392
LIFE A N D VOYAGES
OF
[BOOK X V I .
Some called upon Porras for orders what to do ; others shouted “ To Castile ! to Castile !" while, amidst the general uproar, the voices of some desperadoes were heard menacing the life of the admiral. Columbus, hearing the tumult, leaped from his bed, ill and infirm as he was, and tottered out of the cabin, stumbling and falling in the exertion, hoping by his presence to pacify the mu tineers. Three or four of his faithful adherents, however, fearing some violence might be offered him, threw themselves between him and the throng, and taking him in their arms, compelled him to return to his cabin. The Adelantado likewise sallied forth, but in a different mood. He planted himself, with lance in hand, in a situation to take the whole brunt of the assault. It was with the greatest difficulty that several of the loyal part of the crew could appease his fury, and prevail upon him to relinquish his weapon, and retire to the cabin of his brother. They now entreated Porras and his com panions to depart peaceably, since no one sought to oppose them. No advantage could be gained by violence ; but should they cause the death of the admiral, they would draw upon themselves the severest punishment from the sovereigns.* These representations moderated the turbulence of the muti neers, and they now proceeded to carry their plans into execu tion. Taking ten canoes which the admiral had purchased of the Indians, they embarked in them with as much exultation as if certain of immediately landing on the shores of Spain. Others, who had not been concerned in the mutiny, seeing so large a force departing, and fearing to remain behind, when so reduced * Las Casas, Hist. Ind., lib. ii. cap. 32. Hist. del Almirante, cap. 102.