When Columbus returned from his famous voyage, he was received in Barcelona by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. They made him Lord High Admiral of the Ocean Sea and Hereditary Viceroy of the New World.
But after the death of the Queen, Columbus was badly treated by King Ferdinand, and he died in poverty and despair at a miserable inn.
When Juan had finished telling the stories about the four paintings, Pilar asked, "Will you buy them from me, Señor Juan?"
Juan answered, "Yes, if you really must sell them, Pilar. But I wish that you might keep them, for they are very fine."
"I need the money," said Pilar simply.
"Then why not let me sell those ugly castanets?" inquired Juan. "The dancing master will willingly pay for them."
"No, no!" cried Pilar. "They shall be the last to go."
So Juan took the four paintings and gave Pilar money for them. And now there remained in the wooden chest only three souvenirs. One was a bottle of old wine, one a small dagger, and one the magic castanets.