CHAPTER VIII.

_Columbus returns to Spain._

I have related how Pedro Margarite seized a ship, and, with some others, fled to Spain. Here they found full exercise for their enmity to Columbus. They accused him of many wicked acts, which, though unfounded, obtained some credit, and served to lessen his justly-acquired popularity.

The king and queen, thinking, perhaps, that all was not right, despatched a man, by the name of Aguado, to see how matters stood, and to assist in preserving the tranquillity of the colony.

No sooner had Aguado arrived at Isabella, than he began to assume a tone of authority, and to treat Columbus as an inferior. Among other things, he endeavored to hunt up accusations against him, which he might present to the court of Spain on his return.

Perceiving what was going forward, and what was intended against him, Columbus determined to return to Spain at the same time that Aguado did. On the 10th of March, 1496, both embarked in different vessels. After a fatiguing voyage of three months, they landed at Cadiz.

On his arrival in Spain, Columbus found that his enemies had been at work in good earnest. They had spread various injurious reports about his management. Although these reports had doubtless reached the king and queen, they received him with great kindness, and treated him with attention.

In the autumn of that year, a large sum of money was ordered to be advanced to Columbus, in order to fit out another expedition under his command. Various circumstances occurred, however, to delay the sailing of the vessels, and it was not until the 30th of May, 1498, that Columbus was enabled to leave Spain on his third voyage for the new world.