as if my heart would break." " Why are you sad ? " " My sister is so changed." "How am I changed? " " She flies from me as if she either despised or feared me. Which is it? " " Neither." And the head hung and the beauti- ful eyes drooped beneath his gaze. He had been 142 COLUMBIA. watching the sweet unfolding bud all these years, and uoted the dawn of a glorious womanhood — the blooming of a flower that was to exceed in beauty and fragrance the rarest exotic of all flow- ery Spain. "Have I grown hateful to your sight, that you should seek to avoid me? Am I a thing to be despised, that you should shun me? What has caused this great change? Why this wonderful revolution of sentiment ? " Smiling sweetly on him, she answered: "My dear brother, you wrong me." " I trust I do." " You have grown far dearer to me, now that I am about to lose you, than ever before. Brother, forgive my foolish coyness, and remember that we both have changed ; you have grown so big and stout, and I — -I will soon cease to be a child. I cannot understand myself, but believe me, brother, when I say I love you more dearly than ever." Again he embraced her, and for a long while they sat side by side enclasped in each other's arms, while the sad sea waves beat upon the beach beneath their feet. This dawning affection was so new and strange that they mutely listened to the roar of distant breakers. Far away beyond the blue sea went the thoughts of the lad. Was the coming voyage, after all, but the freak of a madman ? Was Columbus him- FROM OLOOM TO SUNLIGHT. 143 self only a clever lunatic who had deceived the crown, and, like the siren in the fable, was des- tined to lure ships and crews to ruin? But in a moment Hernando's faith cast out all doubt, and Columbus was what he professed — a learned and experienced navigator. After a long silence the beautiful girl at his side asked : " When does the fleet sail ? " "It may yet be two or three months." " Why need we fill the few days left to us with gloom? Let's be bright and cheerful." " Our lives have been such a perpetual ^Idom that a burst of sunshine is almost dazzling : so let us welcome it. This is a period of from gloom to sunlight, for Columbus, after so many years, has triumphed over educated prejudice and en- trenched ignorance. I will go find my father and return, Christina, never again to leave your side until death do us part." With a glad cr}^ the seuorita threw her arms about his neck and wept tears in anticipation of future happiness. CHAPTER IX. SEEKING AN UNKNOWN WOELD. One bright June morning Hernando and Chris- tina as usual were strolling along the beach when they espied a small sail-boat put into shore. The single occupant sprang out, made his craft fast in the mouth of the creek, and hurried toward them. He was a short, stoop-shouldered sailor, with a short beard on his chin, and long hair. There was something in his downcast, hang-dog look which at once aroused the suspicions of the sehorita, and she shuddered as .he approached. " Are you Hernando Estevan ? " asked the sailor, halting when within half a dozen paces of them. "I am," the lad answered. " You are wanted at Palos." " Who sent for me ? " " The new admiral, Christopher Columbus, and I am sent to bring you." " Who are you?" "Miguel the sailor, who sails in the commo- dore's ship." "Don't go," whispered Christina, who was trembling with dread. "I pray you, don't go." "I must, if the admiral has ordered me aboard." SEEKING AN UNKNOWN WORLD 145 "But don't go with him. He's a bad man, and I fear will do you some harm." Miguel, who was unable to comprehend the whispering, took a step or two nearer, and added : " You must go with me, lad, for it is the com- mand of the admiral." " Why did he send for me by sea when it is three leagues nearer to Palos by land ? " " I suppose the admiral wants to give you a taste of salt water," answered Miguel, with a sus- picious grin. "Don't go, don't," pleaded Christina. " Leave him to me," was the whispered response of the lad. " Are you ready ? " asked the sailor. " I must go to the cottage and get my arms, armor, and clothing. As the load will be heavy for one, will you come and help me?" Hernando asked, in a manner calculated to throw the sailor off his guard. " That I will, my lad." Then, as Hernando walked back to the cottage with the trembling Christina clinging to his arm, he kept up a conversation with Miguel concerning the fleet and armament, so as to completely disarm his suspicions. When the cottage was reached the granddame was made acquainted with the admiral's order, and the good old seuora wept bit- terly over the departure of her grandson. Her- 10 146 COLUMBIA. nando gathered up sucli articles as he wished to take, and gave them to the sailor, saying : " Carry these to your boat. I will go as soon as I have bid my relatives adieu." Miguel took the bundle, leaving only the sword and cross-bow for Hernando to carry. When he was gone, the lad kissed his granddame farewell, embraced the weeping Christina, and said : " Now I go to Pal OS." " You said you would not go with the sailor," cried the sobbing maiden. " Nor will I," he answered. " I will go by land across the country, and beat his boat by several hours. If he comes back for me, tell him I am gone and he will find me in Palos, Come to port and see us sail." After a second tender farewell the youth buckled on his sword, shouldered his cross-bow, and set out across the country, over hills and through for- ests, to the seaport town of Palos. An hour later the sailor again came to the cot- tage to inquire why Hernando was detained. "He is already on his way to Palos this hour past," the granddame made answer. "Gone to Palos? " cried the astounded Miguel. "Yes." " How did he go ? " " On foot, across the mountains. You will find him there when you arrive." SEEKING AN UNKNOWN WORLD. I47 Turning away, Migael hastened to liis boat, murmuring to himself: "His suspicions are aroused, and now I will have trouble." He lost no time in setting sail for Palos, which port he reached two hours after the arrival of Hernando. Columbus reached Palos on the 22d of May, and went at once to the neighboring convent of La Rabida, wberehe was gladly received by the worthy friar Fray Juan Perez, who in the excess of his joy said : " You have at last received your long, well-mer- ited reward, my son." The port of Palos had been condemned to serve the crown for one year with two armed caravels, which were destined to form part of the armament of Columbus. On the 23d of May, Columbus, accompanied by Fray Juan Perez, proceeded to the Church of St. George in Palos, where the alcalde, the regidors, and many of the inhabitants had been ordered to attend. A notary public, standing on the porch of the church, read the royal order, commanding the authorities of Palos to have two armed cara- vels ready for sea within ten days, and place them at the disposal of Columbus, who was empowered to fit out a third vessel. The crews of all three were to receive the ordinary wages of seamen em- 148 COLUMBIA. ployed in armed vessels, and to have four months' pay advanced. They were to sail in such direc- tion as Columbus under royal authority should command, and were in all things to obey him. Tliey were forbidden to go to St, George La Mina, on the coast of Guinea, or any other port of the lately discovered possessions of Portugal. The public authorities and the people of all ranks and conditions in the maritime borders of Andalusia were commanded to furnish supplies and assistance of all kinds, at reasonable prices, for the fitting out of the vessels ; and penalties were denounced on such as should cause any im- pediment. Among those gathered about the cliurch listen- ing to the orders was Miguel, who was among the first to volunteer. No sooner had he done so, than he went to a young, timid recruit, and said: "Do you know where we are to sail? " " No," was the answer. "We go to seek an unknown world." "We do?" and his cheek grew pale. "That man is Colombo, the madman of Genoa, who is going to sail around the world, through a sea of liquid fire, to islands inhabited by winged beasts and dragons, where giants fifty cubits high live on the flesh of shipwrecked mariners, a laud whence no one ever returns who has once entered within the doomed vale." SEEKING AN UNKNOWN WORLD. 149 This wild storj spread rapidly, but so shrewd- ly did Miguel manage it, that Columbus never dreamed that he had betrayed the expedition. The owners of vessels refused to furnish them. The boldest seamen sbi'ank from such a wild, chi- merical cruise in the wilderness of the ocean. All kinds of frightful tales and fables were conjured up concerning the unknown regions of the deep ; and nothing can be stronger evidence of the bold- ness of this undertaking, than the extreme dread in which some of the most adventurous navigators held it. Columbus, unsuspicious of Miguel, despatched him for the youth, as we have seen. Weeks elapsed without anything being done. Further mandates were issued by the sovereigns, ordering the magistrates of the coast of Andalusia to press into service any vessels they might think proper. Juan de Penalosa, an officer of the royal house- hold, was sent to see that this order wr.s properly complied with. The order was acted upon by Co- lumbus in Palos and the neighboring town of Moguer, but with as little success as the preceding. The communities of those places were thrown into confusion. Tumults ensued, and on several occasions they were on the eve of riot. " I thought our troubles over," said Hernando to Columbus, a few days after joining him, " but they seem to have just commenced." 150 COLUMBIA. "I will see Martin Alonzo Pinzon and his broth- er on the morrow," Columbus answered. " We need their services again, and cannot succeed with- out them." "I thought, having the aid of the crown, none other was needed." "Just now Martin Alonzo Pinzon and his brothers may be more effective than the king and queen. They are navigators of great courage and ability, owning vessels and having seamen in their employ. They have many relatives among the seafaring inhabitants of Palos and Moguer, and great influence throughout the neighborhood. If they decide to go with us, it would inspire cour- age and confidence in all the others." Next day Columbus sent for Martin Alonzo and his brother, Vincent Yanez Pinzon, and after making them acquainted with the true situation, said : " You see the strait to which I am reduced. Although backed by the crown, I want more. I need men who will inspire the sailors with confi- dence. You have both stood by me since first we met. You admit the plausibility of my theory. Will 3^ou still further aid me ? " Alonzo Pinzon asked for time to confer with his brother, and, Columbus assenting, they retired to a separate apartment. Hernando remained in the outside hall with Columbus, who, with his ven- SEEKING AN UNKNOWN WORLD. 151 erable head bowed, and hands clasped behind his back, paced up and down before the room in which the Pinzons were in consultation. After two hours, the door ojDcned, and the brothers came out. Columbus paused and fixed his great, sad eyes on them with an eager, inquiring look. " We have decided to go," said Martin Pinzon. "We will furnish one of the vessels, and both ac- company you." " My friends, you have saved the expedition from fail are, and brought eternal honor on your names and country." Two other vessels, with owners and crews, were pressed into service by the arbitrary mandate of the sovereigns; and it is a striking instance of the despotic authority exercised over commerce in those times, that respectable individuals should thus 1)0 compelled to engage in what appeared to be a mad and desperate enterprise. But all difficulties had not yet been removed. Sir Garcia Estevan, the most malignant enemy of Columbus, came to Palos to hinder and delay the equipment. Nothing was done openly ; but, aided by Miguel, his hireling, tbe}^ covertly caused dif- ficulties to arise among the seamen who had been compelled to embark. Gomez Rascon and Cliris- toval Quintero, owners of the Pmto, one of the ships pressed into service, were made believe it was a mad, desperate enterprise, and exerted all 152 COLUMBIA. their influence to defeat the voyage. The calkers employed on the vessel did their work in a care- less and imperfect manner, and, on being required to do it over again, absconded. Many seamen who in the first wave of enthusiasm had enlisted repented their hardihood, and sought to retract; others deserted and concealed themselves in the interior ; and thus, from the time of Sir Garcia's appearance, difficulty after difficulty arose. None, of course, could be traced to him. Everything had to be effected by the most harsh and arbitrary measures, and in defiance of organized prejudice. The influence and example of the Pinzons had a great effect in allaying this opposition, and in- ducing many of their friends and relatives to embark. They represented that the enterprise was one which would shed glory throughout all time, and that every man who engaged in it would immortalize his name. It is quite certain that the assistance of the Pinzons was very important, if not indispensable, in fitting out and launching the expedition, and, despite Garcia Estevan and his hirelings, the fitting out went steadily on. The ships in which Columbus was to embark were vessels that no mariner of the j^resent day would think of engaging in such a voyage. The largest, a ship of no considerable burden, was commanded by Columbus as admiral, who gave it the name of Santa Maria, out of respect for the SEEKING AN UNKNOWN WORLD. I53 Blessed Virgin, whom he honored with singular devotion. Of the second, called the Pinta^ Martin Alonzo Pinzon was captain, and his brother Fran- cis pilot. The third, named the Nina., had lateen- sails, open deck, and was nnder command of Vin- cent Yanez Pinzon. These two were light ves- sels, hardly superior in burden or force to large boats. There were three other pilots — Sancho Ruiz, Alonzo Nino, and Bartolomeo Roldan. Roderigo Sanchez, of Segovia, was inspector-general of the armament, and Diego de Arana, a native of Cor- dova, chief alquazil. Roderigo de Escobar went as royal notary — an oflficer always sent in the armaments of the crown, to take official notes of the transactions. A physician, a surgeon, together with various private adventurers, several servants, and ninety mariners — making, in all, one hundred and twenty persons, including Columbus and Her- nando — constituted the number engaged in the expedition. At the beginning of August every difficulty was vanquished, and the vessels were ready for sea. It had been a busy day in the little town of Palos. All had been bustle, confusion, and excitement. At dusk Miguel stole away from the village to the ruins of an ancient castle, half a league from the village. He found a knight in armor awaiting him. It was Sir Garcia; he was standing by his 154 COLUMBIA. steed, one arm impatiently thrown across the ani- mal's neck, " What news, Miguel ? " he asked, as the sailor came up. "The expedition is ready to sail." *' Can we prevent it? " "No, Sir Garcia." "In which ship goes the lad?" "With the admiral." " Miguel, you must go in the same ship, and see tliat tte expedition proves a failure, or, at least, that the lad returns not alive." "Trust me to do your bidding, Sir Garcia." The knight then proceeded to give his hireling final orders ; and history has recorded, in letters that will never fade, how faithfully those instruc- tions were carried out. It was Thursday, August 2, 1492. The sun was high in the sky, though it had not passed the meridian. On the morrow the fleet was to sail, and Granddame Doria and Christina had not come. Hernando with great anxiety watched the gray, dust-strewn road, winding about among the hills beyond the convent; but it was evening before he saw two females, mounted on donkeys, coming toward Palos. Recognizing them as the persons he was most anxious to see, he flew to meet them, and his joy was not less than Christina's. " Come with me ; we have a house prepared for SEEKING AN UNKNOWN WORLD. I55 you, where you can rest until the departure of the vessels," he said, after the first raptures of meeting had subsided. A sadness was strangely mingled with their joy. Late at night Columbus found the boy and girl standing on the beach, gazing off at the three ves- sels lying in the harbor all ready to sail. He was about to speak to them, but, finding both in tears, regarded their mournful silence as too sacred to be broken. The squadron being ready to put to sea, Colum- bus, impressed with the solemnity of his under- taking, confessed himself to the friar Juan Perez, and partook of the sacrament of the communion. His example was followed by his ofiicers and most of the crew, and they entered upon their enterprise full of awe, and with the most devout and affecting ceremonial, committing themselves to the special guidance and protection of Heaven. Friday, the third day of August, A.D. 1492, the day set for sailing, arrived. Morning dawned bright and clear, with the exception of a few amber clouds, which faded away beneath the power of the sun. The ocean which our adven- turers were to explore was calm and mild as the summer sky. Long before dawn of day the town had been awake, and everybody was astir. Tlie old, the sick, lame, and blind, those who but seldom crept from their houses, were early astir. 15C COLUMBIA. A deep gloom overspread the village, for almost everybody had some relative or friend aboard the squadron. The sailors had been taken aboard the day before, but Hernando, Columbus, and a few others remained to bid a last farewell. Many an eye grew dim, and many a breast heaved with sobs, as the morning dawned. None wept louder than did Christina and the granddame. Both embraced Hernando and bade hi to farewell, perhaps forever. He bore up heroically, smiled, and gave utterance to words of encouragement which grown men and battle-scarred veterans could not speak. A mailed and armed knight, with visor down, sat on his horse watching the lad. He was Sir Garcia, and his frame seemed to quiver with hate. Columbus took his place in the bow of the boat, and the lad standing in the stern smiled bravely, and waved his cap at the loved ones on shore, as the boat pulled away. "Farewell, Christina; granddame, farewell. Weej) not for me, for I will soon return and bring back my father." "So the fool has really set out to find his father," ejaculated the knight. The boat reached the side of the Santa Maria., and was hoisted on board. Then anchors were hoisted, sails unfurled, and deep-throated cannon SEEKING AN UNKNOWN WORLD. 157 boomed forth tlie awful news that the squadron had departed to discover an unknown world. " Oh, he is gone, he is gone ! " shrieked Chris- tina, and fell fainting in the arms of the weeping granddame. When she recovered consciousness, the squad- ron was out of sight, and she wrung her hands, and sobbed in wild despair, for hours refusing to be comforted. Columbus set sail from the bar of Saltes, a small island formed b}^ the arms of the Odiel, in front of the town of Huelva ; steering in a south- westerly direction for the Canary Islands, whence it was his intention to strike due west. As a guide by which to sail, he had made a map that was an improvement over the one sent him by Paulo Toscanelli. The exultation of Columbus never exhibited itself above the calm, dignified demeanor of the admiral, 'until the little fleet was under way, and the shore began to fade from view. After eighteen years of hard labor, after enduring disappoint- ment, and scoffs, and indignation beyond the endurance of ordinary mortals, it is no wonder that he should now exhibit some signs of triumph. He paced the quarter-deck as the Santa Maria bounded over the waters, and his face, usually so grave and solemn, was wreathed in smiles. Her- nando had borne up well until the little seaport 158 COLUMBIA. town faded from sight, and tlien, covering his face with his hands, he gave way to a flood of tears. " Cheer up, my lad, be brave. We have tri- umphed. Our expedition cannot now fail." " 'Tis not for dread of danger before, but regret for those left behind, that causes these tears to flow," he answered. His was not the only damp cheek on that deck. Many a hardy sailor's eye grew dim, and many bearded faces wet with tears, as the coast of Spain faded from view. " Oh, land of our fathers, beautiful home of our wives and children, shall we never see thee more?" they cried, pressing to the ship's stern, and stretching their hands toward the fast-fading shore. This was only the beginning of a period of dread and discontent, which was all along fomented by the spy Miguel, who never lost an opportunity to breed discord among his fellow- sailors. The exultation of Columbus was soon checked by his want of confidence in the resolution and perseverance of his crews. As long as he re- mained within reach of Europe, there was no security that, in a moment of repentance and alarm, they might not renounce the prosecution of the voyage, and insist on a return. Symptoms soon appeared to warrant his appre- hensions. Miguel was constantly whispering with SEEKING AN UNKNOWN WORLD. 159 the men, and the ominous shaking of heads and nerv^ous anxiety betrayed in the features of each bore evidence that trouble was brewing. But Columbus was equal to the emergency. Eeassuming his calm and dignified demeanor, he pretended to have no apprehension, and continued giving orders as if he had nothing to fear. At night he studied the stars, and the day he spent on his log-book and astrolabe, making calculations and estimates. On the third day out Columbus was in his cabin thus engaged, when the door opened and Her- nando, looking in, cried : "Lord admiral, the Pinta is making signs of distress." With his face expressing anxiety he hastened on deck, and, seizing a glass, glanced at the vessel. "She is indeed in distress," the admiral re- marked. " Her rudder is broken and unhung. This has been done through the contrivance of Gomez Rascon and Christoval Quintero, to disable their vessel and cause her to be left behind." One man on whose ears those words fell could easily have solved the mystery. His evil black eyes sparkled with devilish satisfaction, and he mumbled to himself : " The admiral guesses but too well. Sir Garcia and the owners of the Pinta pay me liberally, and I never fail to do my work right." 160 COLUMBIA. Columbus was much disturbed at this occur- rence. The wind was blowing strongly at the time, so that he could not render assistance with- out endangering his own vessel. But the captain of the Pinia secured the rudder by cords, so as to gain a temporary control over it. The control was only temporary, however, for next day tiie fastenings gave way, and the other ships were forced to shorten sail until the rudder could be secured. Not only was the rudder broken, but the Pinta had sprung a leak, and the admiral determined to put into the Canary Islands and seek some vessel to replace the damaged one. On the morning of the 9th of August, six days after leaving the port of Palos, they reached the Canaries. As no suitable vessel could be found to take the place of the Pinta, a new rudder was made for her, and she was otherwise repaired to make her seaworthy for such a long and mysterious voyage. The lateen sails of the Nlfia were altered into square sails, that she might work more steadily and securely, and be able to keep company with the other vessels. All of this required three weeks' time. One day as they lay off the coast of one of the Canaries, Hertiando was amazed and alarmed at beholding the lofty peak of Teneriffe sending forth volumes of jQarae and smoke. " Look, look ! " cried Miguel to a party of sail- SEEKING AN UNKNOWN WORLD. 101 ors on deck. " Behold, the very bowels of the earth are aflame. We will find the fires grow more frequent as we advance, nntil we will be consumed in a sea of flame. That is an omen sent by Heaven to warn us not to proceed." Being ready to take alarm at any extraordinary phenomena and con- strue it into a disastrous portent, the sailors were willing to believe him, and already on the eve of a panic, when Hernando hastened to the admiral with the alarming intelligence. Columbus took great pains to dispel their apprehensions, explain- ing the natural causes of those volcanic fires, and verifying his explanations by citing Mount Etna and other well-known volcanoes. One day while they were lying at the island of Gomera, taking in wood and provisions, a vessel arrived from Ferro, the captain of which was a distant relative of the Pinzons, and, learning the object of the expedition, he hastened to Mar- tin Alonzo Pinzon's vessel, where after a short consultation they went on board the admiral's ship. " We have news, admiral, that may be alarm- ing," said Captain Pinzon. " What is the news ? " " The captain, whose word may be taken as true, reports three armed Portuguese caravels hovering off the island of Ferro, evidently with the intention of capturing you." 11 162 COLUMBIA. " I have suspected some such hostile strategy on the part of the king of Portugal, in revenge for having engaged in the service of Spain," Columbus answered. " What will you do ? " asked Pinzoru " Is the Pinta seaworthv ? " " She is, admiral." " Get ready to sail at once." '' I will be ready in an hour." " Can you convey your order to your brother? " "lean." " Do so ; we will sail at daylight." At dawn Columbus had a signal-light hoisted at the mast-head of the Santa Maria, and the vessels weighed anchor. They were scarce clear of the harbor, and the gray twilight still overspread the waters, when a vessel, suddenly rounding a point, came within bow-shot of the Santa Maria. " Admiral ! the Portuguese ! " cried Hernando, who stood on the poop-deck. The experienced eye of Columbus soon discov- ered the boy's mistake. " It's a Moorish caravel," the admiral answered. The Moor came along until she was near enough to see her deck, and, as it grew lighter every mo- ment, they even made out the features of the dark- skinned sailors. " Hernando Estevan," cried a voice from the approaching vessel. " Son of the Christian slave, SEEKING AN UNKNOWN WORLD. 163 whither are jou bound? Be where it may, take the curse of the Moor with you." The speaker was a tall, powerful fellow, whose left ear had been cut away close to his head. It was the lad's old enemy, Abdallah Ahmed. Before Hernando could recover sufficiently to reply, the Moorish caravel swept by, and the little fleet went bounding away before a stiff breeze. Land quickly faded from sight, and they were far, far out on an unknown sea, seeking an unknown world. CHAPTEE X. THE MUTINY. Columbus felt safe when land finally disap- peared, and they were speeding farther and far- ther away into the unknown wilderness of water. " They cannot desert now ; we must go on." The wind was fair, and the vessels made good speed. The iVma, now that lier sails were squixred, managed to keep pace with the others. Many of the crews of the vessels had borne up well, but on losing sight of the last trace of land, and knowing that they were entering an unknown and unex- plored ocean, their hearts failed them. On the second day out Columbus found a strong sailor in tears. " How is this, a man weeping ? Shame ! It is for women and children to shed tears," he said, halting at the sailor's side, " Never before have men been separated from the world as we are," answered the sailor. " Behind us is everything that heart holds dear — country, family, friends, life itself; before us are mystery, chaos, and death." " Oh, no, my brave man ! Don't despair — it's womanish. We have much before us," said Co- THE MUTINY. 165 lurabus, in a tone intended to be cheerful. " You will live to return borne and tell tliose friends of adventures of "which tbey never dreamed." " No, no, we will never see our homes again," said another. It became necessary for the admiral to inspire tbem with hope and confidence, or the result might even yet be serious. .A number of the despairing ones had gathered about, and he ad- dressed them thus: "Why give way to fears and make cowards of yourselves, when so much is in store for you. A lofty ambition should fill you with joy at our glorious anticipations. I am taking you to mag- nificent countries; to islands in the Indian seas teeming with gold and precious stones ; the regions of Mangi and Cathay, with their cities of univer- sal wealth and splendoi'. Cheer up, and I will give you lauds and gold in abundance. Ricbes in gold, jewels, and fine raiment, such as kings might envy, sball be yours. Why will you de- spair ? " Columbus made not these promises as mere deceptions ; he certainly believed he should real- ize them all. The admiral issued orders to the other vessels that, in case they should become separated, they were to keep right on due westward ; but that, after sailing seven hundred leagues, they should 166 - COLUMBIA. lay by from midnight until daylight, as at about that distance he expected to iind land. It seems remarkable that Columbus should take one so young as Hernando entirely in his confi- dence, but so long had be been with the lad, and young as he was found his judgment good, that he trusted him even before the Pinzons in some matters. Hernando was quick of perception and seemed to read the thoughts of the sailors. On discovering that their fears seemed to increase with the distance from Spain, he communicated the fact to the admiral. "If there was only some way to deceive them," said Hernando. ''If we could onlv make them believe that we were not going so far, nor fast, as we are, it might allay their apprehensions." With a smile Columbus answered : " It has been many years since I learned a les- son that may be of great advantage to me now." "What was it, admiral? " " I have no reason to keep a secret from you, for I know you have confidence in me." "I have the utmost." " This story may prove to you that deception, when necessary, is excusable." "I believe it is, admiral." " It happened to me once, that King Reiner — whom God has taken to himself — sent me to Tunis to capture the galley Fernandina^ and when I ar- THE MUTINY. 1^7 rived off the island of St. Pedro in Sardinia I was informed there were two ships and a carrack with the galley ; by which intelligence my crew were so troubled that they determined to proceed no farther, but to return to Marseilles for another vessel and more people. As I could not by any means compel them, I apparently assented to their wishes, altering the point of the compass and spreading all sail. It was then evening, and next morning we were within the Cape of Carthagenia, while all were firmly of opinion that they were sailing toward Marseilles," " How can that lesson help us now, admiral ? " " It is never wise for the commander of a ship to let the crew know all, and sometimes it may be necessary to deceive them." " Are you now deceiving them ? " " I am." "How?" "I knew their anxiety and terror were increas- ing in proportion to their distance from their native land, and I keep two reckonings." "Two?" " Yes, two : one correct, which no one but my- self sees, in which the true course of the ship is noted; in the other, which is open to general in- spection, a number of leagues is daily subtracted from the sailing of the ship, so they are in igno- rance of our real distance." 168 COLUMBIA. For a moment the lad bowed his head in thought and then asked : • "Is that right?" " What is necessary is right. A stratagem to overcome ignorance and further the eads of God is right." On the eleventh day of September, when about one hundred and fifty leagues west of Ferro, the lookout called the attention of Columbus to some- thing floating on the water. " What is it," asked the admiral. "A mast," Hernando answered. The boy was in the forecastle, and was one of the first to make the discovery. Columbus signalled the other vessels to lay to, and, lowering a boat, Hernando with six others pulled to the piece of floating mast and brought it on shipboard. From its size it evidently had belonged to a vessel of about one hundred and twenty tons burden, and it had lain in the water until it was almost rotted. The cYews of the ex- ploring ships, alive to everything that could ex- cite hopes or fears, looked with rueful cj-es upon this wreck of some unfortunate voyager, drift- ing ominously at the entrance of those unknown seas. " Don't allow this to alarm you," said Columbus to the crews, when he saw that a panic was liable to spread among them. "This broken mast has TEE MUTINY. 169 no doubt been in the water for years, and probably has floated from one of our ports." By encour- aging and threatening them, lie allayed to a small degree their dread of the unknown sea. Hernando, boy as he was, studied the admiral. He was continually in his confidence, knew many of his secrets, and soon became aware of the fact that the admiral was becoming more perplexed and more puzzled the farther they advanced into this unknown region. The very heavens were changing. The constellations of the East were disappearing and strangers taking their places. On the evening of September the 13th, Her- nando chanced to go into the admiral's cabin. They had advanced fifty leagues farther into the unknown world, and Hernando had almost begun to doubt that the admiral was correct in his cal- culations. He found the navigator seated at a table with a chart and compass before him. ■ Hernando was privileged to enter the admiral's cabin at all hours. He spoke on entering, but, receiving no answer, gently closed the door, and took a step toward the admiral, so as to get a glimpse of his face. And oh, what a face! Never had he seen anything like it. The pallor of death had overspread it, the lips were parted as if gasp- ing for breath, the eyes seemed starting from their sockets, and he almost fancied he could hear the explorer's heart beating v/ithin its prison walls. 170 COLUMBIA. What was the meaning of all this? Hernando knew that some critical point had been gained. He barred the door, so as to prevent intrusion, and determined to know the worst. "Admiral, admiral, what has happened?" "See, it varies," cried Columbus, starting to his feet, and clutching the lad's arm with his left hand, at the same time pointing to the compass with his right. " It varies ; it no longer points to the north." For a moment the lad stood in speechless amaze- ment. The youth was ignorant of the art of nav- igation, but the face of the man on whose knowl- edge and judgment he had staked his life told him that something was wrong. " What made it wrong? " Hernando asked. For a moment Columbus did not answer. Then, overcoming his astonishment, he said: " It seems as if the very laws of nature are be- coming reversed as we advance, and that we are entering another world, subjected to unknown in- fluences." " Maybe the compass is broken." " No, they are all the same. I have thought for several days they were varying. As we advance, they no longer point to the north, but the north- west. Day by day for three days I have studied this wonderful phenomenon, something the world has never known." "SKK, IT VAKIKS!" ( Hli:l) (( IMM ItlS. STAHTINC! TO MIS FEET. TUE MUTINY. 171 The bo J was greatly frightened, and turning to Columbus, asked : "What are you going to do ; go back and leave my poor father in this unknown world?" " Would you go back ? " After a short hesitation, he answered : "No ; not if every law of nature was reversed." "Noble lad, neither would I. The change of the compass is only a new discovery in science, and can be harmonized with navigation, though it will cause us no little trouble when our pilots discover it. I must find some excuse for the variation of the needle." " Can it be kept a secret? " "Impossible. They have the sailing of the ship, and will soon know it." At this moment a form was crouching at the door of the cabin, a pair of dark, piercing eyes were glittering with fiendish satisfaction, and under his breath Miguel the spy hissed : "Something goes wrong. What is it? I wish I could but catch the words." The quick ear of Columbus heard a noise there, and flinging the door open, saw the crouching spy. "Dog of an interloper, take that, and that, and that," cried Columbus, belaboring him with his staff, until the villain roared out with pain, and sought safety in the forward part of the ship. Columbus was not mistaken in regard to the 172 COLUMBIA. pilots. They were qaick to perceive the variation, and three days later three of them called on the commodore. Sancho Ruiz was spokesman. " Lord admiral," he said, " we have made a very wonderful if not alarming discovery." " What is it," asked Columbus, feigning indif- ference more than ignorance. " The laws of nature are changing as we enter another world, and come under unknown influ- ences." "Make your meaning more plain, Ruiz." " The compass is about to lose its power, and without it we have no guide in the vast, trackless ocean. It no longer points directly north, but is varying northwest." Columbus taxed his ingenuity as well as science to the utmost for reasons to allay their terror. He allowed no outward demonstration to indicate that he was not complete master of the situation. In a matter-of-fact way he answered : " What you say is true, Senor Ruiz, but if you - will examine the matter closely it is very simple. The direction of the needle is not to the polar star, but to some fixed and invisible point. These variations which we have discovered are not caused by any fallacy in the compass, but by the movement of the north star itself, which, like other heavenly bodies, has changed its revolutions, and every day describes a circle round the pole." THE MUTINY. 173 The pilots entertained an excellent opinion of Columbus as a profound astronomer, and his theory was accepted as correct. On next day, the 14th of September, Hernando was standing on the deck of the Santa Maria^ when he suddenlj^ saw two large birds, and running aft to Colum- bus, he called : " Admiral, here is a good omen. See the birds flying." " Birds, a harbinger of land, where are they ? " cried Columbus, going forward. "There," answered several sailors, pointing to the birds within bow-shot of the vessel's prow. "A heron and a Kabo de Junco," cried Colum- bus. " These are fowls which never venture far away from land. Our voyage will soon be over." All the afternoon the two birds hovered about the ships, but disappeared at dark. Those tropical nights were delightfully cool, but dark. The sky was a stranger to them, and they seemed gliding on into a vast unknown world of water. " Great God, look ! " cried some one from the Santa Maria. " Saints preserve us ! " groaned scores of voices. The whole sky was lit with a lurid glare. A great flame of fire seemed to fall from tb.e dark heavens into the sea, about four or five leagues distant. These meteors, common in warm climates, and 174 COLUMBIA. especially in the tropics, are always observed in the serene azure sky, falling as it were from the heavens, but never beneath a cloud. In the trans- parent atmosphere of one of those beautiful nights, where every star shines with the purest lustre, they often leave a luminous train behind, which lasts twelve or fifteen seconds, and might easily be mistaken for a flame. The boldest sailors were on their knees, believing they were entering a sea of fire, and that the ships would soon be con- sumed. Again was Columbus put to his best to explain all he knew of meteors, and it took some time to restore confidence to his men, but he par- tially succeeded. With favorable winds and occasional showers, they had made considerable progress, though, ac- cording to the secret plan of Columbus, he man- aged to suppress several leagues in the daily reckoning left open to the crew. Arriving within the influence of the trade winds, they were wafted speedily but gently over a ti-anquil sea, so much so, that for several days they did not shift a sail. All were amazed and delighted with the bland and temperate serenity of the weather, which was soft and refreshing, without being too hot or too cool. The entire day was like an Andalusian April morn, and they wanted but the song of the nightingale to complete the illusion. THE MUTINY. 175 They now came to a part of the sea where large patches of herbs were found drifting from tlie west, which increased in abundance as thej ad- vanced. Some were such as grow about rocks, and others such as are produced in fresh water streams. While some were yellow and withered, many were green and fresh as if they had just been washed from land. One day, a white trop- ical bird, such as never sleeps on the sea, was discovered; tunny fish were also seen playing about the vessels. Filled with joy and hope, Columbus gathered the crew of his vessel in the forecastle, and thus addressed them : "My brave men, ye need no longer despair, for we are, without doubt, nearing land. There is an account given by Aristotle of certain ships of Cadiz, which, coasting the shores outside the straits of Gibraltar, were driven westward by an impetuous east wind, until they reached a part of the ocean covered with weeds, resembling sunken islands, and in the waters they found many tunny fish, as we see them. All these indicate that we are certainly not far from land." Next day two boobies, birds which seldom fly more than twenty leagues from land, were discov- ered, and this further added to their hopes and encouragement. The weeds continued to increase, and Miguel, 176 COLUMBIA. ever watchful for an opportunity to breed discon- tent among the sailors, suggested that the weeds might continue to grow thicker on the surface of the water, until it would be impossible for the ships to force their way through. The wind was gentle at all times, and^for hours it would be a perfect calm. " You have all heard how ships have been frozen up in the northern seas, and unable to move," argued Miguel to a party of willing listeners. "That will be our fate. The wind is constantly falling off, and we will soon be unable to move." Hernando, who had become a self-constituted spy on the mutineer, hastened to Columbus to report what he was doing. The admiral listened with an attentive ear, and, when the lad had fin- ished, said, in his grave, solemn manner: "The fellow is mischievous, Hernando; watch him, and I will go at once and pacify the crew." When Columbus reached the deck, he found terror and desj^eration about to seize the sailors. " Why are you alarmed ? " he asked. " These weeds and this calmness are, beyond a doubt, caused by our near approach to land." Notwithstanding the assurances of the admiral, the crews were not satisfied, and the mischievous Miguel was constantly secretly fomenting discon- tent. The more Columbus argued, the more bois- terous became the murmurs of his crew, until, on THE MUTINY. 177 Simdaj, the 26tli of September, there came on a heavy swell of the sea, unaccompanied by wind — a phenomenon which often occurs in the broad ocean — being either the expiring undulations of some past gale or the movements given the sea by some distant current of wind. It was nevertheless regarded with astonishment by the mariners, and for a short time dispelled their imaginary terrors, occasioned by the calm. From this time on, however, the situation be- came daily more critical. The favorable signs, which increased the admiral's confidence in the belief that they were nearing land, were derided by Miguel and those bad, bold spirits whom he had gathered about him, so that Columbus began to fear they would rebel and compel him to turn back. It was night — one of those strange, still nights, such as no one aboard the squadron had ever seen before. The sky was full of strangers, and the sea of weeds and grass. The admiral was alone in his cabin, filled with anxiety, when Hernando entered. " I am glad you have come, Hernando, for we liave reached a crisis," said Columbus. " What do you mean, admiral ? " " All day long I have watched them, gathered about in little knots and groups ; they have fed each other's discontents, until the storm is ready to break." 13 178 COLUMBIA. Tlie admiral was in armor, and his naked sword lay on the table at his side. The boy regarded these signs as ominous, and asked : '■ What would you have me do ? " " You are a brave lad, and I can trust you. Go, arm yourself, and be ready for any emergency. Then, putting on your cloak so as to conceal your armor, go forth on deck, learn what they are doing, get their plans, and return." "I will." The lad bowed and retired. " Oh, if my brother, and a few others whom I could trust as I do that boy, were only on board, I should feel safe. Though some of the crew seem faithful, at times I mistrust all." While the admiral was thus moodily and almost despairingly meditating on his present perilous condition and the mutinous disposition of the crew, there suddenly came a rap on the door of his cabin. *' Come in," he answered, laying his hand on his sword. The door opened, and Ruiz the pilot, followed by half a dozen, entered. "Lord admiral," said Ruiz, "the crew are about to mutiny, being determined to make us turn back." " We will not do it," cried Columbus, clutching his naked sword. " No, if these decks swim with blood, we will prosecute our voyage to the end." In the meanwhile the little spy was cautiously THE MUTINY. 179 creeping along the dark deck to where the crew were gathered in a knot at the forecastle, with Miguel haranguing them. Slowly and cautiously, on bended knees, without noise, and with all the motions of a creeping cat, glided Hernando nearer to where the mutineers were assembled. Reach- ing a gun-carriage unobserved, he crouched down in the darkness behind it, and waited, watched, and listened. Unaware of his presence, Miguel continued to breed dissension among the mutineers. With a zeal and eloquence worthy of a better cause, the mutineer said : "This man is a desperado, bent in his mad fantasy upon doing something extravagant to render himself notorious. What are our suffer- ings and dangers to one content to lose his own life for the chance of fame and distinction? What obligations bind us to continue with him ? And when, pray, will the terms of our contract be fulfilled? We have already penetrated un- known seas untraversed by a sail, far beyond where man has ever before ventured. You have already won names for courage and hardihood in undertaking such an enterprise and persisting in it so far, and how much farther are we to go in quest of merely conjectured land ? Are we to sail until we perish, or until return becomes impossible? If we do, we will be the authors of 180 COLUMBIA. oar own destruction. If we consult our safety and turn back before it is too late, who can blame us? Complaints made by Columbus will have no weight, for he is a foreigner without friends or influence, and his schemes have been condemned bj the most learned men in Spain. He has no party to uphold him, and a host of opponents who would rejoice at his failure. If 3'ou fear his complaints, we might seize him and cast him into the sea, giving out that he had fallen overboard while studying the stars with his instruments " "Seize him," interrupted one. " Yes, seize the admiral and cast him over- board," cried another. " Let us strike at once." "At once, at once," and a dozen daggers and swords flashed in the starliglit. The mutineers rose up and began moving toward the cabin. Swift as a flash the lad glided along the deck of the vessel and darted through the cabin door, which he found slightly open. There stood the admiral, sword in hand, the pilot, and five others, all with weapons drawn. "Lord admiral, they are coming — the muti- neers are coming," cried the lad, his eyes flashing with excitement. " Come, we will go and meet them on deck," roared Columbus, and with drawn sword he led his handful of faithful followers to meet the mutineers. CHAPTER XT. LIGHTS ALONG THE SHOEE. Instead of effecting a complete surprise, as bad been intended, the mutineers were themselves sur- prised. They had expected to find the admiral alone in the cabin ; instead, he met them sword in hand on the quarter-deck, followed by half a dozen brave men, well armed. The ship's lan- terns were deceitful and did not reveal the real number of the admiral's followers. " There they are, admiral," cried the lad, point- ing out the mutineers with his sword. "Knaves, villains," roared the admiral, and with terrible yells he and his faithful followers fell on them and began laying about with their swords. Steel clashed against steel, and showers of sparks covered the deck. The mutineers, dismayed at having their secret plans discovered, made scarcely any resistance; but, throwing down their weapons, all, save Mi- guel, fled to the forward part of the ship, where they dropped on their knees, implored mercy, and swore future obedience to the admiral. Miguel would have followed their inglorious example had not the admiral disarmed and held him fast. 182 COLUMBIA. " Oh, pray, my lord, let me go! '' lie cried, strug- gling desperately to break away. " Cease, villain, cease your struggling, or I shall be sorely temiDted to run you through," cried Columbus. The trembling wretch began to implore the admiral to spare his life. " Have mercy — oh, have mercy I " he groaned. *' Know you not the fate of traitors and muti- neers ? " *' Oh, pray, have mercy! " " Do you deserve it ? " " Mercy, mercy ! " "The law put your life in my power, and you have forfeited it." " Spare me — oh, spare me ! " Hernando was too tender-hearted not to be moved bv those pleadings and tears. "Spare him, I pray you, my lord," he began. " Do you ask that he be spared ? " " Surely he can do us no harm if he be kept con- fined in the hold and in chains." " I will keep him as a living example to all other traitors," Columbus answered. The admiral had a tender heart, but was pos- sessed of a sound judgment, and knew that in this case it was best to assume harshness. Fear was the iron hand which could control such incorri- gible characters as Miguel. Dragging the rauti- LIGHTS ALONG THE SHORE. Igg neer to his feet, he handed him over to the officers, and said : " Take him below, load him down with irons, and see that he communicates with no one. His fate shall be determined hereafter." There went up from the prisoner a groan. He knew full well that, according to maritime law, he had forfeited his life. Euiz and one or two more seized the culprit and dragged him from the deck. He begged and implored for life, but was unceremoniously dragged down into the hold of the ship and there made fast. Columbus put up his sword and walked boldly forward to where the remainder of his crew were gathered in the forecastle, trembling with dread apprehension at having aroused the ire of the admiral. " Oh, mercy, mercy ! " the most timid began. Having witnessed the capture of their ring- leader, they began to lose what little hope they had entertained of the success of the mutiny. " Mercy 1 " said the admiral, sternly. "Do you deserve mercy ? " " Mercy, mercy ! " "Down on your knees, all of you, and now swear to never again attempt mutinj^" All fell on their knees, and swore anew alle- giance to the admiral, who ordered them to return to their duties. 184 COLUMBIA. "Bear in mind," he added quite sternly, as the mutineers began to disperse, " the first man who again makes an attempt at mutiny dies." Harshness was not natural with Columbus, and it was only with the most desperate he was harsh. He meted out to each such inducements as was necessary to stimulate him. Maintaining a serene and steady countenance, soothing some with gen- tle words, endeavoring to stimulate the pride and avarice of others, and openly menacing the refrac- tory with signal punishment should they do more to impede the voyage, he again became master of the situation. The lad, who had ever been faithful to the admiral, even at the imminent risk of losins: his life, was now more his confidential friend than ever. "Don't put the prisoner to death," he pleaded. " By law he has forfeited his life," Columbus answered. " Mercy is given even where life is forfeited." " Not when it jeopardizes other lives," contin- ued the admiral. "If I spare this man, as 3''ou would have me do, what assurance have I that he will not again incite the crew to mutiny ? " "His oath, my lord." " His oath is of no more strength than a rope of sand." " Can you try him ? " LIGHTS ALONG THE SHORE, 185 "Try him? It would be criminal to now give that man his liberty. The morality and lives of the crew, as well as the success of our enterprise, depend on his being kept in chains." "But you won't put him to death? " "Neither he nor his late companions in the mutin}'- must think otherwise. You need rest; go to your bunk and take what sleep you can get." " Admiral, you are in need of rest yourself. You have scarce slept for weeks." " Nor will I sleep, save enough to preserve life and reason, until we have sighted the shores of this new world. Gret you to your berth, and dis- turb not your mind with thoughts of the wicked. They bring their own misery on themselves. Vice and woe go hand in hand." Next day the wind again became favorable, and they were enabled to resume their course directly westward. The breezes being light, and the sea calm, the vessels sailed so near to each other that Columbus and Martin Alonzo Pinzon stood on their own decks, and conversed with each other for hours. " Have you quelled the mutiny ? " asked Pinzon. " Effectually." " I don't see the chief of the mutineers hanging at your yard-arms." "I am menacing others with liis fate. If the 186 COLUMBIA. crews continue faithful, I may even give them their liberties on reaching land," The idea of mercv to the mutineers was repug- nant to Pinzon, who believed in dealing out only the sternest justice. " Have you examined the chart I sent j^ou three days ago ? " asked Columbus. " I have." " Where do you think we are? " " According to the indications of the map, we must be in the neighborhood of the island of Cipango, and the other islands which you have delineated on the map." " I believe so, too, but it is possible that the ships may have been borne out of their track by the prevalent currents, or we may not have come so far as the pilots have reckoned." Columbus was shrewd enough to provide against possible disappointment. It might be fatal to his plans to set a time or distance too accurately for reaching the mystic shore, the whereabouts of which he was shrewdly guessing. "There may be a mistake," said Martin Alonzo Pinzon, " and yet I feel confident we are nearing land." " Everything goes to prove it. Have you finished with the chart ? " " For the time being." " Please toss it to the deck of my ship." LIGHTS ALONG THE SHORE. 187 They were sailing so close together, that Martin Pinzon tied a cord to the chart, and flung it on board the Santa Maria. It fell at the feet of Co- lumbus, who picked it up and spread it out before him, Euiz was looking over his shoulder; Her- nando was at his side, and several sailors were near, all eager to know something of their locality. Suddenly a wild shout rang out from the deck of the Pint a. "What means that? "' cried Columbus. "See, see!" shouted Hernando, pointing to Martin Alonzo Pinzon, who was standing on the high poop-deck at the stern of his vessel, looking off to the southwest. " Land, land ! " cried Pinzon, at the top of his voice. " I claim my reward, I claim the pension for being the first to discover land." The eyes of Columbus followed the direction indicated by Pinzon's finger, and he saw, about twenty-five leagues away, what indeed had the appearance of land. The admiral threw himself on his knees and returned thanks to God, all his crew following his exam'ple, and the wildest rejoic- ing followed. On board the Pinta, a scene of equal excitement and a ceremony fully as impres- sive was going on. Martin Alonzo repeated the Gloria in excehis, in which he was joined by the crews of all three vessels. The seamen now mounted to the masthead or 188 COLUMBIA. climbed about the rigging, straining their eyes in the direction pointed out. The conviction of land in that quarter became so general, and the joy of the people so ungovernable, that Columbus found it necessary to vary from his usual course, and stand all night to the southwest. The morning light, however, put an end to all their hopes, as to a dream. The fancied land proved to be nothing but an evening cloud, which vanished during the night. With dejected hearts they once more re- sumed their western course, from which Columbus would never have varied but in compliance with the clamorous wishes of his crew. " I will vary no more," he said. " We have lost several hours following a chimera; henceforth we shall steer by our original course." For several days they continued on with the same propitious breeze, tranquil sea, and mild, delightful weather. The water was so calm that the sailors amused themselves with swimming about the vessel. Dolphins began to abound, and flying fish, darting into the air, fell upon the decks. The continued signs of land diverted the attention of the crews, and insensibly lured them onward. A reckoning was made on October the first, which, according to figures furnished the pilots, was five hundred and eighty -four leagues from the Canary Islands, but the true reckoning was seven hundred and seven. On the 2d of October, dis- LIGHTH ALONG THE SHORE. 189 couraging signs were discovered, the weeds were seen floating from the east to the west, and on tlie third day no birds were to be seen. At noon-day, Martin Pinzon hailed the admiral's ship, and designated his desire to come on board for consultation. "Come on," Columbus answered, though he seemed to know what the proposed consultation portended, and from the start to treat it with dis- favor. When Pinzon was aboard the admiral's vessel, he said : " I fear, my lord admiral, we have passed be- tween islands, from one to the other of which the birds have been flying." " The indications would seem that we bad," Columbus answered. "Would it not be well to change our course, and steer farther south ? " " No ; our charts and maps all indicate that Cipango, Maguay, and St. Borodon lie west- ward." "The crews begin again to murmur." " I am sorry, as it will compel me to resort to a stricter discipline than I had intended. I have one of their number now in irons, and it may be necessary to place more there, or even hang a few, rather than ruin the expedition." Next day there was a decided change, and 190 COLUMBIA. everybody began once more to hope. They were visited by sucli flights of birds, and the various indications of land became so numerous, that from a state of despondency they passed to one of con- fident expectation. The sailors, eager to obtain the promised prize, were continually giving the cry of land on the least appearance of anything resem- bling an island. Kealizing the demoralizing effects of raising false hopes, Columbus declared that should any one give such notice, and land not be discovered within three days afterward, he should henceforth forfeit all claim to the reward. On the morning of the 6th of October, Martin Alonzo Pinzon again came on board, and notified Columbus that he was losing confidence in their present course, and tried to urge the admiral to change it. But this Columbus refused to do, and issued an order, that, should the ships become separated, each was to stand due west, and endeavor as soon as possible to join the company again. He also directed that the vessels should keep near him at sunrise and sunset, as at those periods the atmosphere was most favorable to the discov- ery of distant land. On the 7th of October, several of the admiral's crew thought they beheld land to westward, but none ventured to proclaim it, for fear of losing the reward. LIGHTS ALONG THE SHORE. 191 " The Nina sees it," Hernando whispered to the admiral "See how she presses forward. Santa Maria, what a sailor she is ! " The bov and admiral stood side by side, the former in breathless excitement, and the latter calm and unmoved, watching the ship. "See, see," cried Hernando, clapping his hands with joy. " She hoists a flag at her masthead, and there goes a gun." The boom of one of the ship's cannon at this moment rang out over the sea. New joy was awakened throughout the little squadron, and every eye was turned to the west. As they advanced, however, their cloud-built hopes faded away, and before evening the fancied land had again melted into air. Again dejection settled on the crew, and it required all the skill of Columbus to rouse them. " Look at the great flights of birds going south- west," he argued. " They must be secure of some neighboring land, where they will find food and a resting-place. The Portuguese attach great im- portance to the flight of birds, by following which they have made most of their discoveries." Columbus had now come seven hundred and fifty leagues, the distance at which he had expected to find the island of Cipango ; as there was no appearance of it, he might have missed it through some mistake in the latitude. On the 7th of 192 COLUMBIA. October, he hailed the Pinta, and asked her cap- tain to come aboard the /Santa Maria. When he came Columbus said : "I have been thinking, Pinzon, that we might have passed the island of Cipango, and, as all the birds seem flying west-southwest, we had better alter our course to that point, for two or three days at least."* " I am in accord with you, admiral ; it will not be much of a deviation, anyway," returned Martin Alonzo Pinzon. " I shall give immediate orders for the whole squadron to sail in the new course which I have laid down for three days." During the three days in which the squadron stood in the new course, the flights of birds in- creased as they advanced. But, as land was not reached, the crew came to regard all this as so many delusions beguiling them on to destruction ; and when, on the evening of the third day, they beheld the sun go down on a shoreless ocean, they broke forth into a turbulent clamor. They exclaimed against this obstinacy, as they termed it, in continuing a voyage into a * This determination to change his course to west-south- >!?est, a course always favored by the Pinzons, doubtless gave rise to the absurdly untrue story, that Columbus had prom- ised the mutineers, if no land was discovered in three days, he would return to Spain. LIGHTS ALONG THE SHORE. 193 boundless ocean, and insisted on abandoning it as hopeless and foolish. The seeds of dissension sown by Miguel had taken firm root, and, though tlie chief mutineer was in chains below, his deeds lived after him. Columbus tried to pacify them by gentle words and large rewards, but, finding their clamor in- creasing, he once more assumed a decided tone. Calling Hernando, Roderigo de Escobar, Diego de Arana, Roderigo Sanchez, and all the officers and gentry of the king's housebold about him, they donned swords and bucklers, and once more faced the mutineers. Stern determination was marked in every line- ament of the admiral's features, and advancing on the mob, which, sullen and almost defiant, had fallen back to the forecastle, the great man cried : " I have come to crush out this mutiny forever. It is useless for you to murmur. The expedition has been sent out by your sovereigns to seek the Indies; and, happen what may, I am determined to persevere, until, by the blessing of God, I shall accomplish the enterprise." For the time being Columbus and the officers over-awed the mutineers, but from day to day they continued to murmur, and gradually grew more bold. Fortunately the manifestations of land on the following day no longer admitted of doubt. At early morn Hernando was in the fore- 13 194 COLUMBIA. • castle, and called the admiral's attention to the increased quantity of seaweeds. " I observed them, but we have had floating weeds for days." " There's something we've not had," cried the boy, pointing to an object in the water near the prow of the vessel. " What, my lad ? " " There is a green 'fish — such as keeps about the rocks." " True, true — you are quite right ; I see it now myself, my lad. That is certainly a good omen." " And there — look, what is that ? " the boy shouted in a burst of joy. "What— where?" "A bush — a floating bush." "I see it," cried the admiral, almost as much elated as the lad. '•'■Lower a hoat^ " Let me go and get it? " cried Hernando. "You shall." Consequently, when the boat was lowered, Her- nando took his place in the bow. Six sturdy sailors seized the oars, and the boat glided through the waters to the bush, which was a branch of thorn-bush on which grew some red berries. Hernando seized it with a shout of joy, notwith- standing his hands were lacerated by the thorns. As the boat rowed back to the ship, he plucked off one of the berries, saying : LIGHTS ALONG THE SHORE. 195 " I will be first to eat the fruit of the new world." The berry was tart, but nutricious, and of a species unknown to Columbus. The admiral next tasted of the berries, and sent a few to the Pinzons. The same day they picked up a reed, a small board, and a staff artificially carved. All gloom and mutiny now gave way to sanguine ex- pectation ; and throughout the day, each one was eagerly on the watch, in the hope of being first to discover the long-sought land. At sunset a sailor, approaching Columbus, saluted him meekly, and said : " My lord admiral, I come from the prisoner Miguel, who has grown sick with confinement, and now that land is almost reached implores his lib- erty." With a fixed, unmovable countenance, and a voice decidedly stern, Columbus answered : " No. Miguel has proved our enemy. He has fomented all the discontent, and been the author of much of the misery we have suffered, and such mischief-makers cannot be granted liberty before the promised land is reached," " Will he be given his liberty then ? " " Perhaps." " He prays that he may be with the great and good admiral when he lands." Columbus, unable to refuse so small a request. 196 COLUMBIA granted it. That evening when, according to the invariable custom on board the admiral's ship, the mariners had sang the Salve Reyma, or vesper hjmn to the Virgin, he made an impressive ad- dress to the crew. "Think how good God has been to us in con- ducting us by soft and favorable breezes across a tranquil ocean, cheering our hopes with fresh signs, increasing as our fears are augmented, and thus leading and guiding ns to the promised land," he said. " Eemember the orders I gave on leaving the Canaries, that after sailing westward seven hundred leagues, we make no sail after midnight. Present appearances authorize such a precaution. It is probable that we will make land this very night, so keep a vigilant lookout from the fore- castle, and whoever shall make the discovery will receive in addition from the sovereigns a doub- let of velvet." The breeze had been fresh all day, with more sea than usual, and the progress had been con- siderable. At sunset they again stood west- ward, and ploughed the waves at a rapid rate, the Pinta^ owing to her superior sailing, keeping ahead. Great animation prevailed throughout the ships, and not an eye was closed for sleep that night. As Columbus took his station on the top of the castle (at this day called cabin), on the high poop LIGHTS ALONO THE SHORE. 197 of his vessel, to watch, Hernando, who followed him, asked: "Can I stay at your side to-night? " " You can, brave lad. We shall see the fruition of all hopes ere the dawn of daj'." " Will my father be there? Will I find him ? " " I hope to find him and many other brave sail- ors who may have been cast away." About ten o'clock at night Columbus thought he beheld a light glimmering in the distance. "Hernando, do you see anything?" he asked. "Where?" " Look straight ahead." After a few moments' staring into the intense darkness, the boy answered : " I believe I see a light." " Are you quite sure? " " I — I am not. Yet it glimmers." CI At this moment Pedro Gutierrez, gentleman of the king's bed-chamber, chanced to pass by, and Columbus hailed him. "Ay, ay," he answered. " Do you see a light ahead ? " " By the mass, I believe I do." Columbus was now trembling with excitement, but determined to be certain ere he announced land. He called to Rodrigo Sanchez, of Segovia, and made the same inquiry. " Come up to the round-house and be quite cer- 198 COLUMBIA. tain ere you answer," said the admiral. Before he could ascend to the round-house the lights had disappeared. They saw them once or twice after- ward, in sudden and passing gleams, as if thej were torches in the barks of fishermen, rising and sinking on the waves, or in the hand of some per- son on the shore, borne up and down as he walked from house to house. So certain were they that they were approach- ing land, and so eager to sight it during the night, that despite former orders the vessels continued under easy sail until two o'clock in the morning. Rodrigo de Triana, a sailor on board the Pinta, was at the masthead, piercing the darkness with eyes that had long been accustomed to the sea. Suddenly his convictions became a certainty, and he gave the joyful shout of discovery. There was no mistake now, and from a heart overbur- dened with joy lie shouts : "Land, land, land!"* The joyful cry is taken up by all the squadron, and cannon boomed forth the glad tidings — the discovery of a new world, found for mankind once more. There was no sleep that night, and all was given up to joy and thanksgiving. Land not two * The reward was afterward adjudged to the admiral, he having first seen the light along the shoi'e. LIGHTS ALONG THE SHORE. I99 leagues away was plainly to be seen. Columbus ordered the vessels to lay to and wait for morning ; and, as the admiral paced the deck with cheeks wet with tears of joy, Hernando pressed his hand, and asked : " My good and great friend, will I see my father on the morrow ? " " God grant you may, brave, noble lad, and faithful son." CHAPTER XII. SEARCH FOR THE GRAND KHAN. " God in heaven be glorified ! " The thoughts and feelings of Columbus from discovery of land to dawn of day were tumultuous and intense. At last, despite every difficulty and danger, the great object of his life had been accomplished. The mystery of the ocean was revealed ; his theory, which had been the scoff of sages, was triumphantly established, and he had secured to himself a glory durable as the world itself. It is difficult to conceive the feelings of such a man at such a moment, or the conjectures which throuijed his mind as to the land before him en- shrouded in darkness. It was fruitful, as had been evinced by the vegetables floating from the shores. Even as he paraded the deck of his vessel he thought he perceived a strange aromatic fra- grance from the shores of that mystic land. Up and down, up and down the deck, all night long the admiral paced, building air-castles and dream- ins dreams mortal had never dared dream before. Would the rising sun throw its burning rays on a thousand gilded towers and blazing minarets of SEARCH FOR THE GRAND KHAN. 201 some strange city, or would he merely find a des- ert island, populated by a few shipwrecked mari- ners ? Hernando as hopefully and prayerfully paced the deck on that night as did Columbus. " Father in heaven and the saints be praised ! Oh, grant that I may find him in this strange, new world ! Seas, cease your murmurs ; the cap- tive shall no longer be in chains." The waves laving the sides of the vessel seemed to the quick imagination of Hernando to laugh in bubbling joy. "Would the night never wear away? Every man on board the ships was eager for the dawn. Oh, for one flash of sunlight to reveal to them that strange, mysterious shore ! Never so longed a crew to see the daylight come. The moving lights which had first discovered the strange land to them was convincing evidence that it was the residence of man. But who were its inhabitants? Were they like those of other parts of the globe, or were they some strange, monstrous race, such as the imagination was prone at those times to give to all remote and unknown regions? Was the land before them some wild island of the far Indian sea, or the far-famed Cipango, the object of such golden fancies ? As the night grew darker ere dawn, there were those among the sailors who thought, after all, it 202 COL UMBIA. w;is anotlicr uij'tli, tluit would pass away with the morning light. The first faint strcalcs appearing in the eastern horizon brought the peo])le of every ship to the sides of the vessels, and all eyes were strained to catch a glimpse of that unknown land. " It's there; it's no cloud that the sunlight will dispel," wliispered a dozen. A sailor touched the admiral's arm, and, gain- ing his attention, bowed and meekly said : "I hope the admiral has not forgotten the unfortunate Miguel, who languishes a prisoner below?" " Go and liberate him," was the answer. " The admiral is so very kind " " Away." I- Brighter and brighter grew the morning every second, until the sable cloak of night had been changed to the sober gray of twilight, which, chameleon like, was growing to a rosy light. The chill of early morn was unnoticed by Columbus or his shivering, sleepless crew. The libcj'ated Miguel climbed to the deck, and, gazing out over the gunwale, saw the land for which the white-haired man and his boy compan- ion had dared so much. Then and there, had he possessed a spark of manhood in his dark soul, he would have relented. But his small, cunning eyes gleamed with a new thought, and he mentally said : 8EARVH FOR THE OR AN I) KUAN. 203 "Neither Columbus nor the lad shall be first to return with the glad news of this discovery. The laurels they would win shall be plucked from their brows." It was on Friday morning, the 12th of October, 1492, that Columbus first saw the New W(m-1(I, As day dawned, his eager eyes beheld before him a level island, several leagues in extent and covered with trees, like a continual orchard. No signs of cultivation or civilization woiv; observable, and, but for the dark heads peeping out at them from the dense foliage, he would have believed it unin- habited. At last a strange, wild people, dark red and y)erfectly naked, could be seen running from all parts of the woods down to the seashore. " Do you see my father among them ? " the lad asked, as Columbus turned his glass on the men of this strange, new land. " No, my lad ; but a slave would probably bo left in the interior.". Columbus brushed a t(!ar from his eye as he spoke. He knew how fond the delusion had grown, and how bitter would be the disappoint- ment. The belief had become an hallucination with Hernando. Tlic admiral made signal for the ships to cast anchor and the boats to be manned and armed. It was a solemn and impressive ceremony : the man who had suffered and dared so much was 204 COLUMBIA. now about to take possession of this new-found world in the name of Spain. Columbus, accom- panied by several royal officers, including the notary public, and Hernando Estevan, the muti- neer, and a number of armed sailors, set out for shore. Martin Alonzo Pinzon and his brother, Vincent Yanez, put off in their separate boats to accompany him, each with a banner of the enter- prise, emblazoned with a green cross, having on either side the letters "T" and " Y," the initials of the Castilian monarchs, Fernando and Ysabel, surmounted by crowns. For this imposing ceremony Columbus was richly attired in scarlet, and carried the royal standard. As he approached the shore, the explorer was disposed to all kinds of agreeable impressions, and delighted with the purity and suavity of the atmosphere, the crystal transparency of the sea, and extraordinary beauty of the vegetation. Un- known fruits grew in rich abundance, overhang- ing the shore, and, it being high tide, even kissing the incoming sea. Columbus stood in the bow of the boat, watch- ing the naked inhabitants timidly retreating among the trees as they advanced toward the shore. Landing, Columbus threw himself on his knees, kissed the earth, and returned thanks to God with tears of joy — an example followed by nearly all LANDlNIi OK COIAIMKIIS. SEARCH FOR THE GRAND KHAN. 205 the others, whose hearts overflowed with gratitude. Then risiDg, the admiral drew his sword, displayed the royal standard, and assembling around him the two great captains, with Roderigo de Escobar, notary of the armament, Roderigo Sanchez, and others, he took solemn possession in the name of the Castilian sovereigns, giving the island the name of San Salvador. Having complied with the requisite forms and ceremonies, he called on all present to take the oath of obedience to him- self as admiral and viceroy, representing the per- sons of the sovereigns. Then Columbus offered the following prayer, which we give in the original, just as uttered : " Domine Deus^ ceterne et omnipotens, sacra tuo verho Coelum^ et terram., et mnai'e creasti ; henedicatur et glorificetur nomen tuum, laudetur tua majestas., qucB dignita est p"r humilem servum tuwm.^ ut ejus sacrum nomen agnoscatur^ et prccdicetur in hoc altera mundi parted The crew now burst forth in transports of joy, and the mutineers were loudest in their praises of the man whom they, a few days before, were so anxions to put to death. Hernando was still kneeling, when a voice just above him said, in a hard, harsh whisper : "You have triumphed at last." On glancing upward, the lad saw bending over him the evil face of Miguel the mutineer, who so 206 COLUMBIA. nearly brought about a disastrous failure. There was a devilish, malignant expression in the vil- lain's face, which boded neither Columbus nor the lad good, Hernando was too much preoccupied with the imposing ceremony of discovery and conquest, to give much heed to the mutineer. Some of the more avaricious of the sailors were down on the sands searching for particles of gold, pearls, and shells. Since early dawn the natives had watched those three great monsters, which they believed to be enormous sea-birds, and when they sent out boats filled with strange beings clad in glittering steel, and various colored, they became frightened, and fled to the woods. Hernando was anxious to speak with the natives, and as soon as the impos- ing ceremony was over he rose and went to the nearest grove of trees, where a few of the bolder remained. The natives finding they were not pursued, six of them, among whom was one female, young, beautiful, and well formed, but perfectly naked, advanced toward the Spaniards, xlfter prostrat- ing themselves several times, they came to the admiral, whom they recognized, by his splendid raiment and noble demeanor, to be chief in author- it}'. A few moments later, when they had some- what overcome their astonishment and fear, they SEARCH FOR THE GRAND KHAN. 207 approached the Spaniards, touched their beards, and examined their hands and faces, admiring their whiteness. Hernando went boldly to one of the oldest of the natives, one who seemed to be in authority, and asked : " Can you tell me where my father is? " The savage gazed at him in wonder, but made no answer. " Do you know where the white prisoner is?" asked the lad, still answered only by a stare of stupefied amazement. "He doesn't understand you," said Columbus. " Where will we find him ? He must be some- where on the island." "Be patient," returned the admiral. "All things come to those who learn to wait. We are on one of tlie extreme islands of the Indies, and may find your father farther inland." The hope and expectancy which had buoyed Hernando up all through the long voyage now began to give place to doubt, and he was almost ready to despair. But there was excitement and interest enough to keep his mind constantly engaged. The Spaniards were disappointed in not finding gold more abundant, but the admiral assured them that they would find large quantities farther inland, or on some other island. The admiral distributed among the natives 208 COLUMBIA. colored caps, glass beads, hawks-bells, and other such trifles as the Portuguese were accustomed to trade with among the nations of the gold coast of Africa. In every manner possible, the anxious lad tried to make his wishes known to the natives. The young woman, who seemed possessed of a higher degree of intelligence than the others, listened attentively to his words, studied his pantomime with care, yet comprehended nothing. She knew the lad was in distress, and her simple, untutored heart went out to him ; she tried to console him, but he was as ignorant of her intent as she was of his language. Next morning the shore was thronged with natives, some even swimming off to the ship, or paddling about in their canoes. They were all eager to procure more toys and trinkets, not so much for any intrinsic value which they thought them to possess, as that they believed they came from beings from another world. The island where Columbus had thus first set foot in the New World was called bj the natives Guanahane. It still retains the name of San Sal- vador, but it is sometimes called by the English Cat Island, " This is not the island of Cipango," said Columbus to the Pinzons, after exploring San Salvador. SEARCH FOR THE GRAND KHAN. 209 "No," answered Martin Alonzo Pinzon. "Yet Cipango is not far away." " I thmk not." " We will continue our voyage westward, until it is found." " If we could understand the language of the natives, admiral, they might tell us many things," said Hernando. " I have thought of that, my lad, and iiave determined to take with us seven of these natives, to teach them the Spanish language. We will leave San Salvador on to-morrow, and keep them constantly with us as our guides in the New World." The admiral carried out his plans, taking seven of the natives, among whom was the Indian girl who had displayed a remarkable degree of intelli- gence. They proved ready pupils, and in a few days began to pick up various words in Spanish, though they conversed more by signs. They found a vast number of green islands, level and fertile, all about them. The Indians on board intimated that they were innumerable, well peopled, and at war with each other. Columbus spent much of his time teaching the Indians and asking them questions. They gave him the names of over a hundred islands, and he turned to Martin Pinzon, who wJas at liis side, and said: " There can no longer be a doubt that we are 14 210 COLUMBIA. among those islands described by Marco Polo as studding the sea of China, and lying a great dis- tance from the mainland." At the various islands at which thev touched, they found the Indians peaceable, and, as soon as they had overcome their timidity, perfectly will- ing to come on board. They told Columbus of a warlike tribe, called the Caribs, who made war on others. " Maybe the Caribs have my father a captive," said the lad. One day Hernando asked the girl again about his father, and she gave him some signs of encour- agement, which led him to believe that his father was among the Caribs, The Indian's food was cassava bread and fruit ; his drink, water. From island to island the ex- plorers went, filled with new wonder, as the islands grew larger, the mountains higher and more imposing. But the mischief -breeder was ever busy, Miguel, in the employ of Garcia Estevan, determined to even yet make the expedition a failure, or at least to rob Columbus of any share in the glory. He was a shrewd knave and a good judge of human character. He had noted how Martin Alonzo Pinzon seemed to chafe under the admiral's com- mand, not that Columbus was harsh. One day, while on board the Pwto, he asked SEARCH FOR THE GRAND KHAN. 211 to talk with the captain. Martin Alonzo was an austere man, but the villain managed to approach him on some pretence, and when they were alone he said : "What I am about to say mat cost me mt Life." "Senor Captain Pinzon, why do you allow this foreigner to win all the honors of this expedition ? " " What do you mean ? " demanded Pinzon. " Don't you understand me? " "I do not." 212 ' COLUMBIA. " I was asking myself, sefior captain, if I dared make myself plain." "Why not?" " What I am about to say may cost me my life, and you can comprehend why I am a little wary of my speech." Pinzon assured himself that no one was within earshot, and answered : " You and I are alone, and I can assure you that I will in confidence receive every word you may say." " Nor be offended at my boldness ? " "No." " I was about to ask why you should allow this foreigner, Christopher Columbus, to bear off all the honors and emoluments of an expe- dition for which you deserve more credit than he." " I — I don't see how I can help it." "There is a way, captain." "What is it?""' "There is no need that this Genoese beggar should come, and by your help, 3'our money, ships, and sailors, make discoveries that will place him next to the throne. What would he have been but for you ? " "Nothing." "Only a beggar," added the shrewd Miguel. " For him you paid an eighth, while he paid SEARCH FOR THE GRAND KHAN. 213 notliing. He bad nothing to risk but a miser- able and precarious existence. You risked life and fortune. Now, why should he reap all the reward ? " Shrewder argument could not have been offered, and it made a deep impression on Pinzon, though he was too shrewd to let the villain know it. After a few moments' hesitation, he answered : " I don't see how I can prevent it." With a shrewd smile Miguel answered : " If the captain will allow me, I will suggest, that, should he put about some dark night, sail at once for Spain, and make report of this great dis- covery to the king and queen, he would be first to gain their favor, and Columbus would be only secondary." Martin Alonzo Pinzon started at the suggestion and fixed his great black eyes on the mutineer. Surely a more devilish face never before greeted the vision of man. It was full of evil, full of cunning and malignance, while the eyes shone with the fiendish light of a serpent. Martin Alonzo did not decide at once -to follow the base suggestion ; in fact, at first he rejected it as dis- honorable. But the matter kept weighing on his mind from day today, until the scheme, dishonor- able as it was, had taken complete possession of him, and eventually proved his ruin. A few days after leaving San Salvador, Colum- 214 COLUMBIA. bus discovered Fernandina, a beautiful island, which he left on the 19th of October, The natives frequently spoke of a large island where gold and diamonds were in abundance, pointing off to the southwest as the locality where the riches were to be found. Columbus understood them to speak of some powerful monarch, whom he supposed to be the Grand Khan. Next they discovered an island, which they named Isabella after the queen of Castile. Here were large lakes of fresh water, with mar- vellous groves about them, and everything as green as Andalusia in April. The music of birds filled the forests with sweetest melodies, and fruits and flowers abounded in profusion. But Columbus was disappointed in not discov- ering drugs and s]:)ices, which he had hoped to find. From island to island they wandered, finding naked Indians and mute dogs, and but little gold. But ever in the hope of reaching the Grand Khan and delivering to him the letters from his sove- reigns, Columbus continued his westward voyage, until, on the 28th of October, they came in sight of Cuba. The Spaniards were long in doubt whether this was the island of Cipango or a continent. They were struck with awe as they a]jproached the noble island, with its lofty mountains, grand harbors, and rivers. SEARCH FOR THE GRAND KHAN. 215 Columbus was in a mood to see everything through a favoring medium. His heart was full to overflowing, for he was enjoying the fulfilment of his hopes, and the hard-earned but glorious reward of his toils and perils. Cuba broke on him like an elysium. "It is the most beautiful island eye ever be- held," exclaimed the enraptured explorer. He found it full of excellent ports and profound rivers. The natives, who were timid at first, afterward became bolder, and, when they found the strangers were kind, became friendly. Many expeditions were made into the interior, up the rivers, and into the forests. The natives whom Columbus had undertaken to instruct in Spanish were not yet proficient in the language, and the misinterpretation of their words caused many serious mistakes. Under- standing from them that a powerful king lived in the interior, and believing him to be the Grand Khan, Columbus determined to send two envoys, in company with Indian guides, across the country in search for him. For the mis- sion he chose two Spaniards, Eodrigo de Jerez and Luis de Torres, the latter a converted Jew, who knew Hebrew and Chaldic, and even some- thing of Arabic, one or more of which Colum- bus supposed might be known to this Oriental prince. 216 COLUMBIA. " Can I go with them ? " asked Hernando, when the embassy was ready to start on its march through the wilderness, " They go to the interior, and may discover my captive father." The admiral consented, and, shouldering his cross-bow, the lad accompanied the envoys. The expedition proved a failure, for the Grand Khan could not be found, and the ambassadors were compelled to return with the report of only a wilderness which seemed unending-. On their return Hernando saw the Indians 2:oino; about with fire-brands in their hands, and a certain dried herb which they rolled up in a leaf, and lighting one end, put the other in their mouths and ex- haled and puffed smoke. He asked an Indian what it was, and was answered by the one word : " Tobacco." Filled with boyish curiosity, Hernando asked one of the Indians for a roll, and on being given one lighted it. So he was not only the first white man to eat of the fruit of the New World, but first to smoke a cigar. A few whiffs at it, and he be- came deathly sick. His white companions became ver}^ uneasy, but the Indians evinced no con- cern. Rodrigo de Jerez and Luis de Torres sup- posed that the lad was poisoned, and threatened to kill the Indians ; but Hernando shortly re- covered, and never again would he touch tobacco, SEARCH FOR THE GRAND KHAN. 217 although he lived to see the use of it growing popular. "The islands of Babeque and Boliio were so often mentioned by the natives that Columbus deter- mined to go in search of them, on the return of his ambassadors. On the 12th of November, Columbus turned his course to the east southeast, to follow back the direction of the coast ; and on the 19th again the squadron put to sea, and for two days made ineffectual attempts, against head-winds, to reach an island directly east, about sixty miles dis- tant, which he supposed to be Babeque. The words breathed into the ears of Martin Alonzo Pinzon by the mutineer, like all other evil, began to grow and take possession of his soul, and he who was the truest, trustiest friend of Columbus in his darkest hours now became a cool, calculat- ing, treacherous enemy. The wind continuing obstinately adverse and the sea rough, Colum- bus put his ship about toward evening of the 20th, making signals for the others to follow him. The Pinta, which was considerably to east- ward, paid no attention to his signals. Colum- bus repeated them, but they were still -unat- tended to. Night coming on, he shortened sail and hoisted signal lights to the masthead, think- ing Pinzon would yet join him, which he could 218 COLUMBIA. easily do, having the wind astern ; but when morning dawned the Pinta was no longer to be seen. " What does that mean ? " asked the amazed admiral, Miguel heard the question, and walked forward to conceal his pleasure. CHAPTER Xni. FORT NATIVITY. Columbus was greatly put out by the conduct of Martin Alonzo Pinzon. He tried to believe the Pmta would yet join them, but all the while suffered no little uneasiness on account of the missing ship. Some sudden swell of the sea might have hurled her upon the breakers, and at that very moment she might be a wreck among the rocks on some of the islands. In order to find the Pinta^ he put back to Cuba, and hugged its coast as closely as he dared, on account of the reefs of rock and dangerous sandbars. He explored many rivers and harbors which to-day bear the names he gave them. But at last, under belief that he was going to the golden island of Bohio, where, from the imperfect account of the savages, gold was to be found in abundance, he set sail from the coast of Cuba, and reached the island of Hayti, which the admiral named Hispaniola, because of the fancied resemblance to the island to Spain. In the transparent atmosphere of the tropics, objects are descried at a great distance ; and the purity of the air and serenity of the deep blue 220 COLUMBIA. sky give a magical effect to the scenery. Under these advantages, the beautiful island of Hayti revealed itself to the eye as thej approached it. Its mountains were higher and more rocky than those of the other islands, and the stone cropped out from among the densest and richest forests. The mountains swept down into luxuriant plains and green savannas; while the appearance of culti- vated fields, of numerous fires at night, and col- umns of smoke by day, proved it to be populous. It was evening, on the 6th of December, that Columbus entered a fine harbor, which he called St. Nicholas. On the next day they coasted along the island, and entered a harbor which they called Port Conception, now known as the Bay of Moustique. " We must find some means of communicating with the natives," said Columbus. " As they fly at our approach, I will send six armed men into the interior." Hernando, with faint hope of finding his father in the interior, begged to be one of the number, and was granted the privilege. They found sev- eral cultivated fields and traces of roads and places where fires had been made, but the inhabi- tants had fled in terror to the mountains. On the 12th Hernando and a sailor captured an Indian girl, who wore an ornament of gold in her nose, which gave hope of precious metal. She FORT NATIVITY. 221 was clothed and loaded with presents, and sent with some Indian interpreters and sailors to assure her people that the white strangers were friends. Hernando made inquii-y of the natives of Hayti for his father, but, as before, was not understood. He concluded that his father must be at Babeque, or a captive among the warlike Caribs of whom he heard such frequent mention. On the 14tli of December Columbus made an- other attempt to find the island of Babeque, but was once more bafifled by adverse winds. He landed at an island which, from the abundance of turtles, he called Tortugas. This island in after years became the headquarters of the famous buc- caneers of the West Indies. For several days the admiral continued beating about the island of Hayti, unable, from contrary- winds and adverse tides, to make much headway. On the 24th of December he set sail from Port St. Thomas, and steered to eastward with the inten- tion of anchoring at the harbor of the cacique G-uacanagari. The wind was from the land, but so light as to scarce fill the sails. Since Miguel's release from imprisonment, Co- lumbus had had no reason to doubt his honor or sincerity. The fellow was an expert seaman, and, though he had been constantly setting traps to encompass the ruin of Columbus, the over-confi- dent admiral supposed that his enmity would end 222 COLUMBIA, witli the discovery of land. It was nigbt, and Columbus, worn out by long watching, placed the helm in the hands of Miguel as the most skilful mariner, and, ordering him to remain at his post, went to his cabin to seek a little much-needed sleep. Hernando was still on deck, and no sooner had Columbus retired than the steersman called to him. " Well ? " the lad answered. " Come and take the helm." "It is against orders," interposed Hernando. "You are instructed to never intrust the helm to one of the ship's boys." " Come and take it, but for a moment." "I must not." "Then I will leave it." Hernando was in a quandary, but, as the sailor evinced a careless disposition in the matter, he thought it better to have a boy at the helm than no one, and consented to take it. The other sailors took advantage of the absence of Colum- bus, and in a little while the entire watch was buried in slumber. In the mean time, the treach- erous currents which run swiftly along this coast carried the vessel forcibly upon a sand-bank. The boy heard not the roar of breakers fihead, until he felt the ship strike, and then he shouted : " Help ! quick, Miguel, or we'll be wrecked." FORT NATIVITY. 223 Columbus, whose cares never permitted him to sleep profoundly, was first on deck. The master of the ship, whose duty was to have been on watch, next made his appearance, followed by others of the crew only half-awake, and frightened out of their wits. " What is the meaning of this ? " demanded Columbus. " We are grounded, admiral," answered Her- nando. " Where is the helmsman ? " "I was at the helm." " You ! " " Yes, admiral." " Where is the sailor ? Where is the watch ? " " All here," cried several voices about him, and the deck was now covered with men. Columbus knew it was time for action rather than reproof. He ordered the sailors to take !he boat, carry the anchor astern, and work the vessel ofi". The master and sailors, among whom was Miguel, sprang into the boat ; but confused, as men are apt to be when suddenly awakened by an alarm, instead of obeying the commands of Columbus they rowed off to the Nina., about half a league to windward. Vincent Yanez Pinzon no sooner learned of the base desertion of the admiral, than he manned his own boat and hastened to the relief of Colum- 224 COL UMBIA. bus. But nothing could be clone at that time for the Santa Maria, though Columbus had her masts cut away. She was deeply imbeddeil in the sand, and her stern swinging around broad-side to the breakers, she was forced bj each succeeding wave farther and farther upon the shore, until she fell over on one side. Fortunately the weather con- tinued calm, otherwise the ship must have gone to pieces, and the entire crew might have perished amid the currents and breakers. • Columbus and crew took refuge on board the caravel. Diego de Arana, chief judge of the ar- mament, and Pedro Gutierrez, the king's butler, were immediately sent on shore as envoys to the cacique Guacanagari, to inform liim of the in- tended visit and disastrous shipwreck. The cacique lived about a league away, and when he heard of the disastrous shipwreck of his visitors he actually slied tears. All liis people, with all their canoes, were placed at the service of tbe admiral, and the stranded vessel was soon unloaded. The utmost kindness and greatest hospitality were shown to the whites^ and every- thing in the power of the natives was done to make them comfortable. The day after Christmas, the cacique Guacana- gari came on board the MTia to see Columbus. He was much moved by the dejected 'havior of the admiral, and offered every consolation in liis FORT NATIVITY. 225 power. Hernando saw some Indians coming in canoes to the ship, holding up bits of gold of no inconsiderable quantity, which they offered for hawks-bells and trinkets. He hastened to the admiral with the joyful news that gold abounded on the island in abundance. "Then are we repaid for all our suffering," answered the admiral. Guacanagari, observing the changed demeanor of the admiral, through his interpreter asked the cause. " Tt is because gold is being brought to the admiral," was the answer. "Is the great admiral so fond of gold?" the cacique asked. " He is," answered the interpreter. " Not far off, among the mountains, gold is as plentiful as stone." " Where is it ? " "Cibao." "Cibao," repeated Columbus, who had been listening to the interpreter. "Ay, he means the island of Cipango." The cacique dined with Columbus on that day, and his manner was both modest and princely. His whole deportment, in the enthusiastic eyes of Columbus, betokened the inborn grace and dignity of lofty lineage. Next day Guacanagari entertained Columbus and his officers on shore, 15 228 COLUMBIA. and liad a lliousand natives to amuse his guests. After the collation, he conducted the admiral and his officials to the beautiful groves which surrounded his residence. Here the cacique's attendants performed several national games and dances, which Guacanagari had ordered to amuse the melancholyof his guests. "I think it well to give them an exhibition of some of our skill in arms," said Columbus to "Vincent Yanez Pinzon, when the entertainment given by the savages was ended. " Who is our best archer?" Pinzon answered : " Miguel, the mutineer, is by odds the best. He served in the wars of Grilnada, and can handle the Moorish bow and arrows." "Send for him, a Moorish bow and quiver of arrows, also for an arquebus antl lombard ; we must teach them some of the powers of gun- powder." Miguel came with the Moorish bow and a quiver of arrows. A target was set up at a great distance, and the mutineer began sending arrows all around it, at last driving one centre. The natives were amazed at the wonderful skill which he displayed. The cacique then made Columbus understand that the Caribs, who often made de- scents upon his territory and carried off his sub- jects, were likewise armed with bows and arrows. FORT NATIVITY. 227 Througli Ilia interpreter, Columbus answered: "Have no more fears of the Caribs, for our Castilian nionarclis can destroy them. We have weapons still more powerful, as you shall see." Hernando then toolc an arquebus, placed the rest on the ground, aimed at a small tree some distance away, and ap})lying a slow-match, sent the ball whizzing through the air, and shattering the tender bark. A still greater surprise was in store, when the Ioml)ard, or cannon, was fired. On hearing the report the Indians fell to the ground, as though they had been struck by a thun- der-bolt; and when they saw the effects of the balls, rending and shivering the trees like a stroke of lightning, they were filled with dismay. Being assured, however, that the S[)aniards would defend them with these arms against their dreaded ene- mies the Caribs, their alarm gave place to exulta- tion, considering themselves under the protection of the sons of Heaven, who had come from the skies armed with thunder and lightning. " They will always be our friends," said Colum- bus to Pinzon, After the entertainment was over all went to examine the wreck, and on the admiral's asking Pinzon his opinion in regard to it, he answered: " I don't believe we can ever get it afloat." " And the Pinta gone," said Columbus. " I fear we could not carry back all in the NiTiay 228 COLUMBIA. " It would greatly crowd her, admiral," " I have thousfht that as the sailors are so favor- abl}^ impressed with the island and the natives, we could build a fort and leave a garrison." " Your plan is a wise one, admiral, for it will form the germ of a future colony," said Vincent Yanez. "The wreck of the caravel will easily afford materials to construct a fortress, which can be defended by her guns, and supplied with her am- munition ; while provisions enough can be spared to maintain a small garrison for a year." After a moment's reflection on the plan, which seemed growing in Captain Pinzon's favor, he added as a further argument : " The people whom we leave can explore the island, and make themselves acquainted with its mines and other sources of wealth. They might at the same time procure by traffic a large quan- tity of gold from the natives ; could learn their language and accustom themselves to their habits and manners, so as to be of great use in future intercourse." The}' at once proceeded to put the plan in exe- cution. The wreck was broken up and brought piece-meal to shore ; a site chosen, and prepara- tions made for the erection of a tower. On being informed that it was the intention of the admiral to leave a part of his men for the defence of the FORT NATIVITY. 229 island against tlie Caribs, while lie returiuMl to his country for more, Guacanagari was greatly over- joyed. His subjects manifested equal delight at retaining these wonderful people among them, and at the prospect of the future arrival of the ad- miral with shi})s freighted with hawks-bells antl other articles precious to them. Tliey eagerly lent their aid in the construction of the fortress, little dreaming that they were assisting in placing the galling yoke of perpetual slavery and ruin on their own necks. The second day after work had been commenced on the fortress, some Indians arrived at the har- bor from a distant part of the island. The inter- preters, Columbus, Hernando, Miguel, and several others went to learn what news they brought. The interpj'cter, after conferring with them, said: "They say a great vessel, like those of the admiral, is anchored in a river at the eastern part of the island." "What vessel can it be?" asked lloderigo de Escobedo. "It's the P^/^to," cried Columbus, his face light- ing uj) with joy, for he feared that something serious had happened to the Pinta. " The fool ! why didn't he crowd all sail for Spain?" Miguel hissed through his clinched teeth, turning away to prevent his companions reading his face. 230 COLUMBIA. Hernando was the only <>ii(' near cnoui2;]i tolicar him. Hastening to his side, \w. asivcd : '' What mean you, .senor? " "It matters not to you." " It does matter to nie," the lad answered, while a dangerous light aj)j)earcd in his eyes. Wheel- ing about, Miguel walked away into the dense wood, and Hernando, determined to know what his manner had to do with the strange desertion of the Pirda^ followed liini. Drawing his sword, the mutineer turned upon tlu; lad and eried : " Ni)t a rod fai-ther shall you dog my steps, or T will impale you to the earth!" " Miguel, mutineer and thief, T know your blade heart far better than you tJiink. T have watched you, closely studied your every act, and know you. You are the indirect cause of our troubles.'' " Was I at the helm when the jSanta Afwrid ran aground ? " "No; but you yielded it up to an inexperi- enced hand, when you should have remained at your post." " T will not be taunted by you, you young dog," cried Miguel He asked himself, why delay longer, as he was to be rewarded for slaying the lad. "He has followed me into the wood. I will run him through and conceal the body." With uplifted sword he leaped at the lad, crying: "You shall die!" FORT NATIVITY. ■ 231 Young as he was, Hernando's life luul more Hk was FoKOKlJ 15Aus. Should the Pinta be lost, he would now liave but one vessel to return to Spain. Should the third vessel perish, every record of this great discovery would be swallowed up with it, and the name of Columbus be remem- bered only as a mad adventurer, who, despising the opinions of tlic learned and counsels of the wise, had departed into the wilds of the ocean, never to return. ^JMie obscurity and imagined horrors of his fate might deter all future enter- prises, and thus the New World remain, as hereto- fore, unknown to civilized man. Under these circumstances, Columbus deter- mined to abandon all further prosecution of the voyage, and for the present give up his purpose of visiting the Grand Khan, return to Spain, and report his marvellous discovery. While the fort, which he named Fortress La Navidad, was in course of construction, Guacana- gari and five tributary caciques came and placed a crown of gold on ilu; lu^ad of Columbus. In return, he took from his neck a collai- of fine col- ored beads, which he put about that of the cacique, gave him his mantle and many trinkets. 234 <^0L UMBIA. So great was the activity of the Spaniards in the construction of their fortress, and so ample the assistance rendered by the natives, that in ten days it was sufficiently complete for service. A large vault had been made, over which was erected a strong wooden tower, and the whole surmounted by a wide ditch. It was stored with ammunition saved from the wreck, or that could be spared from the caravel ; and, the guns being mounted, the whole had a formidable aspect, sufficient to overawe and repulse the natives. Columbus really thought very little force necessary to hold the Haytians in subjection. The fortress and gar- rison were more a restriction on the Spaniards themselves, to prevent their wandering about or committing acts of licentiousness among the natives, than for their protection. But if it should become a place of defence. Fort La Navidad would be no inconsiderable garrison. CHAPTER XIY. DESERTED — THE STORM. " Going home— going back to the Old World, and mj mission nnaccomplished. Father still the slave of some wild, barbarous people," sobbed Hernando Estevan, on the seashore two nights before the admiral was to set out on his return. Notwithstanding it was the first of January, the weather in this tropical clime was pleasant. Columbus had been strolling on the beach, think- ing how much he had to thank God for, when he came upon his little friend bowed down in grief. "What, in tears!" cried the admiral. "What means this ? " "My lord admiral, on the day after to-morrow -we sail for the Old World, and my father's fate is unknown." " My lad," said Columbus, solemnly, " T fear this is all a delusion. I have no doubt that your father has been dead — lo, these many years. Give it up. You have done your duty as a good son should, and you can do no more. Come, be more cheerful." It was like tearing his heart from his bosom to give up the hope of finding his father. He paused 236 COLUMBIA. a moment, listening to the sobbing waves, and thought he could hear his father's voice among them, calling to him for hclj). But the admiral assured him it was only his fertile imagination, quickened by long dwelling on the subject, and by the strongest reasoning and persuasion the lad became partially reconciled. Next day final arrangements were made for the departure. Many volunteered to remain on the island, from whom Columbus selected thirty- nine of the most able and exemplary, and among them a physician, ship-carpenter, caulker, cooper, tailor, and gunner, all experts in their several callings. The command was given to Diego de Arana, a native of Cordova, and notary alquazil to tljc armament, who was to retain all the powers vested in him by the Catholic sovereigns. In case of his death, Pedro Guticri'cz was to com- mand, and he dying, lioderigo de Escobcdo. The boat of the wreck was left with them to be used in fishing; a variety of seeds to sow, and a large quantity of articles for traffic, that they might procure as much gold as possible by the time of the admiral's return. Before leaving, Columbus gave the men to be left behind some excellent advice, which, if taken, might liavc averted the disaster that befell them. " Is Miguel going to roiriain, admiral?" asked ILcniando. DESERTED— TUE STORM. 237 "No, lie returns with us. A man witli such vicious tendencies would be dangerous to the colony." On the 2(1 of January, 1493, Columbus landed to take a farewell of the generous cacique and his chieftains, intending next day to set sail. He gave them a parting feast at the liouse devoted to his use, and commended to their kindness the men who were to remain, especially Diego de Araua, Pedro Gutierrez, and Koderigo de Esco- bedo. In order to fully iinj)ress tJin rndiaiis witli the warlike prowess of the white men, Columbus caused the crews to perform skirmishes and sham battles with swords, bucklers, lances, cross- bows, arquebuses, and cannon. The natives, as- tounded at the accuracy and effect of the small arms, were stricken with awe when the heavy londjards were discharged from the fortress, wrap- ])ing it in wreaths of smoke, shaking the forest with their report, and shivering trees with the heavy stone balls, used in artillery in those days. Although Columbus had intended to set sail on the third day of January from Fort Nativity, all arrangements were not completed nor anchor weiglied until the morning of the fourth. A salute from the fort was answered by a salute from the ship. The wind being light, it was necessary 238 COLUMBIA. to tow the caravel out of the harboi- and clear of the reefs. They sailed eastward toward a lofty promontory, destitute of trees, but covered with grass, and tent-like in shape, having at a distance the appearance of a towering island, being con- nected with Hispaniola by a low neck of land. To this promontory Columbus gave the name of Monte Christi, by which it is still known. They remained near the promontory for two days, and again set sail with a favoring breeze. After weathering the cape, they had gone about ten leagues when the wind again turned to blow sharply from the east, and forced them to tack. Hernando, who was at the masthead, suddenly discovered a vessel standing around a point of rocky headland. " A sail, a sail ! " he cried. "A sail — where away?" asked the admiral, who was anxiously pacing the forward deck. Hernando pointed it out, and no sooner had the eyes of Columbus rested on the vessel, than he joyfully cried : "It's the Pinta, the Piniay The certainty of the fact gladdened the heart of the admiral, and had an animating effect throughout the ship ; for it was a joyful event to the mariners once more to meet with their comrades, and have a compan- ion ship on their homeward voyage. There was one, however, to whom the sight of desertilD—thk storm. 239 tTie Pinta \v;i.s no joy. Miguel cast one glance at the ship, and, recognizing her, walked aft, hissing through his teeth : "The fool, why did he loiter about the isl- and when he should have been on his way to Spain?" Sweeping down toward them, directly before the wind, came the Pbiia. Martin Alonzo Pinzon was not really a bad man at heart, and no doubt had already repented his attempted desertion. "I must speak with your brother," said Colum- bus to Vincent Pinzon. " "We can't do it here, admiral, for the wind is too adverse and obstinate. But there is a bay a little west of Monte Christi, in which you can anchor in safety." " We will put back there, and signal the Pinta to follow." The signal was given, and the Pinta rounded to and followed the Nina back to the little bay, where both vessels dropped anchor, and Martin Alonzo Pinzon came aboard the Nina. He tried to look composed, but the effort was a failure ; his coun- tenance fell, and the man, naturally great and good, displayed his confusion. " You demand an explanation of my abandon- ment of the squadron, I suppose? " asked Pinzon, blushing deeply. " Yes. I suppose you have a good excuse." 240 COLUMBIA. ''I have. I was compelled, from the severe stress of weather, to part company, and have ever since been seeking to find you." Columbus listened passively but dubiously to bis apologies, and the suspicions he had entertained were subsequently warranted, by information given him by one of the sailors. While Pinzon was en- gaged with his brother, Columbus took the sailor to his cabin and asked : " Why did your captain desert us? " The sailor looked uneasily about, and, toying with his cap, answered : " He is my captain." " But I am your admiral. Why did he part company with us ? " " One of the Indians aboard told him of large quantities of gold in a region to eastward. And his ship being the best sailor, he worked to wind- ward when others were obliged to put back." "Did he find the golden region?" "No, admiral; for ten days he was entangled among some small islands, but was at last guided to Hispaniola, where he remained three weeks trading with the Indians." " What was the traffic ? " "Gold. He traded trinkets for gold, which he got in large quantities. One-half he kept, and one- half divided among the crew to secure their fidelity and secrecy." DESERTED— THE STORM. 241 " And where was he going when sighted ? " "I don't know, hut T believe he intended to return to Spain." Cautioning the sailor not to mention the inter- view, Columbus dismissed him. The admiral repressed his indignation at the flagrant breach of duty, and mentioned the matter to no one save Hernando. It was policy, perhaps, to make no open war upon Pinzon during the voyage, for he had a powerful party of relatives and townsmen aboard the armament. To such a degree v^^as his confidence in his confederates impaired, that Co- lumbus resolved to return to Spain at once, while under more favorable circumstances he might have been tempted to explore the coast in the hope of freighting his ship with treasure. Martin Alonzo and his brother Vincent had meanwhile been engaged in a long serious con- versation in the forward part of the ship. As Martin Alonzo turned about to quit the deck, some one touched his arm, and he recognized the sailor Miguel at a glance. "Well, what will you?" began Martin Alonzo. " Captain — great captain, can you vouchsafe a word with me ? " Pinzon gave his tempter a steady gaze. Had he possessed the power to say, " Get thee behind me, Satan," it would have saved him from ruin, disgrace, disappointment, and death ; but great as 16 '242 COLUMBIA. Martin Aloiizo Pinzou was, lio had his \vc>akiioss. He listened. "It's not 1 late vot," his evil o;eniiis whis- pered. '' Your ship is a superior sailor, and would soou distance the admiral. Is it not rii>ht that you should save your vessel and crew, and that someone sliould live to give a report to the sov- ereigns ? " The devil speaks honeyed words with an oily tongue, is charged with argument so plausible that no one can dispute it, and but for the small voice of conscience, reason would be swayed like a reed in a wind-storm. Columbus went with Pinzon back to the coast where he had been trading, to which \\c gave the name of Rio de Gracia. Hernando went on shore with some interpreters to talk with the Indians. On his return, he said: "Admiral, the natives nuike complaint that Captain Pinzon has carried off two girls and four men, who are yet on his vessel." "Can this be true? " the admiral asked, hardly prepared to believe that one in whom ho had reposed such great confidence could be guilty of such an act. "They say it, and we can easily ascertain." "Yes — I will u"o aboard at once. Come with 11 me. They went aboard the Pinfa, and as soon as WHAT DO YOf I'UOPOSE nOINO WITH TllEM?" "TAKE THEM TO SPAI.V AND SELL THEM AS SLAVES." DESERT KD— THE STORM. 248 Colmnbiis liiul gained tin; deck, he tiirued to Mai'tin Alonzo, and asked: " Have you four men and two girl natives pris- oners on board your ship ? " " I have," was the answer, " What do you propose doing with them ? " " Take them to Spain and sell them as slaves." " You cannot." "Why?" "I forbid it, and demand their release." The dumfounded Pinzon muttered something about their being prisoners of conquest. " I will have no people forcibly taken from the natives with whom we are on the most friendly relations. They must be released." " You have natives aboard your ship." " I have, but they go willingly, and are not to be sold as slaves." After many high words, Columbus at last had his way, and the prisoners were released, loaded down with presents, and sent on shore. Again they weighed anchor, and coasted the island until they came to the high and beautiful headland to which Columbus gave the name of Capo del Bnamorado, or Lovers' Cape, to-day known as Cape Cabron. A little beyond this they came to a gulf about ten miles wide, and extending far inland. " Let us land," said Ilcrnando to the admiral. 2-t-i COLUMBIA. I see people on shore, who nro quite dilTereut from any with whom we have heretofore met. Perehance they may be the warlike Caribs, who have my father a prisoner." On landing, they found the natives the opposite of the gentle and pacilie people whom they had heretofore met in the New World, They were ferocious looking creatures, hideously painted, with their long hair tied behind, and decorated with the feathers of parrots and other birds of gaudy plumage. Some were armed with war- clubs, others had bows of the length of those used by English archers, and slender reeds pointed with hard wood, stone, bone, or the tooth of a fish for arrows. Their swords were of palm-wood, as harei and heavy as iron, and capable of cleaving the skull at a single blow. Hernando told the interpreter to ask them if thev had a white slave among them, but he was either not understood, or these strange, wild peo- ple cared not to answer, and the lad turned away with a sigh. The Spaniards bought two of their bows and some arrows to take to Spain, and one warrior was even induced to go on ship-board. Columbus believed these people were the Car- ibs' so often spoken of by the natives; but when asked if they were, the warrior pointed beyond to the east, where lay the Caribbean, and mentioned the island of Mantiuiuo. DEHEnrKD-TllK HTOHM. 245 " That is tFio JKland moritione/l by Marco Polo," said ColurnbuK. "Tli': in habitants arc women, the men living on another inland, and once a year visit the island of the Amazons. All male children are sent to the island of men, and females kept by the Amazons." This myth was only anotlier of the mistakes of Columbus. Having regaled the warrior and made liim numerous presents, Columbus ordered him to be put in the boat and taken ashore. " His companions are already growing uneasy," said Columbus, "and arc watching us even now from the woods. You had better go well armed." Ilernando sitting in the bow of the boat, with the warrior at his side, saw over fifty of the sav- ages lurking in the woods, with bows, arrows, war-clubs, and javelins. "^i'here's danger," he whispered to his com- panions. The warrior arose and spoke to his companions, and they immediately laid down their weapons and came to meet the Spaniards. Ilernando had in- structions to purchase a few more of their weap- ons, and as soon as the Indians had gathered about them, he proposed to trade for some. They had parted with two bows, when suddenly one, who seemed a chief, gave utterance to a war-cry. In a nifjment every savage ran to his weapons. "Look, look! they are going to fight!" cried 246 COLUMBIA. Hernando, placing' liis arquebus and ainiiiio- it. But having no slovv-niatt'li light, and not having time to get one, he seized his cross-bow and. pro- ceeded to wind it up with a double crank. The savages returned with cords as if to bind the Spaniards, Hernando's companions were not one whit behind him, and three or four cross-bows sent bolts flying among the natives. The lad hit a savage in the right shoulder, another was wounded in the arm, and they all fled. " Pursue them, cut them dowm ! " cried the angry sailors, one of whom had been slightly bruised by a javelin striking his cuirass. " Hold ! Don't pursue them ! " cried Hernando, who commanded the boat. " We have wounded two and jnit all to flight ; that is sufficient. We will now return to the caravel." This was the first encounter between the white men of the Old World and savages of the New. Columbus was grieved to see all his exertions to maintain an amicable intercourse in vain. He consoled himself, however, that if these were Caribs or frontier Indians of a warlike character, they would be inspired with a dread of the force and weapons of the white man, and deterred from molesting the little garrison at Fort Nativity. They were in fact a bold, hardy race, inhabiting a mountainous district called Ciguay, extending DESERTED— THE STORM. 247 five and twenty leagues along the coast, and sev- eral leagues into the interior. They differed in language, look, and manner from the other natives of the island, possessing the rude but independent and vigorous character of mountaineers. The day after the skirmish a multitude of the natives appeared on the beach, and the admiral sent a boat-load of well-armed sailors to meet them, and learn if they still entertained feelings of hostility. Their conduct was full of freedom and confidence, evincing neither fear nor enmity. The cacique who ruled over the neighboring country was on shore; he sent to the boat a string of beads formed of small, hard shells, which Colum- bus understood to bo a token and assurance of amity. The white men were not yet fully aware of the meaning of this symbol — the wampum belt — the pledge of peace, held sacred among all the Indians of the New World. Columbus named this gulf Gulfo de las Flechas^ or the Gulf of Arrows, it being the place where the first encounter had occurred, and arrows being the chief weapons used ; but the name has been changed, and to-day it is known as the Gulf of Samana. An hour before daylight, on January the 16th, 1493, taking advantage of a light and favorable wind, the Spanish vessels took their departure. Columbus first steered to the northeast, in which 248 COLUMBIA. direction the young Indians with them assured him he would find the island of the Caribs and that of Mantinino, the abode of the Amazons; it being the admiral's desire to take several of the natives of each to present to the sovereigns of Aragon and Castile. After sailing about sixteen leagues, the Indian guides changed and pointed southeast, toward Porto Kico, which was probably known to the natives as the island of Carib. But before they had gone two leagues on the new course, a favorable breeze for the return to Spain sprang up, and Columbus determined to take ad- vantage of it, so he at once made sail for home. " You must keep us company on our return," was the ordei; of Columbus to the commander of the Pinta. Though he assured him he would, the admiral had begun to lose faith not only in him, but in his brother and the pilots. Great profits and honors were to be reaped, and the Pinzons were human ; they possessed their jealousies and envy, and it was but natural that they should become moody over the reflections that, but for their aid, this man would never have earned his glory. Columbus had so often found the Pinzons, the pilots, and Miguel the mutineer, engaged in secret whispered consultatious, that he had come to fear the worst. The trade winds, which had been favorable on DE8EBTED~THE STORM. 249 the voyage out, were equally adverse on their return. The promising breeze soon died away, and throughout the remainder of January light winds from the east prevailed, which prevented any very great progress. The foremast of the Pinta had been sprung, so she could carry but little sail, which detained them. The weather was mild and pleasant, and the sea so calm that the Indians whom they were taking to Spain fre- quently plunged into the water and swam about the ships. They killed several tunny fish and one large shark, the former adding considerable to their low stock of provisions. Besides keeping a careful reckoning, Columbus was a vigilant and careful observer of those indi- cations furnished by the sea, air, and sky. The fate of himself, crew, and ships, in that unknown region which he had traversed, often depended on these observations. On the 10th of February, Vincent Yanez Pinzon, and the pilots Euiz and Bartolomeo Roldon, who were on board the admiral's ship, examined the charts, and compared the reckonings, to determine their situation, but could come to no agreement. " Let us confer with the admiral," said Pinzon. The others assented, and Columbus was waited upon. When he had their account of the reckon- ing, he said to himself: " Both are wrong. They think they are one 250 COLUMBIA. hundred and fifty leagues nearer Spain than they are, and in the latitude of Madeira; whereas I know we are nearly in the direction of the Azores." He listened to them, but gave them no informa- tion calculated to enligliten them. When they were gone from his cabin, he turned to Hernando and said : " They are five hundred miles off the true reck- oning. The suppression of the true calculation going out is of great advantage to us, my lad." " Why did you not tell them all, and give them the true reckoning?" "My lad, they would then be as wise as I, while I prefer to leave them in error, and would rather add to their perplexity than clear the mat- ter up for them." " Why do thus, admiral ? " " The}' will have but a confused idea of the voyage, at best, and I doubt if any of them could return. I alone will possess a clear knowledge of the route. There is so much treachery in the world, that I have learned it is best to keep my own secrets." This was a lesson of wisdom and sagacity which Hernando never forgot. On the 12th of Febru- ary, as they were flattering themselves that they would soon reach the land, which many had al- most given up all hope of ever beholding again, DESERTED— THE STORM. £51 tlie wind rose and the sea ran liigb, tbongb they still kept their eastward course. On the following day, after sunset, the wind and swell increased, and flashes of lightning to the northeast were to the admiral signals of an approaching storm. Hernando stood on deck by the side of Colum- bus, trusting in him more as a father than his superior officer. "We are going to have a tempest which will try our crazy vessels to their utmost," said the ad- miral. " Be always prepared to die, for life requires no preparation." "I trust, admiral, that I am prepared for any ordeal," the lad bravely answered, " and if death comes, that I may not shrink from it. One favor I crave." "What is it?" "Let me stay at your side." "It is granted." " Then I am ready for storm and shipwreck." The scene was grand and imposing — one calcu- lated to strike the beholder with awe as well as admiration. It was terrible. The black, darken- ing heavens, the world of angry, leaping waters, and air filled with shrieking wind. Every billow, which gathered force and rose in its might in their wake, came roaring on like some furious monster determined on their destruction, until it broke in crested splendor over the stern of their 252 COLUMl^IA. frail craft, driving it on beam-ends. Tbe whole surface was a white sheet of foam, filled with deep, yawning pits, and black, unfathomable chasms. The innumerable white flakes driven horizontally even to the very decks of the vessels looked like snow issuing from the bosom of the ocean. The appearance of the horizon portended a lasting tempest; the sky and water seemed blended to- gether. Thick masses of clouds of frightful shape swept across the zenith with the swiftness of birds, while others appeared motionless as columns of stone. Not a single spot of blue sky could be dis- cerned in the whole firmament, and a pale yellow gleam lighted up all objects of the sea and the skies. On the morning of the 14th there was a tran- sient lull, and they made a little sail ; but just as hope began to once more enter the breast of the despondent, the wind again rose from the south with redoubled fury and raged throughout the day, increasing in violence as night approached, while the vessels rocked terribl}' in the cross-sea, the broken waves of which threatened to overwhelm them. For three days they just kept sail enough to run ahead of the waves, and prevent foundering ; but the tempest still augmenting, they were obliged to scud before the wind. In the darkness of night the Pinia was lost sight of, and the admiral kept DESERTED— TUE STORM. 253 as much as possible to the northeast, to approach the coast of Spain ; and made signal lights at the masthead, for the Pinta to do the same, and keep in company with him. From the weakness of her foremast, Martin Alonzo claimed he was compelled to scud before the wind, directly north. For some time the Pinta answered the signals of Columbus, but anon her lights gleamed more and more dis- tant, until they passed out in gloom and darkness. Had she been swallowed up in the ocean, or was the Pinta in reality deserting Columbus in his sore distress? When day dawned, Columbus, who had passed a sleepless night, swept the frightful waste .of broken waves, lashed into a fury by the gale, in vain, for the Pinta. "I fear she has gone down," he sighed. His words fell on the ears of Miguel at his side, and the fiend, uttering a smothered curse, added under his breath : " It serves him right. Why didn't the fool go to Spain weeks ago ? " The sun rose and the wind and waves rose with it, and through the dreary day the almost helpless bark was driven along by the fury of the tem- pest. As evening approached Columbus mus- tered the crew in tlie forward })art of the ship and said: " All human skill is baffled and confounded by the warring elements, and there alone remains to 254 COL UMBIA. US to propitiate Heaven by solemn vows and acts of penance. Take a number of beans, equal the number of persons on board, and cut the cross on one, and put them all in a cap ; and then let each of the crew make a vow, that, should he draw the marked bean, he will make a pilgrimage to the shrine of Santa Maria do Gruadalupe, bearing a wax taper of five pounds weight." The crew all assented, and each made tbe vow. The admiral was first to put in his hand, and the lot fell on him. Holding the marked bean in his hand, he solemnly said: "From this moment I shall consider myself a pilgrim, bound to perform the vow." As the storm still raged, a second lot was cast in the same manner, for a pilgrimage to the chapel of our Lady of Loretto, which fell upon a sailor named Pedro de Vilhi, and Columbus at once agreed to bear the expenses of the journey. A third lot was also drawn for a pilgrimage to Santa Clara de Moguer to perform a solemn mass, and watch all night in the chapel, and this also fell on Columbus. Columbus feared that the Pinta had gone down, more than he feared that he was deserted. Should his own feeble bark perish, his great discoveries would be lost, swallowed up in the ocean. The storm raged still more furious than before. " Why not write out your discoveries, put the DESERTED— THE STORM. 255 account in a cask and throw it overboard? It may reach Spain," suggested Hernando. It was a bare hope, but Columbus adopted the boy's plan. He wrote an account of his voyage and discoveries, and of his having taken posses- sion of the newly found lands in the name of their Catholic majesties. This be sealed, and directed to the king and queen; superscribing a promise of a thousand ducats to whomsoever should de- liver the packet unopened. He then wrapped it in waxed cloth, which he j)laced in the centre of a cake of wax, and, enclosing the whole in a large barrel, threw it into the sea, pretend! n^j^ to his crew that he was performing some religious vow. Fearing that this memorial would never reach the land, he enclosed a copy in a similar maimer and placed it on the poop, so that, should the caravel be swallowed up by the waves, the barrel might float off and survive. CHAPTER XV. THE ASSASSIN FOILED. It is an indication of the great unselfish nature of Columbus, that even in the midst of personal danger, with death staring him in the face, he should think of his discoveries rather than him- self. The measures he had taken to a slight extent relieved his anxiety, hut he was far more relieved when, after heavy showers, there appeared at sunset a streak of clear sky in the west, giving hopes that the wind was about to shift. These hopes were confirmed, for a favorable breeze sprang up, though the sea still ran so high that there was great danger of being overwhelmed and foundered bv the waves. On tiie morning of the 15th of February the storm had considerably abated, and the sea, which had been for days lashed into a fury, was growing more and more calm every hour. At dawn of day Columbus was on deck, with his young friend as usual at his side. " Let me go to the maintop, admiral ; my eyes are sharp and accustomed to piercing long dis- tances." " The waves still run high." THE ASSASSIN FOILED 257 "Not so high as yesterday, and I was in tbe foretop for hours then." " Gro, but have a care ; I would as soon lose my own son." l^he active boy ran quickly up the rigging, and had scarce gained the position, when Rui Garcia, a mariner, cried : "Land— land, ho!" The shout was taken up on deck, and the cry of "Land, land! " rang out over the wild waters. Poor, weary souls, worn out with long contin- ued battling with the tempest, the sailors had dropped down on deck to catch a moment's sleep, but they now started up with transports of joy, at once more gaining sight of the Old World. As the sun rose in a cloudless skj^, it revealed the land lying east-northeast, directly over the prow of the caravel, and the pilots at once began to dispute as to what land it was. One said it was the island of Madeira ; another, that it was the rock of Cintra near Lisbon ; while Columbus, from his private reckonings and observations, concluded it to be one of the Azores. A nearer approach proved it lo be an island; it was but five leagues distant, and the voyagers were congratulating themselves on the assurance of being speedily in port, when the wind veered again to the east- northeast, blowing directly from the land, while a heavy swell kept rolling from the West. 17 258 COLUMBIA. "It is too bad to be near land, and unable to reach it," siglied Columbus. For two days they hovered about the island, always in sight but un- able to get in port, either there, or to reach the other island of which he caught occasional glimpses through the mist and rack of tempest. On the evening of the 17th they approached near enough the first island discovered to cast anchor, but part- ing their cable had to again put to sea, where they remained beating about until the following morning, when they anchored under shelter of its northern side. Columbus had been in such a state of agitation for several days that he had scarce taken food or sleep. Although suffering from rheumatism, he had kept his post on deck, ex- posed to the wintry cold, the pelting storm, and drenching surges of the sea. On the night of the 17th he fell asleep, more from exhaustion of nature than tranquillity of mind. Had one- tenth the perils and difficulties beset them on their outward voyage that they encountered on their return, his timid and factious crew would have rebelled against the enterprise, thrown him in the sea, and returned home. The island they had made was St. Mary's, one of the southern Azores, and a possession of the crown of Portugal. The admiral's trials were not yet over. Miguel, one of the first to land, set off to find Juan de Castaneda, the governor of St. Mary's, THE ASSASSIN FOILED. 259 and endeavored partly bj truth, but mostly by falsehood, to rouse hitn against Columbus. On the following morning Columbus reminded his people of their vow to perform a pious proces- sion at the first place where they should land. There was to be seen from the ship, at no great distance from the sea, a small hermitage or chapel dedicated to the Virgin, and arrangements were immediately made for the performance of the rite. Three messengers, returning to the village, sent a priest to perform mass, and one-half of the crew, landing, walked barefooted in their shirts to the chapel ; while Columbus with the other half awaited their return, to perform a like ceremony. At this day, so long after the Reformation and enlightenment of mankind, such a ceremony would seem nonsensical and bring down the ridicule of all Christendom, but at that day it was a solemn and earnest ceremony. The mariners entered the little chapel, but had scarce begun their prayers and thanksgiving, when the soldiers and citizens of the village, horse and foot, headed by the governor, surrounded the hermitage and made all prisoners. Miguel, who had been the occasion of the trouble, kept out of sight, and his comrades were in ignorance of his guilt in the affair. History makes no mention of him, and leaves the arrest shrouded in mystery, without any cause whatever. Miguel's design was 260 COLUMBIA. the capture and destruction of the admiral and Hernando. Columbus wae. unable to see the hermitage from the deck of the Nifia, owing to an intervening point of land, and growing uneasy at the long delay, weighed anchor and stood in a little nearer, where he could see the shore. The first object that met his view was a number of armed horsemen dis- mounting and entering a boat. " They are coming to us," said the amazed Co- lumbus, " Yes, Admiral, they intend to fight." The hostility of the Portuguese to his enterprise at once aroused the suspicions of Columbus, and lie ordered his men to arm themselves, and keep out of sight, though near at hand to either defend the vessel or surprise the boat, as occasion might require. As the boat drew nearer, he discovered the governor in it. Coming within hailing dis- tance, the governor called out to the admiral, and asked : '• Can I come aboard ? " ' You can," was the answer. " Unmolested ? " " Certainly, provided your visit is a peaceable one." The boat still remained at a distance, and Columbus, unable longer to retain himself, now broke forth. " Governor Castafieda, where are my men, whom THE ASSASSIN FOILED. 261 I sent ashore to do penance at jour chapel ? Have you made them prisoners, and not only wronged the Spanish monarchs, but your own sovereigns? " "Who are you? " demanded the governor. "Christopher Columbus, lord admiral of the high seas, viceroy and governor-general of the new countries I have discovered," and Columbus, dis- played his letters patent sealed with the royal seal of Castile. " If you don't release my people and send them aboard, you can look for the vengeance of Spain." Castafleda replied in a vein of contempt : " I have no fear of your sovereigns, my lord admiral. They have had enough to do to drive out the Moors. What I have done has been under instructions of my king and sovereign." " Then your conduct will provoke a war between Spain and Portugal." The boat with the governor returned to shore, and Columbus, unable to decide on what course to pursue, continued to beat around the island without gaining any satisfactory information until the 22cl, when they returned to their anchorage at St. Mary's. A boat bringing off two priests and a notary now pulled to the ship. "What do you want?" demanded Columbus, when they came in hailing distance. " We want to see your papers," the notary answered. 262 COLUMBIA. " Come aboard and examine them." " Will you harm us? " "Certainly not." With some degree of caution they came aboard the caravel, and the notary said : '• Governor Castaileda is disposed to render you every service he can, if you really sail in service of the Spanish sovereigns." "There are my papers," answered Columbus, and he showed them to the priests and notary, who seemed satisfied. On the following day the prisoners were liberated, and all, save Miguel, came on board. He, no doubt fearing the punish- ment he so richly merited, kept aloof from the admiral, who was in ignorance of the mischief he had accomplished. For two days longer the admiral remained at St. Mary's, endeavoring to take in wood and ballast, but prevented by the heav}^ surf which broke on the shore. On the 24th he again set sail for Spain, and on the 27th, when within one hundred and twenty-five leagues of Cape Vincent, again encountered a furious gale. The nearer he approached home, the more boisterous grew the sea, and he could not help feeling that he was being repulsed, as it were, " from the very door of the house." The poor, tempest- tossed admiral one day said to his young friend : "Well may the sacred theologians and sage THE ASSASSIN FOILED. 263 philosophers declare that the terrestrial paradise is in the utmost extreraitj of the East, for it is the most temperate of regions." On the second of March the caravel was struck by a squall of wind, which tore off her sails and forced them to scud under bare poles. Again were they threatened with destruction, and another lot was cast for a pilgrimage, barefoot, to the shrine of Santa Maria de la Cueva, in Huelva, and, as usual, the lot fell on Columbus, On the 4th of March, at daybreak, they found themselves off the rock of Cintra, at the mouth of the Tagus, and much as they had cause to mis- trust the Portuguese, Columbus was forced to run in for shelter. Accordingly, about three o'clock in the afternoon, he anchored opposite to the Rastello, to the great joy of the crew, who re- turned thanks to God for their escape from so many perils. Immediately on his arrival, Columbus de- spatched a courier to the king and queen of Spain, with tidings of his discoveries, and also wrote to the king of Portugal, then at Valparaiso, request- ing permission to go with his vessel to Lisbon. A report had got abroad that the Nina was laden with gold, and he felt insecure at Rastello. On the following day Columbus was summoned on board a Portuguese man-of-war, but he asserted his rank and refused to leave his vessel. The 264 GOL UMBTA. captain then came on board the caravel and ten- dered his services to Columbus. "Admiral," said Hernando, when the captain had departed, " I was on shore to-daj, and while there saw Miguel." " What ! I thought him lost. I have not seen him since we left St. Mary's," answered Columbus. " He is here ; and I have every reason to believe that it is he who is making all these stories about "wealth aboard. He means us no good." " Watch him, my lad." " I will ; he is a villain of the deepest dj^e." Columbus received permission to go to Lisbon ; also a request to call upon King John. Much as he mistrusted the Portuguese king, he dared not refuse his royal request. His messenger had already gone by an overland route to Spain, and be soon hoped for fair weather, to bear his shat- tered bark to Palos. He sailed to Lisbon and prepared to set out for Valparaiso. " Can I accompany you. Admiral ? " asked Her- nando. The lad, on account of his ceaseless vigil and constant watching, was almost broken down. His eyes were sunken, his face pale, with a hec- tic flush on his cheek that the admiral thought alarming. " No, Hernando, you must have rest. The weather is rainy and you should not expose your- self. I will have attendants." THE ASSASSIN FOILED. 265 On the second daj after his arrival Columbus set out for the king's rojal residence, and was met bj the principal cavaliers of the monarch's house- hold, who came out to meet hira and conduct him in great pomp to the palace. He saw not a pair of evil ejes watching him, nor did he recognize the evil face of Miguel Gan- zola, the mutineer. " I will slay hira yet," Miguel hissed through his teeth. "I began for reward. I will end for hate." The admiral was right royally entertained by King John, who made minute inquiries about the soil, the land, the people and the gold. The king was deeply chagrined at having, by his lack of faith in Columbus, allowed his rivals to win so rich a prize. Some historians claim that the Portu- guese were so envious that they determined to put Columbus to death. They have doubtless con- fused the acts of Miguel, who, as the reader will remember, was in the employ of Garcia Estevan to assassinate both Columbus and Hernando, with the designs of King John. One historian says : "Seeing the king much perturbed in spirit, some even went so far as to propose, as a means of impeding the prosecution of these enterprises, that Columbus should be assassinated ; declaring that he deserved death for attempting to deceive and embroil the two nations by his pretended dis- 266 COLUMBIA. coveries. It was suggested that his assassination might be accomplished without incurring any odium. Advantage might be taken of his lofty deportment to pique his pride, provoke him into an altercation, and then despatch him, as if in casual and honorable encounter." Whether King John ever contemplated any scheme as dark as the above-mentioned, is ques- tionable, and as he has left a fair reputation for honor, we will give him the benefit of a doubt. Miguel, the hired assassin, may have ingratiated himself into the good graces of people of all ranks, poisoning their minds against the man he had grown to hate, and it was no doubt Miguel's con- duct which gave start to the current report, which has been handed down in histor3^ Columbus, after leaving the king, visited the queen, and then set out for Lisbon, hoping soon to return to Palos. Hernando Estevan was not unlike Christopher Columbus, inasmuch as he was often moved by secret impulses. It was an age of superstition, and one can not wonder that Hernando was moved by his impressions, as well as the admiral. Some small, still voice seemed whispering to him that Columbus, the man whom he had come to love almost as his father, was in danger. This impression was caused, no doubt, by the presence of the mutineer in Portugal. Miguel had been seen in Lisbon and Valparaiso, and, it was thought, THE A8SA8Sm FOILED. 267 that his presence boded no good to the safety and welfare of the admiral. Columbus had already been detained two or three days over the time he should have been gone, and Hernando, stealing ashore at night, procured a horse, and armed only with his sword and dagger set off to find him. Never sallied forth a knight- errant with stouter heart or more trusty blade. Though young in years, he was old in the science of war. Setting out alone, without even a guide, he rode over the rough and dangerous road be- tween Lisbon and Valparaiso, although night had set in before he began his journey. And a dark night it was — not a single star was in the heavens to give a lambent glow to the blackness. Unacquainted with the road as he was, the lad pushed boldly on, up hill and down, until became to where the road wended its way through a forest. He was just thinking that this would be an excel- lent spot for an assassin to wavlav an unsusoect- ing victim, when the sound of hoofs reached his ears. The lad drew rein, when the apj^roaching horseman was but a few rods away. From the clank of arms he at first supposed him to be a soldier; but the awkwardness of the fellow as he drew rein and dismounted, dragging his heavy matchlock after him, convinced Hernando that he was not an expert horseman. The lad rode into the bushes, determined to know more of the 268 COLUMBIA. • strange horseman. Having become accustomed to the darkness, he was enabled to make out the out- lines of a thick-set, stoop-shouldered man, whose garb was that of a sailor. " I know him," the j'outh thought. Dismounting, Hernando made his horse fast to a tree, and, drawing his long, keen dagger, ho crept a little nearer to watch the stranger. There was a slight jingling of iron rods as if the stranger was setting the rest of his arquebus to get it ready for firing, and he saw the glow of a slow-match. Then there came on the air the ti-amp of other horses. Hernando at once surmised that the stranger with the arquebus was an assassin lying in wait for his victim, doubtless one of the ad- vancing horsemen. Some of the party of horse- men bore links which lighted up the road, but failed to penetrate the dense wood in which Her- nando was watching the man with the arquebus. One of the approaching party was at this moment heard to say : " It can scarce be three leagues to the port, and I am anxious, the wind being fair and God willing, to sail to-morrow." "It's the admiral, and this is an assassin sent to slay him," thought the youth. Dagger clutched in his hand, with all the ferocity and cunning sagacity of a tiger expressed in his manner, he crept nearer and nearer to this would- TEE ASSASSIN FOILED. 269 be assassin. The man with the arquebus was stooping low, and the glow of the slow-match hidden behind his cap revealed his features to the lad behind, but not to those in front. " Miguel ! " The hand that clutched the dagger behind the would-be assassin trembled not, and the holder crept nearer and nearer. Miguel aimed his gun at Columbus, who rode nearest hiAi, and applied the match. As the flash and report rang on the air some one struck the arquebus, and the next instant a hand grappled his throat, and a voice hissed in his ear : '• Coward — murderer — die ! " The ball from the arquebus glanced from the breastplate of the admiral, producing a shock, but no injury. Knowing full well with whom he had to deal, and having a score of long standing to settle, Hernando did not hesitate. The advantage of surprise quite overcame the disparagement of age and strength. He was quick to strike, and struck home. A yell of agony followed the blow, and he struck again and again. Columbus and his attendants were on their return from Valparaiso when they were startled by the shot from the forest, and heard the clash of steel and sounds of a struggle within the wood. 270 COLUMBIA. " Tiaere is trouble here," cried the admiral, and, with his attendants and link-bearers, he pressed forward into the wood. Ail was over. There was Hernando, with a blood-stained dagger in his hand, standing over, a dead body. CHAPTER XVI. THE EETUEN TO PALOS. " Hernando ! " cried the admiral, as the light from the blazing torches fell full on the face of the youth in the wood by the dead body. " It is all over.'' " What have you done? " " Slain your enemy, put out of the way the man who would have assassinated you." The overturned, rest, the empty arquebus still hot and smoking, the burning match, and naked sword in the hand of the dead man, spoke vol- umes, and supplied all broken links in the story. "Who is he, Hernando?" " Your bitterest enemy, Miguel. He came to assassinate you, and I slew him." " I forbade you leaving the ship," said the ad- miral sternly. " You did, admiral ; and now that I have saved your life I am ready to endure any punishment you may choose to inflict." What could a man with a great heart like Co- lumbus do under such circumstances ? Ere he knew it he had the lad clasped in a warm embrace — and he was forgiven. 272 COLUMBIA. King John had sent Don Martin de Norona and a numerous train of cavaliers to escort Colum- bus and his pilot. Don Martin had fallen a short distance in the rear of the cavalcade, when the re- port of the arquebus startled the sleeping echoes of night, and clapping spurs to his horse, he reached the spot just as Columbus clasped his preserver to his breast. " Helloa, admiral, what means this ? " cried Don Martin. " Have some of the dogs of robbers dared to attack you ? " "It's an old enemy, Don Martin." "Who is the lad?" "My cabin-boy, the companion of many of my severest dangers and trials, and the preserver of my life." " And the man slain ? " Columbus then proceeded to explain that he was an old enemy, who for some unknown cause had sought to thwart his plans and take his life. Though he allowed no such hint to escape his lips, it was for a while a serious question in the mind of Columbus whether the assassin had been 9,cting on his own account, or in the employ of King John. After all, the Portuguese king might only be pretending friendship in order to bliud Colum- bus and take him unawares. Fearing he might do the Portuguese monarch wrong, he determined to keep this adventure and his narrow escape a secret. THE RETURN TO PAL08. 273 "It is a singular affair, and I shall report it to the sovereign," said Don Martin. " I pray you will do nothing of the kind, Don Martin." '•Why not?" "It will only aggravate the king without cause. This is only an old enemy slain by my young friend, and I pray that no mention ever be made of it in Portugal or in Spain." Columbus had his way and the affair was kept a secret. " What shall we do with the body ? " asked Don Martin. "Leave it, and some of the peasants will find it in the morning and give it Christian burial," Columbus answered. The finding of a dead body in the wood or lonely mountain pass was a common occurrence in those days, and occasioned but little comment. The cavalcade went to Llandra, where Columbus slept until morning, when a servant of the king arrived to attend him to tlie frontier, if he pre- ferred to return to Spain by land, and to provide houses, lodgings, and everything he might stand in need of at the royal expense. Columbus was pleased with this marked atten- tion of favor on the part of the king of Portugal, but decided to return in his caravel. " Inform your monarch that I am flattered with his high degree of attention, but that I prefer, as 274 COLUMBIA. the wind is favorable, to return in one of the shat- tered vessels in wliich I left last year." When the royal messenger was gone, Columbus thought : " I have done King John wrong to even suspect him." " How soon will you put back into Palos ? " Hernando asked, when they were once more on the deck of the Nina. " At once." "Heaven be praised ! " '• Are you so anxious to return, my lad ? " " I am," the youth answered. " It seems that we spent a lifetime in that new world. Doubtless many stories have gone back to Palos ; and — and I know that two are anxiously scanning the ocean day by day, waiting, watching, and hoping for my return. One is still young, though sad, and the other has grown old with years and grief." "We sail in the morning, and in two days, Heaven willing it, we'll reach the port of Palos," Columbus answered. Next day was the 13th of March, 1493, and at daybreak the Nina weighed anchor, unfurled her sails to the breeze, and sailed away for Palos. At early daylight Hernando was awake and on deck at the side of the admiral, whose own great heart was beating high with hope. When it became known throughout the vessel that at last, after so many delays, they had in reality set out on their return to Palos, they broke forth in transports. THE RETURN TO PA LOS. 275 The praises of the saints were sung, and such joy was never known on shipboard. Standing at the bow of the vessel, wrapped iu solemn thought and deep happiness as strong as the current of a might J river, was the youth whose fortunes have been so strangely blended with the admiral. Though young in years he is a man in thought. Bending over, be watched the sharp prow cleav- ing the water, and thanked Heaven for every favorable breeze. The air was raw and sharp, and the admiral expostulated with him and urged him to go below and take some rest, "I cannot rest, my lord, when every second brings me nearer home. Are any landmarks familiar along the way?" he asked. "Many; our pilots feel safe, and know every inch of ground. They are at home in these waters." It was late at niglit when the admiral induced Hernando to retire, but at daylight next morn- ing he was again at his post, watching the sharp prow cleave the waters and rejoicing that they were ra'pidly nearing their harbor of safety. The day was cloudy for most of the time and a heavy fog prevailed, which, aided by contrary winds, made the voyage difficult and perilous. "Still at your post," said the admiral, joining Hernando. " Yes, admiral ; I feel that I cannot leave it. 276 COLUMBIA I must be first to see the port as I was last. I left them more than half a year ago standing there, straining their tear-stained eyes to watch my de- parture. Will I find them awaiting my return ? " "I trust you may." " And yet we may never reach Palos, for it seems as if the fiends and furies of the tempest contend with us at our very doors. All may yet be lost." " No; I have provided against that," Columbus answered. "Even though my ship should sink and we all go down with her, I have sent an account of the voyage and my discoveries to the king and queen of Spain, so that they will not be lost." How strange it seems to a student of history that, despite all his precaution to prevent his honors being stolen, Columbus should be robbed of the honor of his glorious discovery by one then practically unknown to the world, and that the land which should have borne his name was to be christened by a stranger. The 15th of March dawned and found every sailor on deck and wide-awake. The enthusiasm and excitement of the return were scarce less than the morning of the first landing in the new world. At sunrise tbey safely landed at the bar of Saltes, and thundering cannon announced their return to the little seaport town. THE RETURN TO PALOS. 277 The NiTia found the wind contrary, yet by skilful management they worked her gradually into port. The triumphant return of Columbus was a pro- digious event in the history of Palos, where every- body was more or less interested in the fate of the expedition. The most important and wealthy sea-captains of the place had engaged in it, and scarcely a family but had some relative or friend among the navigators. The departure of the ships on what appeared to be a chimerical and desperate cruise had spread dismay and gloom over the place; and the storms which had raged through- out the winter had greatly heightened the public despondency. The friends who had departed on the voyage were mourned as lost, imagination lending mysterious horrors to their fate; pictur- ing them as driven about over wild and desert wastes of shoreless water, or perishing amid mountains of stone, whirlpools of treacherous quick-sands, or a prey to those monsters of the deep with which the credulity of the time peopled every distant and unknown sea. Death under any defined or ordinary form did not begin to compare with such an awful fate. Now, what means that thundering gun at sea? and look, a sail approaches. Old sailors, whose weather-beaten eyes had long grown accustomed to scanning the ocean, seized glasses, and swept the waters. 278 COLUMBIA. " It's the iWTta, tlie NiTia ! " cried an old sailor, who had a son on board the vessel. The glad cry was taken up from street to street, and shouts of joy made the welkin ring. The whole com- munity seemed wild. Bells were rung, cannon and arquebus fired, shops closed, all business suspended, and for a time there was nothing but tumult and hurrv. By chance, Granddame Se- nora Doria and Christina were in the village, and hearing the tumult, rushed into the street to inquire the cause. " Joy, joy, joy ! " shouted a pailor hurrying by. " The ship which was lost is returned. One of the long missing Columbus caravels is in port." " Granddame, granddame, he may be aboard," cried the sefiorita, her eyes beaming with mild, inexpressible hope and expectation. After weary months of waiting, they had given up all hope of ever seeing the youth again ; now that one of the ships of the little fleet was returning, and they felt a hope that he might be aboard, it seemed as if they were about to receive a visit from the dead. They went with the multitude down to the quay, to watch the incoming vessel. Standing erect on the cross-piece of the bowsprit, leaning forward, trying to pierce the distance and make out the features of those on shore, was Her- nando Estevan. Could this be tru», was it a real- ity, or only a pleasant dream from which he would STANDING ON THE CROSS-PIECE OF THK HOWSPKIT, LEANING FOliWARD TRYING TO PIERCE THE DISTANCE AND MAKE OUT THE FEATURES OF THOSE ON SHORE, WAS HERNANDO ESTEVAN. THE RETURN TO PALOS. 279 awake? Were they really gliding into the peace- ful harbor of Palos, crowned with glory, or only dreaming? Columbus was also moved by sensa- tions as strange as Hernando. Had he really found a new world, or was it only the fantasy of a diseased brain, brought on by long dwelling on the mysterious subject? Columbus for the first time began to almost doubt his own sanity. Never had his terrible task seemed so difficult and impossible before. He was roused from his strange reverie by hearing a shout : "She's there, she's there ; hurrah, hurrah!" And leaning from the fore-rigging of the ship, Hernando waved his cap in the air, A joyous shout came in response from land, a sweet girlish voice reached his ears, and a bright blue turban, such as was worn by the young An- dalusiau women of the period, was waved in the air, " Tell me, Christina, do you see him ? My eyes are growing dim and I caimot see," said an aged senora at the side of a beautiful senorita. "Behold! some one mounts the fore-rigging; see, he stops, he waves his cap. 'Tis he, 'tis he; 'tis Hernando, and he sees us ! " Then the multitude crowded to the water's edge to get a glimpse of the sailors on deck, and there was a crowding forward of those on deck to see those on shore. They almost pushed Her- 280 COLUMBIA. nando into the water. Friends, wives, parents, and children were waiting' to receive loved ones, and equal anxiety was expressed by all. Every- body was anxious to know the fate of a relative oi a friend, and all eager to learn the full particu- lars of such a wonderful voyage. " Stand back, let me be first to land ! " cried Columbus, intending that the return should be as imposing as the departure had been. But there was one who heard him not. The Nma swept into port, and, with anxious heart beating high, Hernando was ready to leap ashore. Anchor was dropped, boats lowered, and one of the first to enter was Hernando. For once he was deaf to the command of the admiral, and sprang on shore before the boat touched the beach. While the admiral was landing in imposing ceremony, the youth was embracing his grand-dame and Chris- tina. " Have you come, oh, have you come at last ? " the coy little maiden cried, the proud blood leap- ing to her noble brow. The joy of knowing he was safe, of holding his hand once more, seemed too great to be real. When Columbus landed, the multitude thronged to see and welcome him, and a grand procession was formed to the principal church, to return thanks to God for so signal a discovery made by the people of that place, forgetting, in their exul- THE RETURN TO PALOS. 281 tation, the thousand obstacles they had thrown in the way of the enterprise. And Columbus, who a few months before was derided as a beggar, a madman, and an adven- turer, was now hailed with shouts and acclama- tions everywhere he went. Joy and gladness filled the quiet little village to overflowing. Never in the history of the world has Palos known such a day as the 15th of March, 1493, and the hero of the hour was he who not long before had arrived there a poor pedestrian, asking bread and water for his child companion at the gate of a convent. As soon as the ceremonies at the church were over, Columbus asked the alcalde of Palos where the court was. "At Barcelona," was the answer, " I believe I will sail for the city at once." "I pray 3'ou, my lord, go by land; it is surely safer, and, after all you have suffered by an angry sea, I would think you would be unwilling to risk your life on the water until you have im- parted your discoveries to the king and queen." " A sailor's home is on the wave." " Not when his life is of such value to the world as yours. After all the dangers and dis- asters you have experienced on the seas, I trust you will change your resolution and proceed by land." Hernando Estevan joined his entreaties to the 282 COLUMBIA. others, and tbe admiral was persuaded to make the journey bv land. He despatched a letter to tbe king and queen, informing them of his arrival, and made arrangements to depart next day for Seville to await their orders. No sooner were the first emotions of the meet- ing between Hernando, Christina, and the grand- dame over, than the senora asked : " Did you find your father? " " No," he answered, sadly. "Nor learn his fate?" " I learned nothing of him." Then he told how they had found many tribes of strange, wild'peo- ple, but none knew aught of his father. " I fear the ship in which he sailed went down with him." Then the grand-dame became silent, and Chris- tina stole to the side of her foster-brother, coyly entwined an arm about his neck, and whispered : "Don't be downcast, don't be disconsolate. I have lost my parents, but so long as you are with me I will not complain." "Nor will I; we have each other." The right- eous old grand-dame, who had been watching the childi'en, exclaimed : "Heaven has decreed them for each other; God is kind, even when chastening." Id the midst of general rejoicing throughout the village, a sailor went to Columbus and said : " Admiral, behold, another comes. See, the THE RETURN TO PA LOS. 283 Pinta^ commanded by Martin Alonzo Pinzon, is now entering the river,". Columbus left the public-liouse where he was resting and hurried to the quay. " The fellow is right," he said, as his eyes fell on a ship dropping anchor in the harbor. " It is the Pinta which I thought lost, but which basely deserted me." Columbus ordered a boat for the purpose of going to meet Pinzon, but he put ashore further up the bay, and, filled with shame, chagrin, and confusion, hid himself from Colum- bus. After separating from the AYfia, the Pinia was driven before the gale into the Bay of Biscay, and made the port of Bayonne. Having been informed by Miguel Gonzola that he would assassinate Co- lumbus should he survive the storm, and suppos- ing him out of his way, Pinzon wrote from this port to the sovereigns, giving information of the discoveries he had made, requesting permission to come to court and communicate the particulars in person. As soon as the weather had permitted, he again set sail, anticipating a triumphant recep- tion in his native port of Palos. On entering the harbor he beheld the vessel of the admiral riding at anchor, while the very skies, hills, and moun- tains rang with enthusiasm. "Miguel has failed — and — and — I am lost!" gasped Martin Alonzo Pinzon. 284 COLUMBIA. His heart died within him. It is said by some historians that Martin Alonzo Pinzon feared to meet CoJumbus in this hoar of his triumph lest he should put him under arrest for his desertion on the coast of Cuba,' but he was a man of too much resolution and courage to in- dulge tn any such fear. It is more probable that consciousness of his misconduct at having become a pliant tool in the hands of such a villain as Miguel Gonzola made him unwilling to go before the public in the midst of their enthusiasm for Columbus, and he no doubt sickened at the hon- ors heaped on a man whose superiority he had been so unwilling to acknowledge. Therefore he got in his lx)at, was privatelj^ landed, and kept out of sight until he heard oi: the admiral's departure. He then returned to his home, broken in health and deeply dejected, considering all the honors heaped on Columbus as so mam^ reproaches upon himself. He waited long and anxiously for the answer from his sovereigns. When it came it proved to be the last straw to crush his hopes, for it was full of reproaches, and forbade him appear- ing in court. The anguish of his feelings gave virulence to his bodily malady, and in a few days he died, a victim to deep chagrin. Martin Alonzo Pinzon was, perhaps, a better man than he will ever get credit for being. Like many another great man, his ambition proved his THE RETURN TO PA LOS. 285 ruin. In considering him, let us charitably gaze on the picture which represents the Martin Alonzo Pinzon of years before, when life was full of promise, and ambition in her golden car had not swung down the path of time, dragging her own shadow at the wheel. CHAPTER XVir. A LESSON FROM AN EGG. Though urged to remain at Palos, where every honor in the power of the people was tendered him, the admiral was too anxious to present him- self to the sovereigns to protract his stay. He selected to take with him six of the natives brought from the new world, and specimens of the multi- farious products of the newly discovered regions. Early next morning after his arrival Hernando called on the admiral. He came early, and the servant said Columbus was sleeping; so Hernando was about to go away, when the admiral, from his bed-chamber, called him : " Hernando, my lad, don't go." "Are you awake, admiral? " " I awoke just this moment. Come in ; I wish to converse with you." Columbus was still in bed when Hernando en- tered. The youth had grown more diffident, for he realized, since he had been an eye-witness to the honors, the greatness of the man. He stood with his cap in his hand, and his face overwhelmed with confusion. '' To what am I indebted for this early morning A LESSON FROM AN EGG. 287 call ? I know full well you would not have called at this hour but that you had something to com- municate." " I have come to make a request, my lord," an- swered Hernando. "What is it?" " I learned that you will set out to-day for Seville to await the summons to the court of the king and queen at Barcelona." " Such is my intention." " Can I accompany you ? " "Would you leave your friends so soon? " " I do not wish to separate from them, but I — I have been with you through your trials, I should like to be a witness to your crowning triumph." " Your wish shall be granted, and thes.e poor honors which I have won shall be shared with every deserving follower." " Do you start at an early hour? " "We do." He quitted the bed-chamber of the admiral, and went to his grand-dame and Christina to acquaint them with his intention to depart with the admiral and make a few necessary preparations for the journey. Hernando's costume was scarce inferior to the admiral's, and well suited for so grand an occasion. Both were elegantly mounted with silver trappings, and, accompanied by a guard of honor headed by a 288 COLUMBIA. sleek, good-natured monk, mounted on a sleek, fat mule, set out for Seville. The native islanders who accompanied them were arrayed in their simple, barbaric costume, and in passing through towns and villages, were decorated with gaj plumage, collars, bracelets, and other ornaments of gold rudely fashioned ; he also exhibited con- siderable quantities of the same metal in dust or in crude masses, and numerous vegetable exotics possessed of aromatic or medicinal virtues, and several kinds of animals and birds unknown to Europe ; the gaudy plumage of the latter gave a brilliant effect to the pageant. No procession has ever created such intense excitement, News o^ the return of the explorer, and of his journey to k?eville, from thence to Bar- celona, spread like wild-fire, and men quitted their ordinary pursuits and journeyed for miles to see the wonders from another and an unknown world. Women and children, too, hastened to throng the roads, and gaze on the strange people from that far-off land. The admiral's progress through the the country was everywhere impeded by the mul- titude thronging forth to gaze at the extraordi- nary spectacle, and more than extraordinary man, who, in the emphatic language of the time, which from its familiarity has now lost its force, first revealed the existence of a " new world." It was nearly noon before they came in sight of A LESSON FROM AN EOG. 289 the busy and populous city of Seville. All morn- ing the procession had been pushing its way through crowds of enthusiastic people, who thronged even the country roads. " Look, admiral, look ! " cried Hernando, pointing toward the city, where a great concourse of people was assenribled. " What crowds of people, what crowds of people ! " cried the fat, jolly old monk who headed the procession. "My lord admiral, methinks you will find a goodly company to greet you." Amid thundering cheers the procession moved slowly forward to the city gate. As soon as the guard at the towers caught sight of the banners of Columbus, the signal was given, and the cannon from the walls roared, and clouds of smoke rose over the scene. Surely never was such a gala- day known, even in Seville. Slowly the procession moved forward, and re- newed cries of '• Long live Columbus, long live my lord admiral ! " filled the air. " How can we enter the city ? " asked Hernando, as the procession stopped amid the shouts and cries of the busy populace. "We must wait until they have in a measure recovered from their excitement." The sleek monk, on his sleek mule, seemed com- plete master of the situation. He pressed forward i n the throng, and pushing aside a halberdier, cried : 19 290 COLUMBIA. " In Heaven's name, sir, do you mean to keep the admiral without the gate all day? Give way, give way — unless you idiots are made of stone. Santa Maria ! 3'ou labberly, overgrown swine, are you going to stand in the way until the crack o' doom? Can't you move? Hold that fractions horse, sir knight — in God's name I pray you to hold your horse, unless you would trample down the admiral and his followers." The monk carried a stout staff in his hand, and losing his temper, he began lajnng about him until he had cleared a jDassage to the gate, and the admiral and his followers and attendants passed through beneath the portals. Inside the city the crush and excitement was even greater. " Heavens, what crowds of people ! " cried the monk. As they passed down the street, every window, balcony, and housetop was crowded with specta- tors eager to catch a glimpse of the great man. " Look at the Indians," cried Hernando. " See how excited and astounded they are. This to them is a new scene, and they are dumb with amazement," The poor creatures were bewildered and lost in wonder. The waving banners, prancing steeds, blasts of trumpets, strains of music, thunder of cannon, and hordes of gaily costumed men, A LESSON FROM AN EGO. 291 women, and children, were too splendid and grand for their simple minds to comprehend. They almost believed they were in heaven, where death never comes, A house was set apart for Colnmbns and his attendants. Wherever the admiral went the youth accompanied him, and was frequently mis- taken for his son Diego, a page in the royal house- hold. " How long will you lialt in Seville ? " Hernando asked the admiral. " Until I hear from the sovereigns, and arrange- ments can be made for pressing ou in our journey." The sun was dipping behind the western moun- tains four or five days after the arrival of Colum- bus in Seville, when a courier from the royal court arrived on a powerful black steed, with foam-whitened flanks, "Whom do you want?" demanded the guard at tbe door. " I would see the lord admiral, Christopher Columbus." " Do you come from our good king and queen ? " asked the guard. " I do." Columbus was informed of the arrival of the courier and sent for him at once. He received the communication with joy, for it was all he could 292 COLUMBIA. desire. The king and queen expressed their de- light, and requested him to repair at once to the court to concert plans for a second and more ex- tensive expedition. As the summer, the time favorable for a voyage, was approaching, thej desired liim to make arrangements at Seville or elsewhere, such as might liastea the vo^'age with as little delay as possible, and to inform them by return courier what was to be done on their part The letter was addressed to him by the title of "Don Christopher Columbus, an admiral of the ocean, sea, and viceroy and governor-general of the islands discovered in the Indies," and at the conclusion promised bim still greater rewards. No one but Hernando was in the room when the admiral read the letter. Having finished it, he folded the document and sat for a long time gazing at the superscription. Not a word escaped his lips, but his eyes grew dimmer and dimmer until the tears of joy which had been slowly rising from the well-springs of the heart, overflowed and trickled slowly down his cheeks, dropping on the royal missive. Not understanding the strange emotions which stirred the soul of the great man, Hernando sprang to his side and cried : " What has gone amiss, admiral ; have our sovereigns denounced you? " " No, no, brave youth ; these are tears of joy." A LESSON FROM AN EOG. 293 Pointing at the superscription, he added: "There is the title for which I have struggled and prayed. Here it is, acknowledged by the sovereigns them- selves. I have waited and labored for a long, anxious period for it, and now that I have won it, oh, what an empty bauble it is ! " "Your work is not yet done, admiral.'' " No." " There is still a glorious work for you. Re- member kumanity " " Aye, and God. The Holy Sepulchre is in the possession of the unbeliever. I shall now be able to raise a sufficient army and go to the rescue of Palestine." Columbus lost no time in complying with the commands of the sovereigns. He sent a memo- randum of the ships, men, and munitions of war requisite, and, having made such disposition at Seville as circumstances permitted, set out for Barcelona, taking with him the six Indians and the various curiosities and productions brought from the new world. By this time the fame of his wonderful dis- covery had resounded throughout the nation. Many still doubted it, while the more credulous not only believed it, but also believed much stranger and wilder stories. Imagination took its wildest flight in enlarging on the wonderful countries which had been discovered. The news 294 COLUMBIA. that the procession was to pass at a certain place was sufficient to insure a vast crowd. The people lined the country roads and thronged villages, so much so that, good-natured as he usually was, the monk almost lost his temper. The streets, windows, and balconies of tlie towns were filled witli eager spectators, who rent the air with their acclamations. His journey was continually impeded by the multitude pressing to gain a sight of Columbus and of the Indians, who were regarded with as much astonishment as if tbey had been natives of another planet. Their progress was impeded to such an extent that it was the middle of April before Columbus arrived at Barcelona. Every preparation had been made to give the admiral and his faithful followers a solemn and magnificent reception. The beauty and serenity of the weather in that genial season and favored clime contributed to give splendor to this memo- rable ceremon}^ As he drew near, many of the youthful courtiers and hidalgos, together with a vast concourse of the populace, came forth to meet and welcome him. The entrance of Columbus into the noble city of Barcelona was equal to one of the triumphs which the Romaics were accus- tomed to decree to conquerors. Columbus arranged his procession with con- summate skill to make it show off to the best ad- I A LESSON FROM AN EGG. 295 vantage. The six Indians, painted according to their wild, savage fashion, and decorated witli their national ornaments of gold, followed the sleek little monk, who, mounted on his sleek little mule, led the way. After these were some of the various kinds of live parrots, together with stuffed birds and animals of unknown species, and rare plants supposed to be of precious qualities ; while great care was taken to display the Indian coro- nets, bracelets, and other decorations of gold that a favorable impression of the richness of the newly discovered regions might be formed. After this procession followed Columbus, mounted on a richly caparisoned horse, and at his side, mounted on a beautiful spotted Andalu- sian pony, was Hernando, as gorgeously dressed as a young prince, both surrounded by a brilliant cavalcade of chivalry. " Behold, my lord, how tbe streets are crowded," cried the boy. "The countless multitude make them almost impassable." " Our friend the monk will force a passage," the admiral answered, with a smile. " The windows and balconies are crowded witb wom.en and children, and the very roofs are cov- ered with spectators," the youth said. Barcelona was never so thronged, before nor since. It seemed as if the public eye could not be sated with gazing on these trophies of an un- 296 COLUMBIA. known world ; on the remarkable man bj whom it was discovered. There was a sublimity in this event that mingled a solemn feeling with the pub- lic joy. It was looked upon as a vast and signal dispensation of Providence, in reward for the piety of the monarchs. And the majestic and venerable appearance of the discoverer, in contra- distinction to the general idea of the young and reckless rover which had been formed of him, seemed in harmony with the grandeur and dignity of his achievements. "Who is the youth at his side? Is it his son ? " was asked by many. " Hernando Estevan, a youth who has been with him through all his tribulations." An armed, plumed, and helmeted knight heard this and bit his lip with vexation. Turning his horse about. Sir Grarcia gave utterance to a curse, not loud, but deep, at his ill-fortune. He knew not how Miguel had failed him, but determined if the rascal lived to punish him. Miguel was beyond reach of his punishment. In order that the reception might be witnessed by the public, and at the same time be with suit- able pomp and distinction, the sovereigns ordered their throne to be placed in public under a rich canopy of brocade and gold, in a vast and splen- did saloon. Here king and queen, seated in state, with Prince Juan beside them, and many digni- A LESSON FROM AN EGG. 297 taries gathered about, awaited the arrival of him who at this time was the greatest man in Spain. This is saying much, for in addition to the sover- eigns, the principal nobility of Castile, Valentia, Catalonia, and Arragon were present, all impa- tience to behold the discoverer. Columbus and Hernando entered the spacious hall, surrounded by a brilliant crowd of cavaliers. The admiral was conspicuous for his stately and commanding person, which, with his countenance rendered venerable by his white hair, gave him the august appearance of a Eoman senator. He was greeted with applause, and a modest smile lighted up his features, showing that he enjoyed the state and glory in which he came. What could be more deeply moving to a mind inflamed by noble ambition, and conscious of having greatly deserved, than these testimonials of admiration and gratitude of a nation, or rather of a world, for the whole civilized world was at this moment turning its eyes upon the humble Genoese sailor? As Columbus approached the sovereigns, Her- nando halted, for the admiral was about to take his place among those too grand and august for him. At his approach the sovereigns rose as if receiving a person of the highest rank. Kneeling before them upon the rich vermilion carpet, he offered to kiss their hands, but there was some hesitation on their part about permitting such an 298 COLUMBIA. act of homage. Taking his hand in her own, Queen Isabella raised him to his feet, and in a most gracious manner said : " Pray, be seated, admiral, and narrate to us an account of the striking events of jour wonderful voyage and discoveries, and give us a description of the islands you have discovered." To sit in the presence of the sovereigns was a rare honor in this proud and punctilious court. In a calm, collected manner he proceeded to give a brief account of his wonderful discoveries, dis- playing specimens of unknown birds and animals, rare plants of medicinal and aromatic virtues ; of gold in dust, in crude masses, or labored in bar- baric ornaments, and, above all, the native wild people, who were objects of intense and inex- haustible interest. The queen was delighted. She took some of the smaller birds and animals in her hands, fondled them, and gave them to her page to care for. She conversed with the young Indian woman, who bad learned a little Spanish and was delighted with all she saw and heard. Columbus, after pointing out all he had brought with him, said : " These are but the harbingers of greater dis- coveries yet to be made, which will add realms of incalculable wealth to the dominions of your majesties, and whole nations of proselytes to the true faith." A LESSON FROM AN' EGO. 299 When he had finished, the sovereigns fell on their knees, all present following their example, and raised their clasped hands to Heaven, their eyes filled with tears, as they poured forth thanks and praises to God for so great a providence. A deep and solemn enthusiasm pervaded that splen- did assembly, and prevented all common acclama- tions of triumph. When Columbus retired from the royal presence, a shout went up from the mul- titude. Alone with Hernando, he broke down and wept for joy. "I shall this day make a vow," he declared. " Great wealth must soon accrue to me, and I shall give it all to my heavenly Master; within seven years I will furnish an army, consisting of four thousand horse and fifty thousand foot, for the rescue of the Holy Sepulchre, and a similar force within five years following." One pair of jealous, envious eyes watched Columbus, and keenly felt a pang at every sound of his praise. It was the guilty Sir Garcia. He felt that the triumph of Columbus in some way endangered his own prosperity ; and had Miguel lived, or could he have found another equally as faithful, no doubt the admiral would have been assassinated. Among the notables frequently with the great discoverer and Hernando was Pedro Gonzalez de Mendoza, the grand cardinal of Spain and first 800 COLUMBIA. subject of the realm ; a man whose elevated char- acter for piety, learning, and liigh, prince-like qualities gave signal value to his favors. Sir Garcia Estevan, the scheming knight, had man- aged, by his subtleness, to ingratiate himself into the good graces of the cardinal. Pedro Gonzalez de Mendoza invited Columbus and his youthful companion, from whom he was almost inseparable, to a banquet, where he assigned to the admiral the most honorable place at the table, and had him served with the ceremonials which in those punctilious times were observed toward sover- eigns. That shallow courtier, Sir Garcia, was present, and, impatient of the honors paid Columbus, whom he hated because of his attachment to the son of his wronged brother, and meanly jealous of him as a foreigner, during the banquet asked : " My lord admiral, don't you think, in case you had not discovered the Indies, there are other men in Spain who would have been capable of the en- terprise ? " Columbus was usually cool and good-natured, but his brow lowered a little at this insulting query, and taking an egg, he handed it to Sir Garcia, saying : " Sir knight, can you make that egg stand on end ? " Wondering what that could have to do with A LESSON FROM AN EGO. 301 answering his question, Sir Garcia took the egg, tried to stand it on end, but failed. Then each and every one at the table, in turns, tried to stand the egg on end, but all failed. When all had given it up, Columbus took the egg, struck the small end upon the table so as to slightly break and flatten it, and left it standing on end. "There, sir knight," he said, with a triumphant smile, "you can do it now ; and when I have once shown the way to tbe new world, nothing is easier than to follow it." CHAPTER XVIII. FATHER AND SON. During his sojourn at Barcelona, the sovereigns took every occasion to bestow on Columbus per- sonal marks of their consideration. He was ad- mitted at all times to the royal presence, and the queen delighted to converse with him on the subject of his enterprises. Occasionally the king appeared on horseback with Columbus riding on one side and Prince Juan on the other. To per- petuate in his family the glorj^ of his achievement, a coat of arms was assigned him, in which the royal arms, the castle and lion, were quartered with his proper bearings, which were a group of islands surrounded by waves. To these arms were afterward annexed the motto: " A Castilla y a Leon, Nuevo mundo dio Colon." * One day, when the admiral was riding with the king, Ferdinand asked : " Who is that youth, admiral, to whom you are so fondly attached ? " " His name is Hernando Estevan, a son of Rod- • ^ * " To Castile and Leon Columbus gave a new world." FATHER AND SON. 303 erigo Estevan, whom your highness may re- member." " I do ; he was the elder brother of Sir Garcia and formerly an heir to the estates since confis- cated, but there were some charges of treason against him." " Made by Abdallah Ahmed, the Moor, and sub- stantiated by his own brother, were they not, your highness ? " " You are right, admiral." " Those charges were false, though in the civil wars he was true to the house of Castile, while his brother championed the cause of Arragon. I do not censure your highness, but I believe you were wrongly informed." "What became of Roderigo?" "His fate is unknown. He took passage in a ship and sailed westward, and his vessel was never heard from. His son maintains that his father lives in slavery, and hoped to find him among the strange people on the islands we discovered. I believe, however, that, if he lives at all, he is a slave in some far-off Moorish or Arabian prov- ince." " What grounds have you for such belief? " " The reasons for it I have kept from the son, as they might lead to an expedition that, would end in his death. On various occasions strange hints have been dropped, both by the Moor and 304 COLUMBIA. Sir Garcia, wliicli lead me to such a belief. I do not recall the words, but putting this and that together, I feel that I have as strong reasons for this conclusion as I did in the existence of the antipodes." After a moment's reflection, the king said : " A sailor just returned from Moorish captivity has narrated to one of my courtiers a most re- markable storv." "Have you heard his story? " " Not from his own lips, but from the knight to whom it was told, and such an impression did it make, that I intend sending for him and hear that tale of woe o'er again." " I trust your highness will, and that I may be also a listener." Consequently, arrangements were made for the next day that the king and admiral might, from the prisoner's own lips, hear the story of his cap- tivity and bondage. Columbus was at hand ready to hear the recital, and had not been long with the monarch in the royal chamber when an old man, with long, snow-white hair, beard, and bent form, appeared before them. His pale, wrinkled face seemed to have the dew of death and dungeon's mould upon it, and spoke volumes of suffering. He tottered forward, leaning heavily on his staff as he approached the royal presence. The king having great compassion for age and weakness, FATHER AND SON 305 bade bim be seated, and urged him to tell his own sad story. Being thus abjured bj his monarch, the sufferer said : "My liege, this hair is white, but not with years nor sickness ; this form is bowed, these limbs bent, not with honest toil, but cramped and crooked in a dungeon foul. How long did I lay in that dungeon, my liege? I know not. It was years, many, oh! so many; but how many I have no means of knowing. Day and night were one and the same — the blessed Sabbath was unknown, and went to make up only the accursed hours of agony and suffering. " I was a simple sailor, who loved my ocean home and the sovereign under whose flag I sailed next to the God I worshipped. One day we were a few leagues off the Canaries, when, in the gray of morn- ing, we were surprised by a Moorish rover, who gave us chase. We crowded as much canvas as our yards could spread, as our masts carry, to get clear, but the pursuer rapidly overhauled us, and though we fought, were carried by the board, and, after losing two men killed and five wounded, were made captives and carried to a Moorish port. Whilst there, my liege, these eyes beheld much misery, and these ears grew accustomed to groans ' of agony and death ; but one man shall I always remember so long as my faculties remain. No braver, nobler, truer chevalier ever couched a lance 20 306 COL UMBIA. in Spain. He was tall, young, and handsome when first brought, but oh, how soon lie changed ! The bloom faded from his cheek, and his hair, as you see mine, became threads of streaming snow. Thej chained him to a column of stone where he could not move a single pace, and with the pale light of the dungeon falling upon him, he withered and grew old. Fettered hand and foot, he pined away, listening to the hollow groans of his fellow- prisoners near enough to be heard, but like himself chained to pillars of stone and unable to move a single pace. I was near, and often did I hear him cry out : " 'Oh ! my wnfe and child ! Would not I give each aching member of this racked, tortured body to know they were free from the persecutions of my wicked brother ? " " Whom meant he by wicked brother? " asked the king. "I know not, my liege. He never spoke his name, but once did make mention that he conspired with another to poison the mind of the monarch against him so that he was forced to fly. When he was most despondent and did loudest bewail his wretched fate, I sought to cheer him with words from where I sat, or even venture a song, but my own voice sounded so like a hollow mock- ery that I at last desisted. One by one our fellow-companions perished and were borne away, - FATHER AND SON. 307 until we alone remained. How we did it, I know not, but Heaven came at last to aid us, and tlie very iron bands which encircled us became rusted, brittle, and rotten, and one awful night we broke from our dungeon and fled to the hills and moun- tains. Manv weary days did we wander, pursued by men and beasts, going we knew not whither. Eeason totters at the recollection, and I hesitate, my liege, to speak of our sufferings and dangers, lest you grow incredulous and fail to believe my story. One day we were sorely pressed by our pursuers, my companion was wounded by an arrow, and, unable to travel farther, I left him in the hut of a kind Andalusian mountain shepherd, on the frontier, who promised to take care of him. I wept as a child at bidding him farewell, perhaps forever, and after weeks of weary flight, broken down in mind and body, I was picked up by some knights and brought thither. This, my liege, is my story." " Do you know your companion's name ? '' "I do, my liege, but at his request I have told it to none ; yet, if your highness demands it " " His life may depend on the revelation. What is his name? " '' Eoderigo Estevan ! " The admiral started from his seat with a glad cry, and the king was in ecstacies at the denoue- ment of the storv. The admiral afterward de- 808 GOL UMBIA. clared that the jov of his own triumphs was ex- celled by the hope of at last finding Hernando's father. The sailor thought he could go to the hut where he had left the wounded man, and the king and admiral speedily and secretly fitted out an expedition, to be led by a chevalier named Carpio, to go in quest of the wounded man. "T would like to lead the expedition," said Columbus. " I love this youth, and it is my duty to find his father " "We cannot think o£ it, admiral," Ferdinand interposed. "You are too valuable to the world to risk your life among the brigands of the frontier. Should you perish there will be no one to point out the pathway to these newly acquired dominions, and all may yet be lost. ISTo, no, no ! Chevalier Carpio has long been accustomed to such work, and his familiarity with the frontier makes suc- cess almost assured. We can trust him to go, and you must stay." When Hernando was informed that his father was alive, among the mountains, his joy was boundless. So earnest were his entreaties that he was permitted to accompany the expedition, which was kept a profound secret, for the king and Columbus both doabted Sir Garcia. The admiral thought he could even trace much of his own failure and delay to the unworthy knight. The expedition headed by Chevalier Carpio and FATHER AND SON. 309 Hernando set out at midnight, and ere dawn of day was fully five leagues and a half from Barcelona. The chevalier was as gallant a knight as ever wore the golden spurs, or led a score of battle- scarred veterans. He was as kind-hearted as he was brave, and his soul was roused within him at the story of the wrongs of Eoderigo Estevan, so that he swore by the mass to rescue him if alive and avenge him if dead. Hernando rode at his side, and as the chevalier heard his sad story from his own lips, he grew to love him as a brother. " Yours has been a sad and stormy life," said the chevalier, " but we believe that the worst is over, and you are soon to realize your fondest hopes, the rescue of your father," " Heaven grant I may ; but I did not dream he was among the Moors. I all along thought he was a slave to some wild tribe across the ocean." " The words of the Moor Abdallah should have aroused your suspicion." " I thought them but an idle boast, only uttered to throw me off the course I was following." " Abdallah has been a curse to your family." " Should we meet my evil genius, I pray you to spare him to my vengeance." With a smile the chevalier answered : " Surely, young as you are, you would not dare cross blades with the war-hardened Moor." " He has an ear less from having met me in 810 COLUMBIA. combat, sir chevalier, and should we meet again my experience and skill will be more than a match for his strength and size." All night long the white-haired sailor led them southward, and when morning dawned they were at a little hamlet at the foot of the mountains. The people were a mongrel class of Andalusians, Moors, Ethiopians, and Arabs, who were not a little alarmed at seeing a body of armed horse- men enter their village. No doubt the villagers were in league with the mountain robbers who infested the frontier. Dismounting at the public- house, Carpio ordered food for his men and horses. " We will rest here for three or four hours," he said to the impatient son, who was all anxiety to press on up the mountains, without a halt, until he had found his wounded father. During the pause the proprietor of the public- house made himself acquainted with the cheva- lier, and plied him with questions, which Carpio so skillfully parried as to leave him no wiser than before. " The sovereigns of Spain promised not to cross the frontier without permission from the Moorish king," the Andalusian finally said. " We break no treaty," answered the shrewd Carpio. '' Are you searching for brigands ? " " Do you know if there are brigands in the FATHER AND SON. 311 mountains ? " the chevalier evasively asked. There was nothing to be gained by questioning him, and very much might be lost, so the Andalusian abandoned his plan of asking questions, and grew sullen and morose. He retired to where a small party of his fellows were assembled, and they con- versed in suspicious w^hispers, which portended no good to our adventurers. There is no season more delightful than an An- dalusian May, the time of the expedition. Our party, taking leave of the hamlet, advanced into a region favored by the Most Holy Virgin, of which they were on the southern extreme. They were in the loveliest atmosphere in the world, while there rose on every side vast ranges of serrated, ruddy-peaked mountains, within which were in- terleaved the most delightful valleys. A wild, ever-changing panorama of beauty opened up before them — mountains tipped with gold and bordered with emerald, streams of crystal and vermilion, valleys dotted with flowers of every hue pleasing to the eye ; birds by day and insects by night made a constant round of melody. Few men were to be seen, but occasionally they caught a glimpse of a strange, dark-visaged An- dalusian or Moor lurking in the wood. The sound of clanking arras sometimes brought forth from the mountain cottage a female, who shaded her eyes with her hand while she gazed on the 312 COLUMBIA. glittering helmets and burnished lances of the cavaliers. In places the mountain path became so steep thej were forced to lead their horses up or down the descent; or, again, following some winding path that led along a narrow ledge on the moun- tain side at a dizzy height, where a single misstep would hurl them to certain destruction, hundreds of feet below. Thus the frontier was reached, and their guide, who had silently led the expedition, informed them that they were within a league of the mountain cottage where he Imd left the wounded fugitive. The sun had passed the meridian, but it was thought that they could reach the mountain cottage before night. Hernando's heart beat high with hope. Was he ere the setting of another sun to meet that father whom he had so longed to see? A¥as the poor victim of many wrongs, groaning under the captivity of years, to be restored to liberty and friends? But there has been a miscalculation, for nothing is more deceitful than distances in a mountain country. In silence they journey on, the hours glide by, and yet the cottage is not reached. Is the guide at fault ; has he mis- taken his way? After all, is Hernando never to gaze again on that loved face which he re- members as beaming with kindness on him in his infancy ? FATHER AND SON. 313 Sunset ill Andalusia ! A grim, gray waste, bordered by an unending chain of mountains, looking vaster and drearier under the fast falling shadows of night; a red glow far to the west falls luridly across the darkening sky and ghostly mountain peaks; a dead, grim solitude, an im- mense, crushing loneliness pervades the region where life, save in gorgeous vegetable form, seem not to exist; the world seems young as if just turned from the hands of the Creator. Like a slender thread of silver the young moon hangs in the ethereal vault, and the pale, lambent glow of the evening star shoots athwart the path of the departing day. Dimly outlined at the base against the darkening sky, but with clear-cut peak, rises a huge mountain before the little band. The guide, with snow-white hair and form bent from chains, points up the mountain side, and whispers : " 'Tis there ! " But hark! A sound like the martial tread of armies falls on their ears, the clank of arms, and a moment later three score dark-skinned bri- gands ride out of the mountain pass. They are Moorish bandits, and the dim, uncertain light re- veals foe to foe. They are directly in the path- way to the cottage where lies the wounded man, and but one result could follow such a discov- ery. 314 COLUMBIA. With visors down and lances couched, the Spaniards, though inferior in numbers, charged recklessly on the Moors, who were still pouring in from the pass. There was a prolonged crash, like a succession of thunderbolts ; lances flew into splinters, and men and steeds rolled quivering in the dust. The first onset was but the beginning of carnage — swords flashed in the twilight and arrows hummed through the air. There was no time to use the matchlock, and but little to fit the feathered points of the darts to the bowstring. The sober gray of twilight gave place to a darker hue, and the conflict still raged, although the faces of the combatants were hardly discernible. But the sharp eyes of hate were quick to pierce the deepening gloom. At the first onset Hernando received a frightful blow, which loosened his casque, and sent it rolling upon the ground. He was stunned by the shock, and his horse thrown back upon its haunches, but the rider still retained his seat. " Hernando Estevan, Christian dog, I know vou ! " cried a voice which the youth recos^nized. Then Abdallah the Moor, his hereditary' enemy, charged him with drawn cimeter. The lad's trusty blade was in his hand, and he parried the stroke aimed at his head; and his horse regain- ing its feet, Hernando pressed his antagonist with ■ blows and thrusts which required all the Moor's FATHER AND SON. 315 skill to parry. Some on foot and some on horse- back, friend and foe mingled in one revolving mass, diflficult to tell which from which. A lance pierced the Moor's horse and the animal fell ; in a moment the youth was over his fallen enemy, and as Abdallah Ahmed rolled from his steed Hernando leaned forward in his saddle, and with a quick thrust sent his long, keen blade into the Moor's breast. Up, up, up, almost to the hilt, the blade disappeared beneath the joints of armor, and with a gasping sob the Moor fell by the side of his wounded horse, never to rise again. Hernando had avenged his father. The Moors, though numbering three to one, were taken at a disadvantage, and after a short, stubborn resistance retreated back through the pass, leaving four of their number slain and two wounded in the hands of the Christians. 'From one of the captives they learned that Abdallah Ahmed, having gained information that day that an escaped prisoner was hiding at the cottage of a shepherd, was on his way to slay the fugi- tive, when he met the Spanish cavalcade in the pass. " Let us hasten to the cottage," cried the anxious son, and as soon as the wounded could be taken care of, they followed the white-haired guide up the mountain path to a small hut. The simple-minded but honest-hearted shepherd 816 COLUMBIA. met them at the door. He had heard the sounds of conflict in the valley below, and, being a timid man, trembled as he asked : "In God's name, men, what was the noise in the valley ? Methought all the armies of the earth were battling." "All is over, and you are in no danger, senor," Carpio answered. " Is the fugitive who escaped the Moorish prison and was wounded, here? " For a moment the mountaineer hesitated, and then said : "I cannot speak a lie, senor; he is here, but 1 trust you will do him no harm." "We are his friends, come to save him." They were then admitted to the cottage, where Hernando saw a tall, grave man, with a broad, high forehead, a deep, black eye, and hair of snow, sitting on a chair, his wounded leg on a stool. One glance at the fine, noble face, and de- spite the changed, wasted features, he recognized his father. The youth had a dim recollection of that face, and, staggering forward, he cried : " Father ! " Then he fell on the neck of his astounded parent, and when Roderigo Estevan learned it was his own son who had led the rescuing party he exclaimed : " My noble son, you have fully repaid me for my years of suffering." THE Y(JUTH HAD A DIM HhX^OLLECTlON OF THAT FACE, AND, STAGGEKING FORWARD, HE CRIED, "FATHER!" » FATHER AND SON. 317 They returned to Barcelona. The king granted a general ])ardon to Koderigo, and, having ample proof of the duplicity of Sir Garcia, ordered the false knight to be arrested and thrown in prison, which order was promptly obeyed. CHAPTER XIX. EMIGRATION. The higher a man rises in social and political power the greater will be his fall, should he fall, and to a man with a vaulting ambition and haughty pride, such as Sir Garcia Estevan pos- sessed, the fall is crushing. From the moment the herald announced the return of Christopher Co- lumbus, he felt that his evil star had risen, and his good fortune was forever gone. So cunningly had his manipulations with Miguel been planned, that he felt secure from direct charge of assassina- tion, perhaps from discovery. His hired assassin had been slain without breathing a word of the dark secret, and not dreaming that his brother lived, he felt himself tolerably secure. His brother's sudden return to life was a shock from which he never fully recovered. The story of his wrongs had not time to go the rounds, and touch the hearts of people, before the knight was arrested and thrown in prison. "Of what am I charged? " he asked the officer executing the king's warrant. " Of conspiracy." " Against whom ? " EMIGRATION . 319 " A subject of the realm." "Who? What is his name?" "Sir Roderigo Estevan." "I am undone," the prisoner groaned on being locked up in his cell. " I hate Roderigo with all the hatred of a devil, and the only consolation I have is the knowledge that I have blasted his hap- piness forever. Ttore him from his wife and child, sending her to an early grave, and he to a Moorish prison. Could I have completed all by slaying the boy, I could bear my own humiliation." On learning of Sir Garcia's arrest and impris- onment, Roderigo hastened to the monarch and plead for a royal pardon for his brother. The king listened with an attentive eai-, and when he had ended, said : " I cannot but admire your forgiving spirit, but out of public necessity I must refuse your prayer. Justice must be done though the heavens fall, and justice demands that a crime against a subject, as well as against the crown, must not .go unpun- ished." All entreaty was in vain. Next day Roderigo called on his brother Garcia, who.met him with a cold, sardonic smile on his pale, yet handsome face. He was scrupulously neat in his attire, cool and cynical as usual. He had not much to say to his brother, and there was no sign of penitence in his manner. Roderigo said : 320 - COLUMBIA. " I know what a prison's life is, mj brother, and will do all in my power to liberate you." Sir Garcia smiled, rubbed his hands together, and, with a mocking sneer, thanked him. " Has the king said aught of a pardon? " he asked. "No, and I regret to say I can give you no hope, brother." The interview ended, and when Koderigo left his brother's cell. Sir Garcia bade him adieu with that same cold, cynical smile on his handsome face. It was a final adieu, for next morning the jailor found Sir Garcia hanging by his neck from a beam in his cell. With a piece of cord, which he had in some unaccountable way obtained, he had committed suicide. On his handsome feat- ures that same cold, cynical smile so characteris- tic of the man, was frozen even in death. Shortly after the burial of Sir Garcia, the king- sent for Roderigo, and, accompanied by his son, he hastened to his royal presence. The king greeted both with a smile and said : " Senor Estevan, I wish in part, at least, to make amends for some of the great wrongs you have suffered at my hands." , " My liege, I make no complaint," Roderigo an- swered. " True, and the fact that you have made none makes me more keenly feel the wrong I have done EMIGRATION. 321 you. I want to make amends. How can I in any way right the wrong? No one save a con- scientious monarch knows the trials to which he who wears the crown is subjected. We cannot see all things ; we cannot give every matter a per- sonal investigation, and, as was true in your case, we are frequently misinformed by designing per- sons. When we have made a mistake we are anxious to make amends, and if you will tell me how I can in any part remedy the wrongs you have suffered, I shall be happier for the sugges- tion." For a few moments the noble Spaniard was silent, and then in his calm, clear, solemn voice, answered : " Bj never mentioning the matter in which my unhappy brother was engaged." " Can I by restoring your ancient estate, or giv- ing you a title — ? " " My liege, those confiscated estates are held by innocent purchasers, and to right me would be to rob them. Two wrongs do not make a right, and titles and honors not won are but empty baubles." " Spoken like a philosopher," cried the delight- ed king. " But surely you will let me do some- thing to aid you. What are your intentions for the future ? " " My plans are not yet formed, but my son, who displays wisdom and courage far beyond his years, 322 COLUMBIA. has a plan which to me seems reasonable, and I have consented to it with your highness's per- mission." "What is it?" " Yon have vast possessions beyond the sea. A new world has been opened up to civilized man, and with your grace's permission we will go there and begin life anew." After a brief silence the king with a sigh answered : " Perhaps 'tis best. In a new country there are many possibilities, and to the vigorous and brave the new world offers great inducements." " We have considered everything, my liege, and decided to go." " Then I will issue a commission to you, with a patent and grant to all the land you may require, and you may locate it anywhere in our newly acquired possessions." Estevan thanked his sovereign, and assured him that the land-grant would be worth much more than an impoverished estate or an empty title. They had a long interview with Christopher Co- lumbus, agreeing to become members of the emi- grant party, which was to leave Spain for the new world, and then set out for Seville, thence to Palos. A messenger had been sent in advance to notify the good grand-dame of the return of Her- nando's father. EMIGRATION. 323 Christina was as eager to see the lately released captive as if he had been her own father. Was he not already like a father? And when she be- held the face so deeply furrowed with grief and bleached with imprisonment, she fell on his neck and wept for joy that he was restored to his friends. Once more Hernando and Christina roam hand in hand by the seashore. Having overcome her coyness, she is never more happy than when at his side. Again their voices are heard prattling among the dear old hills, and they sit and listen to the dashing surf on the seashore. The waves laugh and bubble with joy. Their crested foam tells no tale of captivity, slavery and chains. The birds join in their music from the groves behind them and give their aid to the laughing sea to make up one grand round of merriment. In the fulness of her joy Christina says : " We have every cause to be happy. Our troubles have rolled away like a storm-cloud leav- ing the sun brighter than before, and the future bids fair to be a long summer day of quiet joy." After a moment's silence, Hernando said : " Christina, we have decided to go to the new world." "Who?" " Father and I." " Will you leave me so soon ? " 824 COLUMBIA. "No, we will take you and the good grand- dame Senora Doria with us, and there in that strange, new, bright world we will build us a home that in magnificence will excel a king's pal- ace. The king has issued a patent and grant to us, and the future seems bright with hope." Somehow the human mind is so constituted that a change of life or of scenery is always ac- ceptable, especially to the young. The poor or oppressed welcome the thought of pushing out into a new country, and building up a home for themselves. Across the western ocean to the country which from the very first was looked upon as the land of the free and the oppressed, the eyes of all Europe began to look with hope. Christina and Hernando then repaired to the little cottage, where the graud-dame was informed, and all the little household assembled together to rejoice. They went to the little monastery next day where all confessed themselves, had mass, and then father and son set out on their return to Barcelona, where Columbus still tarried, pending preparations for a more extensive visit to the new world. Some complications had arisen between Spain and Portugal requiring the wisest statesmanship and nicest diplomacy to prevent serious trouble. But in the end all was adjusted satisfactorily, and preparations for the second voyage resumed. EMIORA TION. 325 Pinelo, who acted as cashier to provide for the expenses of the expedition, had two-thirds of the church tithes placed at his disposition ; while other funds were drawn from the jewels and other valuables, the sequestrated property of the unfor- tunate Jews banished from the kingdom according to a bigoted edict of the preceding year. As these resources were still inadequate, Pinelo was author- ized to supply the deficiency by a loan. Requisi- tions were likewise made for provisions of all kinds, as well as for artillery, powder, muskets, lances, horses, corselets, and cross-bows. Not- withstanding the introduction of fire-arms, the cross-bow was still preferred by many to the arquebus, or match-lock ; not so much on account of its being more destructive and effective, as on account of the unwieldiness of the arquebus, which had to be rested on an iron rack and fired with a slow-match. The flint-lock which followed the match-lock, had not yet come in use. The military stores which had accumulated during the war with the Moors of Granada furnished a great part of these supplies. Almost all the preceding orders had been issued by the 23d of May, 1493, while Columbus was yet at Barcelona, and rarely has there been witnessed such a scene of activity in the dilatory offices of Spain. Roderigo Estevan was still lame from the arrow wound received at the time of his escape, and had 826 COLUMBIA. to walk by means of a staff. He was recuperat- ing rapidly, and by the time he and his son re- turned to Barcelona was restored to something approximating his former self. Going to the admiral lie told him his intention to emigrate to the new world. The conversion of the lieathen being professedly the grand object of these discoveries, twelve zeal- ous and able ecclesiastics were chosen for tliat purpose to accompany the expedition ; among them was Bernardo Buyl or Boyle, a Benedictine monk of talent and reputed sanctity, but at the same time one of the subtlest politicians of the cloister, in a day when the state was almost wholly controlled by the clergy. Before the sailing of the fleet he was appointed by the Pope his apos- tolic vicar for the new world, and placed as superior over his ecclesiastical brethren. By way of offering Heaven the first fruits of these pagan nations, the six Indians whom Co- lumbus had brought to Barcelona were baptized with great state and ceremony, the king and queen and prince Juan officiating as sponsors. Great hopes were entertained that, on their return to their native country, they would facilitate the introduction of Christianity among their country- men. Before the departure of Columbus from Barce- lona, the provisional agreement made at Santa Fe EMIGRATION. 327 was confirmed, granting him titles, emoluments, and prerogatives of Admiral, Viceroy, and Gov- ernor of all the countries he had discovered or might discover. He was also entrusted with the royal seal, with authority to use the names of their majesties in granting letters-patent and com- missions within the bounds of his jurisdiction ; with the right, also, in case of absence, to appoint a person in his place, and to invest him for the time with the same powers. Roderigo Estevan declined an office tendered him, saying he had done nothing worthy of official favor. " You ought to accept a title that your son might inherit it," Columbus replied. "The greatest honors man can win are the esteem of his fellow man. My son is too young to be knighted, and the honor should not be con- ferred on the father for what the son has done. We ask no honors ; we are only humble citizens, who go to make up the hardy people that are to build a new empire." " And 3'ou are most needed," answered the wise admiral. " The hidalgos of high rank and Andalu- sian cavaliers, schooled in arms, who enter on this expedition hoping for military glory, wealth, and renown, are not worth half so much to the expe- dition as he who goes to make the wilderness blossom as a rose, and the earth to yield her fruits to man." 328 COLUMBIA. Cadiz was to be the scene of the second departure of Columbus, and thither all stores and valuables were sent. Thither flocked adventurers, statesmen, and ecclesiastics, all anxious to enter upon a voy- age from whicli everybody shrunk a few months before. It was not a question of who could be induced to go, but of who should be selected from among the many applicants. Among the noted personages who engaged in the expedition, was the young cavalier, Don Alonzo de Ojeda, a rela- tive of the grand inquisitor of Spain. This young adventurer, being of one of the best fam- ilies of Spain, was a great acquisition to the ex- pedition. Hernando and his father hastened to their little cottage home to gather up their few effects and prepare for the long voyage. Money had been advanced them to buy cattle, horses, sheep, and fowls, as well as provisions and implements for working in forests, mines, or fields, wherever their lots might be cast. " I can't part from this dear little cottage home without feelings of regret," said the grand-dame. " Many memories, pleasant as well as painful, linger about the dear old home," answered Eod- erigo. " Here I brought my sweet young wife in her blushing womanhood, and there we lived the few blissful hours of joy allotted to us. Here our son was born, but, good mother, there has also EMIGRA TION. 329 been much suffering here as well. From this cot I fled for life, pursued by the avarice and hatred of one who bj nature should have defended me. Here I embraced my wife for the last time, and went forth to a living death. But withal, noble mother, we will be happy in the new home we shall make in that new world. We go to build up a new and powerful dynasty. Kings and lines of kings yet unborn will live to bless the first emigrants to the new world." Gathering up a few precious relics and heir- looms, they bade farewell forever to the little mountain cottage, and set out for Cadiz. It was not without feelings of deepest regret that they tore themselves away from their little home, and many times in other years, in far-off lands, did they in their memories' vision see the pretty little cot, which their eyes were no more to behold for- ever. The journey to Cadiz was through a country wild with excitement. It seemed as if all South Spain was anxious to migrate across the western ocean to the unknown regions of the new world. They found the admiral at Cadiz, superintending the embarcation. Greeting them warmly, he took the hand of Hernando, and said : " Since you have found your father, I have lost you. I wish I could have you with me as con- stantly as you were on the other voyage, for to 330 COLUMBIA. jour vigilant watclifulness the success of our enterprise greatly depended, but I cannot insist that you abandon him and cleave to me." "I shall always hold my admiral in the highest esteem," the youth returned. "Needless to sav that — I know it, yet I would rather always have you with me, for you bring good luck wherever 3'ou go." The departure of Columbus on his second voyage of discovery presented a brilliant contrast to his gloomy embarcation at Palos. At dawn of day on the 25th of September, 1493, the baj^ of Cadiz was whitene'd by his fleet. Three large ships and fourteen caravels loitered and waited with flapping sails the signal to get under way. The harbor resounded with the well-known note of the sailor hoisting sail or weighing anchor. A motley crowd was hurrying on board, and taking leave of friends in the confidence of a prosperous voyage. Many anticipated an early return, others, eager to escape the vengeance of a broken law, were going to that strange, wild world, to begin a new and they hoped a better life. There was the high-spirited cavalier bound on romantic enterprise; the hardy navigator, ambi- tious of acquiring laurels in these unknown seas ; the roving adventurer, seeking novelty and excite- ment ; the keen, calculating speculator, eager to profit by the ignorance of savage tribes ; and the EMIGRATION. 33 1 pale missionary from the cloister, anxious to ex- tend the dominion of the Church, or devoutly zealous for the propagation of the faith. All were full of animation and lively hope. Instead of being regarded by the populace as devoted men, bound upon a dark and desperate enterf)rise, they were contemplated with envy, as favored mortals bound to gold regions and happy climes, where nothing but wealth, luxury, wonders, and delights awaited them. Columbus, conspicuous for his height and commanding appearance, was attended by his two sons, Diego and Fernando — the eldest but a stripling — who had come to Cadiz to witness the departure of their illustrious father on his second voyage into the unknown seas. Wher- ever the admiral went, every eye followed him and every tongue sounded his praises. Standing on the high poop-deck of one of the largest vessels wasRoderigo Estevan, the emigrant, and his little family. Hand clasped in hand, Hernando and Christina stood, with tear-dimmed eyes, gazing at the shore. Anchor was weighed, and, amid the wildest cheers, the thunder of can- non, and waving of banners, the fleet set sail. Long after the fleet had been under way Her- nando and Christina stood gazing off at the lovely hills of Spain, until the shores of the old world faded away from their sight forever. CHAPTER XX. CONCLUSION. A SEA voyage in the olden time, when naviga- tion was in its infancy, was quite different from the sea voyage of to-day — where one rides in a floating palace, and many of the dangers and inconveniences of storms and rouQh weather are overcome. Months, instead of days, were occupied in crossing the ocean. Hernando was the only one of his father's family who was not seasick. He had gained his sea-legs on the first voyage out, and experienced no ills at present. Though sailing in the admiral's ship, he was with him but little of the time, as his seasick rela- tives required his constant care. Before sailing, Columbus had given the com- mander of each vessel a sealed letter of instruc- tions, in which was specified his route to the harbor of Nativity, the residence of the cacique Guacanagari. These instructions were only to be opened in case of being separated by accident, as he wished to make a mystery, as long as pos- sible, of the exact route to the newly discovered countr}'', lest adventurers of other nations, and CONCLUSION. 333 particularly the Portuguese, should follow in his track and interfere with his enterprises. When in mid-ocean they were attacked at night by a fearful rain-storm, during which they beheld several of those lambent flames usually called St. Elmo's fire, playing on the masts of the vessels. They reached the island of Dominica, where they made a short stay, and then continued west- ward, discovering the Antilles; making the first landing at Guadaloupe, where the savages were so much frightened they ran away, and in their terror and confusion left their children behind them. Hernando, who was one of the first to go ashore, caressed one of the screaming infants, and bound hawks-bells to its arms to amuse it. All the other little fellows, anxious for some of the same kind of toys, soon gathered about him, and were treated in a like manner. The Spaniards continued cruising about among the islands, going farther southwest, and finding among some of them what they thought to be evi- dences of cannibalism. On tlie 14th of November, owing to a stress of weather, Columbus was forced to put in at one of the Carib islands called by the Indians " Ayay," but to which he gave the name of " Santa Cruz." Hernando's father was sent on shore with a well-manned boat, to get water and procure in- 334 COLUMBIA. formation. They found a village deserted bv the men, but secured a few women and boys, most of tliem captives from the other islands. Hernando, who had been left to watch the coast, now ran to his father, and cried : " Father, I see a canoe coming ronnd a point of land; behold, it is in view of the ships." " You are right, my son. Those fellows knew nothing of our presence. See how the Indians stop and gaze in mute M^onder on the ships, and now, while they are so absorbed, let us steal upon and capture them." The Spaniards leaped in their boat, and pulled with all possible speed for the canoe, and were al- most on it before discovered. With a savage yell, the Indians seized their paddles and tried to escape, but could not, as the boat was between them and the land, cutting off their retreat. " They are going to fight," cried Hernando, as the savages caught up their bows and arrows, which they used with great vigor and rapidity. Notwithstanding the Spaniards covered themselves with their bucklers, two of them were wounded. The women fought as desperately as the men, and one of them sent an arrow with such force that it passed through and through a buckler, wounding the man who held it. At Eoderigo's command, they dashed their boat against the canoe, capsiz- ing it. CONCLUSION. 335 Bat the trouble was not over, for some of the savages got upon the sunken rocks, and others discharged their arrows while swimming. " Don't hurt them if you can avoid it," cried Roderigo ; but Ruiz, a sailor, being hard pressed bv one fellow, transfixed him with a lance. One by one they were overtaken and captured with the greatest difficulty, and brought to shore, where the man who had been run through with the lance, died. One of the women, from the obedience and deference paid her, appeared to be their queen. She was accompanied by her son, a young man strongly built, with a lion's face and scowling brow. He had been wounded in the conflict, but seemed wholly indifferent to pain or the blood which trickled down his side and dropped on the sand. The hair of these savages was long and coarse ; their eyes were encircled with paint so as to give them a hideous expression, and bands of cotton were firmly bound above and below the muscular parts of the arms and legs, so as to cause them to swell to a disproportioned size. The Caribs were war-like and fierce, and refused to be conciliated. In the skirmish they used poisoned arrows, and one of the wounded Spaniards died in a few days from the arrow sent through his buckler into his flesh by the woman. For several days the fleet continued to cruise about among the Caribs, trying in vain to concil- 836 COLUMBIA. iate them, but day by day becoming more fully impressed with their prowess and war-like natures. Evidences of cannibalism became so plain that one of the Spaniards, Peter Martyr, in his letter to Pamponius Ltetus, says : " The stories of Lestrigonians and of Polyphe- mus, who fed on human flesh, are no longer doubt- ful ! Attend, but beware, lest thy hair bristle with horror ! " It was the 23d day of November, 1493, that the fleet arrived off the eastern extremity of Hispan- iola, or what is now known as the island of Hayti. The greatest excitement prevailed throughout the armada at the thought of soon arriving at the end of their voyage. Memories of the pleasant days passed among the delightful groves and gentle natives haunted those who had been here on the former voyage, and others looked forward with eagerness to scenes painted to them in all the cap- tivating illusions of the golden age. Hernando and his father, with a dozen sailors, were sent ashore to bury the Biscayan sailor, who had died from the poisoned shot of the Carib queen. Two light caravels hovered near the shore to guard the boat's crew while the funeral ceremony was performed on the beach under the trees. Several natives came off to the ship with a message to the admiral from the cacique of the neighborhood, inviting him to land, and promis- CONGL USION 337 ing bim great quantities of gold ; but Columbus was anxious to return to Fort Nativity, and giv- ing the messengers presents, dismissed them. On the 25th they anchored in the harbor of Monte Christi ; where Columbus was anxious to fix a place for a settlement in the neighborhood of the stream to which in his first voyage he had given the name of Rio del Oro, or the Golden River. Among others who landed here were the Estevans, father and son. While roaming about the coast they were horrified to find on the green and waste banks of the rivulet the bodies of a man and boy, the former with a cord of Span- ish grass about his neck, and his arms extended and tied by the wrists to a stake in the form of a cross. " We cannot tell whether they are Spaniards or Indians," the youth remarked, as he gazed at the bodies before him. " No, they are too much decomposed for one lO determine," the father returned. " Father, let us not make our home here." " Why ? " "These dead bodies make it repulsive." This discovery changed all the plans of the emigrants, and those who had contemplated land- ing here decided to go on to Fort Nativity. Sinister doubts and fears rose in the breast of the admiral on learning of the discovery, and he 838 COL UMBIA. resolved to set sail at once for tlie harbor of Nativity. On the night of the 27th of Noveml)er thej ar- rived opposite the harbor thej desired so much to reach, and cast anchor about a league from land, not daring to venture through those dangerous reefs after dark. It was too late to distinguish objects, and the admiral, anxious to let the Spaniards ia the port know of his arrival, fired two cannon. "There is no answer," Columbus sighed, after listening to the echoes rolling along the shore. " Let every one watch for some gleam of a signal light or sign of life." All did, but none was seen; all was darkness and a death-like silence. The admiral paced his deck in the greatest anxiety, and never did he more long for morning. " I see a canoe, Admiral ! " said Hernando, about midnight. "Where?" " Coming toward us." "Maybe it is some of the Spaniards from the fort," and the white, anxious face of the admiral gleamed with hope as he spoke. " No ; there are Indians in the boat," Her- nando answered, when the boat came near enough for him to make out the occupants. " Bring Diego Colon to the deck," Columbus commanded. The admiral was trembling with CONCLUSION. 339 anxiety, for somehow he felt strangely impressed that all was not well with the little colony he had left on the island, Diego Colon was a young Lucayan, native of the island of Guanahani, who had been baptized at Barcelona and named after the admiral's brother, Diego Colon, He continued always faithful and devoted to the Spaniards to the day of his death. The canoe came up to within a cable's length of one of the ships and paused, and the Indians who were in it hailed one of the ships and called for the admiral. They were at once directed to his ship, where Columbus stood on the deck wait- ing in the greatest anxiety. They drew near and stopped. "Tell them to come on board," said Columbus to his interpreter, who stood at his side. Then Diego Colon spoke to them, and asked why they did not come aboard, and was answered that they wanted to see the admiral before they came on board, Columbus then went over to the side of the ship, and lights were held up that his features might be recognized ; and the Indians, being satisfied, came aboard the ship without fur- ther hesitation. One of them, a cousin of the cacique Guacan- agari, brought a present from him of two masks ornamented with gold. 340 COLUMBIA. "Ask them about the Spaniards who remained on the island," said Columbus to his interpreter. Somehow the very manner of the Indians seemed to increase the anxiety of the admiral, and he instinctively felt that all had not gone well. Diego Colon spoke to them, and for several minutes they continued jabbering in what was worse than Greek to the eager listening admiral and officers. Then Diego turned to Columbus and said : "My language, the Lucayan, is verj^ different from that of Hayti, and I don't know that I make it out plain ; but they seem to say that sev- eral of the Spaniards fell sick and died, others quarrelled among themselves, and others removed to a different part of the island and have taken to themselves wives. Guacanagari has been as- sailed by Caonabo, the fierce cacique of the golden mountains of Ciabo, who wounded him in battle and burned his village, so that he remains ill of his wound in a neighboring town, or he would have come in person to welcome the admiral." " What do you think of the story the Indians tell, father?" Hernando asked, whenihe account had been translated. The Estevans were a short distance from the admiral, yet near enough to hear what the interpreter said. "I don't believe it," answered the father. "Nor I." CONCLUSION. 341 "I doubt if the admiral gives mucla credence to it." " He has great faith in the cacique." The Indian visitors were treated to wine, of which the J evinced a great fondness, and departed considerably under the influence of liquor. Morn- ing dawned and passed away, and the day ad- vanced and began to decline without the promised visit from the cacique. " Why don't he come? " the admiral impatiently asked himself again and again. Hernando, with the freedom and familiarity which long association might warrant, went to Columbus and suggested : " Tlie Indians may have been lost, admiral. They left the ship drunk, and it is possible their canoe capsized before they reached the shore." There was a silence and an air of desertion about the whole neighborhood, extremely sus- picious. On their preceding visit to the harbor they found it a scene of continual animation ; canoes gliding over'the waters, Indians in groups on the shores, or under the trees, or swimming off to the caravel. Now, not a canoe was to be seen, not an Indian hailed them from the land, nor was there any smoke rising from among the groves, to give a sign of habitation. Hernando, his father, and twenty others were sent on shore to reconnoitre. On landing they hastened to the fortress, which they found in ruin ; 342 COLUMBIA. the palisadoes were broken dowu, and the whole presented the appearance of having been sacked, burned, and destroyed. Here and there were broken chests, spoiled provisions, and the ragged remains of European garments. " My son, this h)oks very suspicious," said Sefior Estevan. "There is something wrong here. Not an In- dian approaches us, when on our former visit they were friendly as brothers." "That only confirms my suspicion that the gar- rison has been murdered." At this moment Hernando saw two or three dark faces watching them at a distance among the trees; and, calling his father's attention to them, he said : "Let's go to them. Perhaps they may tell us something." Accompanied by his father and Diego Colon, Hernando started toward them; but the faces van- ished at their approach, and when they reached the spot where they had been seen, they could find no trace of them. Meeting no one to explain the melancholy situation, they returned with de- jected hearts to the ships, and related their sad discovery to the admiral. Columbus was still loath to believe in the perfidy of Guacanagari, and went ashore next day to look for the village of the cacique, which he found to COKCLUSION. 343 be a heap of burnt ruins, showing that it had been involved in the same disaster of the garrison. The admiral determined not to leave matters in doubt in this manner, and. proceeded to take steps for knowing as much as possible of the sad story. He ordered Arana to clear out the well and make every possible search for any evidence that might go to throwing light on the matter, while he, with Hernando, his father, and three boats loaded with armed men, set out to look for a better situation for a fortress. After proceeding about a league they came upon a hamlet, the inhabitants of which fled at their approach, taking whatever they could with them, and hiding the rest in the grass. In the houses were European articles which evidently had not been procured by barter, such as stock- ings, pieces of cloth, an anchor of the wrecked caravel, and a beautiful Moorish robe, which evi- dently had not been unfolded since brought from Spain. Not a single European could be found, and the admiral returned to Fort Nativity, where he learned that seven dead sailors had been found buried. The outlook was not very flattering to the emi- grants, but they did not despair. Koderigo Este- van argued, though first attempts at building up a new empire might fail, be had seen enough of this new world to believe it was destined to be- come one of the mighty nations of earth. 344 COLmiBIA. Columbus made no complaint of the Indians, but as soon as possible called on the cacique, and though the conduct of Guacanagari was such as to cast suspicion on him, and has caused subse- quent historians to implicate him with the death of the Spaniards, jet Columbus did not upbraid or reproach him. It was many years before Hernando heard the true story of the death of his former comrades. No sooner was the admiral gone than the Span- iards left at Fort Nativity gave way to their pas- sions to such an extent as to make the friendly Indians their enemies. Dissensions grew up among themselves, which finally resulted in open brawls and fights, and they weakened their num- bers to such an extent that they could make little resistance to their enemies when roused. They disobeyed Columbus in separating their forces, and wandering away from the fort, and paid the penalty with their lives. The subsequent history of Columbus is a sad page in the great book of humanity ; but 'tis ever thus. He who does most for mankind, is by mankind least appreciated. Even the Holy One, who came to save the world from eternal death, was by the world crucified. Columbus was not only robbed of his discoveries, so that the western hemisphere bears the name of another, but was wrongfully accused, thrown in prison, and carried CONCL U8I0N. 345 back to Spain in chains. He died a disappointed and heart-broken man. His pet plan of rescuing the holy sepulchre was never fulfilled, and per- chance it was God's wish it never should be, for the . ways of Providence are mysterious and inscru- table. We cannot but regret that so great and good a man as Columbus, one who gave his life to the discovery of the New World, should have been neglected in his old age, maligned, misused, and have died a heart-broken and disap23ointed man. Hernando and his father, after no little chang- ing about, finally settled at San Domingo. On Christina's sixteenth birthday, she and Hernando were married at the little chapel which had been erected on the island. They lived in Cuba for many years, and there two of their children were born. Their oldest son was named Christopher Eoderigo Estevan. The grand-dame and Hernan- do's father died and were buried on the island of Hispaniola. Hernando Estevan not only became one of the pioneer emigrants to the New World, aiding in many of the subsequent explorations and settlements, but became the father of a long line of hardy frontiersmen, who have conspicu- ously figured in American history from the dis- covery of the western continent to the present age. / Worthington's International Library. A SERIES of contemporaneous works of fiction by great writers of America, France, Germany and Great Britain, with exquisite photogravures, printed on beautiful paper, and bound in either cloth at $1.25, or in Uluminated paper covers at 75 cents each. GERTRUDE'S MARRIAGE. W. llKiMiiuiai. P.y 3. TWO DAUGHTERS OF ONE RACE. I!y W. HEiiMiu>i;r,. 4. 5. 6. 7. LORA, the Major's Daughter. W. HioiMiiuu(;. I?y WIVES OP MEN OF GENIUS. i'y Al.l'HONSK Daduet. HENRIETTE; or, A Corsican Mother. I>y Francois Coppice. MAGDALEN'S FORTUNES W. Heimp'.urg. 8. THE PASTOR'S DAUGHTER W. Heimiiui;g. 9. THE FEET OP LOVE. Reeve Aldkich. 10. 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