They were
gathered in _repartimentios, encomiendas_, parceled out, so
many to every Spaniard with power. The old word "gods"
had gone out of use. "Master" was now the plain and
accurate term.
The Governor was a shrewd, political, strong man,--not
without his generosities to white men. But no dreamer!
He put down faction, but there was now less faction to
put down. All had been united in mastering the Indian,
and now with peace the getting of wealth was regularized.
He had absolutely the ear of King Ferdinand, and help from
Spain whenever he called for it. Yes, he was fairly liked
by the generality. And had I noticed the growth in cowls
and processions? Mother Church was moving in.
The next day I met again Bartolome de Las Casas.
September now--and a ship from Spain, bringing the
news that the Queen was ill. There was another who was
ill, and that was the Admiral of the Ocean-Sea:
"I must go--and we quarrel here, this Governor-in-my-
place and I--I must go, rest at La Rabida with you, Doctor,
and Fray Juan Perez to help me. Then I must go to
court and see the Queen."
The Adelantado said, "Both you and the Queen will get
well. What, brother, your voyages are just begun! But
let us sail now for Spain. I think well of that."
And the son Fernando, Yes, yes, let us go home, father,
and see Diego!
CHAPTER XLIV
IT was Seville, and an inn there, and the Admiral of the
Ocean-Sea laid in a fair enough room.
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