e accounts of Cuba which he gave, and were quite
indifferent to the geographical theories by which he wanted to prove
that it was a part of Asia. He believed that the rich mines, which he
had really found in Hispaniola, were the same as those of Ophir. But
after five years of waiting, the Spanish public cared but little for
such conjectures.

As he arrived in Cadiz, he found three vessels, under Nino, about
to sail with supplies. These were much needed, for the relief of the
preceding year, sent out in four vessels, had been lost by shipwreck.
Columbus was able to add a letter of his own to the governor of
Isabella, begging him to conform to the wishes expressed by the king
and queen in the dispatches taken by Nino. He recommended diligence in
exploring the new mines, and that a seaport should be founded in their
neighborhood. At the same time he received a gracious letter from the
king and queen, congratulating him on his return, and asking him to
court as soon as he should recover from his fatigue.

Columbus was encouraged by the tone of this letter. He had chosen to act
as if he were in disgrace, and dressed himself in humble garb, as if
he were a Franciscan monk, wearing his beard as the brethren of those
orders do. Perhaps this was in fulfillment of one of those vows which,
as we know, he frequently made in periods of despondency.

He went to Burgos, where Ferdinand and Isabella were residing, and on
the way made such a display of treasure as he had done on the celebrated
march to Barcelona. Canabao, the fierce cacique of Hispaniola, had died
on the voyage, but his brother and nephew still lived, and he took
them to the king and queen, glittering on state occasions with golden
ornaments. One chain of gold which the brother wore, is said to
have been worth more than three thousand dollars of our time. In the
procession Columbus carried various masks and other images, made by the
Indians in fantastic shapes, which attracted the curiosity which in all
nations surrounds the idols of a foreign creed.

The sovereigns received him cordially. No reference was made to the
complaints of the adventurers who had returned. However the sovereigns
may have been impressed by these, they were still confident in Columbus
and in his merits, and do not seem to have wished to receive the partial
accounts of his accusers. On his part, he pressed the importance of a
new expedition, in order that they might annex to their dominions the