“As for thee, Diego Pinzon, who art counting on my weakened strength, thou goest to one whose arm will not fail him, I warrant—thy cousin, Martin Alonzo.”
Then did Diego turn pale, not only with the fear of an arm whose like was not in Palos, but with a greater fear.
“In mercy don’t do that,” he cried. “I mind not the flogging, I will do any penance; but take me not to my cousin, for I know in my heart he will ship me for the terrible voyage.”
“Ah, that he will,” said the man who held him; “for he has not his complement yet.”
“Tut!” said the friar, taking Diego by the collar and leading him away; and the heart of the boy sank within him.
Chapter III.
Diego’s terror of his cousin was in no wise assumed—it was very real; for Martin Alonzo Pinzon, besides being the acknowledged head of the Pinzon family and a very masterful man, was the legal guardian of Diego and had his future in his keeping.
“Good Fray Bartolomeo,” pleaded Diego, earnestly, “do not take me to my cousin. I will mend my ways, indeed I will. And you may put any penance on me, and you shall see how cheerfully I will do it.”