s patriotism took the alarm. He entertained Columbus as his guest,
and invited a scientific friend--a physician--Garcia Fernandez, to
converse with him.

Fernandez was soon captivated by his conversation. Frequent conferences
took place, at which several of the veteran mariners of Palos were
present. Among these was Martin Alonzo Pinzon, the head of a family of
wealthy and experienced navigators. Facts were related by some of the
mariners in support of the theory of Columbus, and so convinced was
Pinzon of the feasibility of his project, that he offered to engage in
it with purse and person. The Prior, who had once been confessor to the
Queen, was confirmed in his faith by the opinions expressed, and he
proposed writing to her immediately, and entreated Columbus to delay his
journey until an answer could be received.

It was decided to send Sebastian Rodriguez, a shrewd and clever pilot,
to Santa Fe, where the Queen then was. Isabella had always been
favourable to Columbus, and the Prior received a reply desiring that he
himself should repair to Court. He went, and, seconded by the
Marchioness of Moya and other old friends, so impressed the Queen with
the importance of the undertaking, that she desired Columbus might be
sent for, and ordered that seventy-two dollars, equal to two hundred and
sixteen of the present day, might be forwarded to him, to bear his
travelling expenses.

With his hopes raised to the highest pitch, Columbus again repaired to
Court; but so fully occupied was he with the grandeur of his enterprise,
that he stipulated that he should be invested with the title and
privilege of admiral, and viceroy over the countries he should discover,
with one-tenth of all gains, either by trade or conquest. It must be
remembered the pious and patriotic way--according to his notions--in
which he intended to expend the wealth he hoped to acquire.

The courtiers were indignant, and sneeringly observed that his
arrangement was a secure one, that he was sure of a command, and had
nothing to lose.

On this he offered to furnish one-eighth of the cost, on condition of
enjoying one-eighth of the profit. The King looked coldly on the
affair, and once more the sovereigns of Spain declined the offer.
Columbus was at length again about to set off on his journey to Palos,
when the generous spirit of Isabella was kindled by the remarks of the
Marchioness of Moya, supported by Louis de Saint Angel, Receiver of the