o do it for us on
easier terms. Perhaps--and perhaps not for a century, and another Crown
may thrust in to-morrow! France, probably. It is not impossible
that England might do it. As for what is named overweening pride and
presumption, at least it shows at once and for altogether. We are not
left painfully to find it out. It goes with his character. Take it or
leave it together with his patience, courage and long head. Leave it,
and presently we may see France or England swallow him whole. He
will find India and Cathay and Cipango, and France or England will be
building ships, ships, ships! Blessed Virgin above us!' said I, 'If I
could talk alone to the Sovereigns, I think I could clench it!'"

"'Then let us go now to the palace,' says Don Alonso, 'and beg
audience!'

"That did we, Don Cristoval, and so I hail you 'Don' and 'Admiral', and
beg you to turn that mule and reenter Santa Fe! In a few days you and
the King and Queen may sign capitulations."

"Was it the Queen?"

"Just. The King said the treasury was drained. She answered, 'I will
pawn my jewels but he shall sail!' Luis de St. Angel says, 'It does not
need. There is some gold left in the coffers of Aragon. After all,
the man asks but three little ships and a few score seamen and offers
himself to furnish one of the ships.'"

"With Martin Alonso Pinzon's help, I will!"

"'Never,' said I to their majesties, 'was so huge a possible gain
matched against so small a sending forth! And as for this Genoese who
truly hath given and gives and will give his life for his vision, saith
not Scripture that a laborer is worthy of his hire?' At which the Queen
said with decision, 'We will do it, Don Luis! And now go and find Master
Christopherus and comfort him, whose heart must be heavy, and indeed
mine,' she saith, 'was heavy when he went forth to-day, and a voice
seemed to say within me, "What have you done, Isabella? How may you have
hindered!"'"

The Gatherer of Ecclesiastical Revenues laughed again with that
compelling laughter. "So forth we go, and Don Alonso sends for you to
his house. But you could not be found. Early this morning came one and
informed us that the ship had put out of harbor, whereupon my nephew and
I set sail after!"

The Admiral of the Ocean-Sea turned his face to the west. Not knowing,
I think, what he did, he raised his arm, outstretched it, and the hand
seemed to close in greeting. His face was the face of a man who sees the
Beloved afte