"
The Admiral said, "I would see Don Francisco de Bobadilla."
"That is as he desires and when he desires," the other
replied. "Close around him, men!"
The fortress of San Domingo is a gloomy place. They
prisoned him here, and they put irons upon him. I saw
that done. One or two of his immediate following, and I
his physician might enter with him.
He stood in the dismal place where one ray of light came
down from a high, small, grated window, and he looked at
the chains which they brought. He asked, "Who will put
them on?"
He looked at the chains and at the soldier who brought
them. "Put them on, man!" he said. "What! Once thou
didst nail God's foot to a cross! As for me, I will remember
that One who saved all, and be patient."
They chained him and left him there in the dark.
I saw him the next day, entering with his gaoler. Had
he slept? "Yes."
"How did he find himself?"
"How does my body find itself? Why, no worse than
usual, nowadays that I am getting old! My body has been
unhappier a thousand times in storm and fight, and thirst
and famine."
"Then mind and soul?" I asked.
"They are well. There is nothing left for them but
to feel well. I am in the hand of God."
I did what service for him I could. He thanked me.
"You've been ever as tender as a woman. A brave man
besides! I hope you'll be by me, Juan Lepe, when I die.
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