I have not seen those powers. But he has demanded
in the name of the Sovereigns our prisoners, our
ships and towns and forts, and has cited us to appear before
him and answer charges--of I know not what! I well
think it is a voice without true mind or power behind it--
I go to San Domingo, but not just at his citation!"
Later, in the moonlight, one of our men told me that
which a man of Carvajal had told him. All the Admiral's
enemies, and none ever said they were few, had this fire-new
commissioner's ear! A friend could not get within hail.
Just or unjust, every complaint came and squatted in a ring
around him. Maybe some were just--such as soldiers
not being able to get their pay, for instance. There was
never but one who lived without spot or blemish. But of
course we knew that the old Admiral wasn't really a tyrant,
cruel and a fool! Of course not. Carvajal's man was prepared
to fight any man of his own class who would say
that to his face! He'd fight, too, for the Adelantado. Don
Francisco de Bobadilla had no sooner landed than he began
to talk and act as though they were all villains. Don Diego
--whom it was laughable to call a villain--and all. He
went to mass at once--Don Francisco de Bobadilla--and
when it was over and all were out and all San Domingo
there in the square, he had his letters loudly read.
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