"Some ships were fitted out and sailed into the west. They had not gone far, however, before the sailors became afraid and turned back. The king of Portugal did not try again."
"I am glad he didn't," said Lucy.
"It served him right," cried Joe.
"We must not leave Columbus," Uncle Sam went on. "The brave sailor left Portugal, but he was not discouraged. He kept thinking, thinking where he should try next. After a while, he thought of Spain. He knew that country was eager for wealth and new lands. He would go there. He started for the Spanish court. His little son went with him.
"The journey through the country was very tiresome. They went slowly, for the roads were rough. The little boy sat in front of his father on the horse's back.
"At last, one evening, they stopped to rest at a convent. Columbus told the good monks of the plan that was so dear to him. He showed them his charts of the world.
"They were much interested. They said: 'Our king and queen must see your charts. We believe they will give you the money to fit out the ships that you need. It will be a great thing for our country if you find a short way to India.'
"Columbus felt happy when he heard the monks' words. He left his little son in their care and went on his way to the court of Ferdinand and Isabella.
"The king and queen listened kindly, but they could see no way of giving money to Columbus. A war was going on at this very time and they needed all their money to carry it on.