ings. He
took up his residence in the house of Columbus, of whose whole property,
gold, plate, jewels, horses, together with his public and even private
letters and manuscripts, he at once possessed himself.

Don Diego was seized, thrown into irons, and confined on board a
caravel. Columbus was summoned to San Domingo; he came, almost
unattended, when, being at once seized, Bobadilla gave orders that he
should be put in irons, and confined him in the fortress.

When the irons were brought, every one present shrank at the task of
putting them on the limbs of the venerable and illustrious prisoners,
either from a sentiment of compassion at so great a reverse of fortune,
or out of habitual reverence for his person. A wretched cook named
Espinosa was the only person found to rivet the fetters. The great
navigator conducted himself with the magnanimity which might have been
expected. The injustice and ingratitude of the sovereigns alone wounded
his spirit, and he bore all his present misfortunes in silence.

Though the Adelantado was at the head of a strong force when summoned to
San Domingo, he returned unattended, and was treated as his brother had
been. Columbus had expected to have suffered on the scaffold, and was
greatly relieved when he found himself conducted on board a caravel
commanded by a worthy captain--Alonzo de Villejo--who told him that he
had orders to carry him to Spain.

He and his brother embarked, amidst the scoffs and shouts of a miscreant
rabble, who took a brutal joy in heaping insult on his venerable head.

Villejo, touched by the sufferings of Columbus, treated him with much
respect, and would have relieved him of his shackles, but he answered,
"No: their Majesties commanded me to submit to whatever Bobadilla might
devise; by their authority he has put upon me these shackles. I will
wear them until they direct them to be taken off, and I will preserve
them as relics and memorials, as the reward of my services."

The page of history presents no sadder picture than Columbus in chains
crossing the ocean from those lands discovered by his genius, boldness,
and perseverance.

The voyage was favourable and of moderate duration. In a short time the
ship, with her illustrious prisoner on board, arrived at Cadiz.
Columbus a prisoner and in chains produced almost as great a sensation
as his triumphant return from his first voyage. A reaction took place,
and a strong sympathy was expressed, aga