CHAP. I.]
CHRISTOPHER
COLUMBUS.
191
dan, endeavoring to persuade him from his dangerous opposition to the regular authority. The certainty that Columbus was ac tually on his way to the island, with additional forces, and aug mented authority, had operated strongly on his mind. He had, as has already been intimated, prepared his friends at San Domingo to plead his cause with the admiral, assuring him that he had only acted in opposition to the injustice and oppression of the Adelan tado, but was ready to submit to Columbus on his arrival. Carvajal perceived that the resolution of Roldan and of several of his principal confederates was shaken, and flattered himself, that, if he were to remain some little time among the rebels, he might succeed in drawing them back to their duty. Contrary winds ren dered it impossible for the ships to work up against the currents to San Domingo. It was arranged among the captains, therefore, that a large number of the people on board, artificers and others most important to the service of the colony, should proceed to the settlement by land. They were to be conducted by Juan Antonio Colombo, captain of one of the caravels, a relative of the admiral, and zealously devoted to his interests. Arana was to proceed with the ships, when the wind would permit, and Carvajal volunteered to remain on shore, to endeavor to bring the rebels to their allegiance. On the following morning, Juan Antonio Colombo landed with forty men well armed with cross-bows, swords and lances, but was astonished to find himself suddenly deserted by all his party ex cepting eight. The deserters went off to the rebels, who received with exultation this important reinforcement of kindred spirits. Juan Antonio endeavored in vain by remonstrances and threats to bring them back to their duty. They were most of them con victed culprits, accustomed to detest order, and to set law at de fiance. It was equally in vain that he appealed to Roldan, and