nt him to express his concern at his misfortune, and his regret that
he had not a vessel of sufficient size to bring off all the people,
but that he would send one as soon as possible. He assured him that his
concerns in Hispaniola were attended to faithfully in his absence; he
asked him to write to the governor in reply, as he wished to return at
once.

This was but scant comfort for men who had been eight months waiting to
be relieved. But Escobar was master of the position. Columbus wrote
a reply at once to Ovando, pointed out that the difficulties of his
situation had been increased by the rebellion of the brothers Porras.
He, however, expressed his reliance on his promise, and said he would
remain patiently on his ships until relief came. Escobar took the
letter, returned to his vessel, and she made sail at once, leaving the
starving Spaniards in dismay, to the same fate which hung over them
before.

Columbus tried to reassure them. He professed himself satisfied with the
communications from Ovando, and told them that vessels large enough for
them would soon arrive. He said that they could see that he believed
this, because he had not himself taken passage with Escobar, preferring
to share their lot with them. He had sent back the little vessel at
once, so that no time might be lost in sending the necessary ships.

With these assurances he cheered their hearts. In truth, however, he was
very indignant at Ovando's cool behavior. That he should have left them
for months in danger and uncertainty, with a mere tantalizing message
and a scanty present of food--all this naturally made the great leader
indignant. He believed that Ovando hoped that he might perish on the
island.

He supposed that Ovando thought that this would be favorable for his own
political prospects, and he believed that Escobar was sent merely as a
spy. This same impression is given by Las Casas, the historian, who was
then at San Domingo. He says that Escobar was chosen simply because of
his enmity to Columbus, and that he was ordered not to land, nor to
hold conversation with any of the crew, nor to receive letters from any
except the Admiral.

After Escobar's departure, Columbus sent an embassy on shore to
communicate with the rebel party, who were living on the island. He
offered to them free pardon, kind treatment, and a passage with him in
the ships which he expected from Ovando, and, as a token of good will,
he sent them a part of the ba