402
LIFE
AND
VOYAGES
OF
[BOOK X V I .
and considering themselves abandoned and forgotten by the world, many grew wild and desperate in their plans. Another conspi足 racy was formed by one Bernardo, an apothecary of Valencia, with two confederates, Alonzo de Zamora and Pedro de Villatoro. They designed to seize upon the remaining canoes, and seek their way to Hispaniola.* The mutiny was on the very point of breaking out, when one evening, towards dusk, a sail was seen standing towards the har足 bor. The transports of the poor Spaniards may be more easily conceived than described. The vessel was of small size ; it kept out to sea, but sent its boat to visit the ships. Every eye was eagerly bent to hail the countenances of Christians and deliverers. As the boat approached, they descried in it Diego de Escobar, a man who had been one of the most active confederates of Roldan in his rebellion, who had been condemned to death under the administration of Columbus, and pardoned by his successor Boba足 dilla. There was bad omen in such a messenger. Coming alongside of the ships, Escobar put a letter on board from Ovando, governor of Hispaniola, together with a barrel of wine and a side of bacon, sent as presents to the admiral. He then drew off, and talked with Columbus from a distance. He told him that he was sent by the governor to express his great concern at his misfortunes, and his regret at not having in port a vessel of sufficient size to bring off himself and his people, but that he would send one as soon as possible. Escobar gave the admiral assurances likewise, that his concerns in Hispaniola had been faithfully attended to. He requested him, if he had any letter to write to the governor in reply, to give it to him as soon as possible, as he wished to return immediately. * Las Casas, Hist. Ind., lib. ii. cap. 33.