to Cadiz. Before us had arrived
Bobadilla's ships, one, two and three. What he found to say through his
messengers of the Admiral and Viceroy was in the hands and eyes and
ears of all. He said at the height of his voice, across the ocean from
Hispaniola, violent and villainous things.

Cadiz--Spain. We crowded to look.. Down plunged anchor, down rattled
sails, around us came the boats. The Admiral and the Adelantado rested
in chains. The corregidor of Cadiz took them both thus ashore and to a
house where they were kept, until the Sovereigns should say, "Bring them
before us!"

Juan Lepe the physician was let to go in the boat with him. Juan
Lepe--Jayme de Marchena. It was eight years since I had quitted Spain. I
was older by that, grizzled, bearded and so bronzed by the Indies that
I needed no Moorish stain. I trusted God that Don Pedro and the Holy
Office had no longer claws for me.

Cadiz, and all the people out, pointing and staring. I remembered what
I had been told of the return from his first voyage, and the second
voyage. Then had been bells and trumpets, flowers, banners, grandees
drawing him among them, shouts and shouts of welcome!

He walked in gyves, he and the Adelantado, to the house of his
detention. Once only a single voice was raised in a shout, "El
Almirante!" We came to the house, not a prison, though a prison for him.
In a good enough room the corregidor sought to have the chains removed.
The Admiral would not, keeping back with voice and eye the men who
wished to part them from him. When the Sovereigns knew, and when the
Sovereigns sent--then, but not before!

Seven days in this house. Then word from the Sovereigns, and it was here
indignant, and here comforting. The best was the Queen's word; I do not
know if it was so wholly King Ferdinand's. There were letters to the
alcalde and corregidor. Release the Admiral of the Ocean-Sea! Don
Francisco de Bobadilla had grossly misunderstood! Soothe the Admiral's
hurt. Show him trust and gratitude in Cadiz that was become through
him a greater city! Fulfill his needs and further him upon the way
to Granada. Put in his purse two thousand ducats. But the letter that
counted most to Christopherus Columbus was one to himself from the
Queen.

Juan Lepe found him with it in his hand. From the wrist yet hung the
chain. Tears were running down his cheeks. "You see--you see!" he said.
"I thank thee, Christ, who taketh care of us all!"

They came and took awa