We went to take the gyves from Don Bartholomew. It would have been comfort to these brothers to be together in prison—but that the Governor of Hispaniola straitly forbade. When Villejo had explained what he would do, the Adelantado asked, “What of the Admiral?”
“I wish to take them from him also. But he is obstinate in his pride and will not!”
“He will go as he is to the Queen and Spain and the world,” said Juan Lepe.
“That is enough for me,” answered the Adelantado. “I do not go down to-night a freed body while he goes down a chained.—Farewell, senor! I think I hear your sailors calling.”
Villejo hesitated. “Let them have their will, senor,” said Juan Lepe. “Their will is as good as ours.”
Don Bartholomew turned to me. “How fares my brother, Doctor? Is he ill?”
“He is better. Because he was ill I was let to come with him. But now he is better.”
“Give him my enduring love and constancy,” said the Adelantado. “Good night, Villejo!” and turned upon his side with a rattling of his chain.
Returning to the Admiral, Juan Lepe sat beside him through the night. The tempest continuing, there were moments when we thought, It may be the end of this life! We thought to hear the cry “She sinks!” and the rush of feet.
At times when there fell lulls we talked. He was calmly cheerful.