At length, when matters were somewhat settled, Columbus despatched twelve of the vessels to return to Spain. He remained in the new world to superintend the affairs of the colony.
Not long after the sailing of the fleet, Columbus experienced a severe trial. He was himself worn out with fatigue, and became seriously ill. To add to his trouble, several of the colonists became uneasy and were mutinous. For a time, affairs assumed a serious aspect. But, fortunately, through the firmness and good management of Columbus, the difficulties were settled.
Columbus now made preparations to explore the island. This he did himself, in company with a select band of men. With this expedition, Columbus was highly gratified. After his return to Isabella, he sailed on a visit to Cuba, and, during his voyage, discovered the important island of Jamaica.
CHAPTER VII.
What happened during the absence of Columbus on an exploring voyage, and other matters.
Some time before Columbus departed on his voyage, he had erected a fortress in the mountains of Cibao, within the territory of Caonabo. When completed, he gave the command of it to Pedro Margarite, who had with him fifty-six men. To these he afterwards added a reinforcement of twenty men, having learned that the fort was in danger of an attack from Caonabo.
Pedro was ordered to explore that part of the country still farther, and, during his absence, to leave the fortress to the care of Alonzo de Ojeda. With this he complied. But, instead of exploring that part of the country which he was required to do, he went into a different region, where he and his men conducted themselves towards the Indians most improperly.
This conduct, Don Diego Columbus, the brother of the admiral, who had accompanied the latter in his voyage to the new world, and who now had command of the colony during the absence of Columbus, heard of, and sent a letter to Pedro, ordering him to conduct differently. This, Pedro greatly resented, and, suddenly leaving the command of the men, came to Isabella, and, seizing a ship, went on board of it, with other enemies of Columbus, and sailed for Spain, with a design to do him there all the injury in his power.
I said Ojeda now had the command of Fort Thomas. He was a bold, brave man. He was small in stature, but he had nearly the strength of a giant. When Caonabo found that Pedro had abandoned that part of the country, and had taken off a large part of the garrison with him, he assembled ten thousand men, well armed, and, secretly passing through the forests, suddenly came upon Fort Thomas, with the hope of cutting off Ojeda and his men at a single blow. Ojeda, however, was not to be taken by surprise. He was ready for his enemy at all times. Caonabo now besieged the place, and, for thirty days, watched it as a tiger would watch for his prey. By this time, the men in the fort were reduced to great want, but they were determined never to yield. They often made sallies from the fort, and slew many of Caonabo’s bravest warriors. At length, finding it impossible to take the fortress, Caonabo and his men retired.
Not long after the return of Columbus, Ojeda proposed to him a plan by which to seize Caonabo. To get possession of him was eminently important for the peace and safety of the Spaniards. He was a mighty chieftain, and their implacable foe,—bold, cruel and desperate. Columbus listened to the plan of Ojeda, and, although he thought it wild and dangerous, he at length consented to it.