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 away his chains. But he claimed
them from the corregidor and kept them to his death. Came
hidalgos of Cadiz and entreated him away from this house
to a better one.
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