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VOYAGES
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to land when the public procurator, or attorney, called to him with a loud voice, warning him not to disembark, but to return with all speed to his government at Nombre de Dios. Nicuesa remained for a moment as if thunderstruck by so unlooked for a salutation. When he recovered his self-possession, he reminded them that he had come at their own request ; he en足 treated, therefore, that he might be allowed to land and have an explanation, after which he would be ready to act as they should think proper.
His entreaties only provoked insolent replies,
and threats of violence should he venture to put foot on shore. Night coming on, he was obliged to stand out to sea, but re足 turned the next morning, hoping to find this capricious people in a different mood. There did, indeed, appear to be a favorable change, for he was now invited to land.
It was a mere stratagem to get him in
their power, for no sooner did he set foot on shore than the mul足 titude rushed forward to seize him.
Among his many bodily
endowments, Nicuesa was noted for swiftness of foot.
He now
trusted to it for safety, and, throwing off the dignity of governor, fled for his life along the shore, pursued by the rabble.
He soon
distanced his pursuers, and took refuge in the woods. Vasco Nunez de Balboa, who was himself a man of birth, seeing this high-bred cavalier reduced to such extremity, and at the mercy of a violent rabble, repented of what he had done.
He
had not anticipated such popular fury, and endeavored, though too late, to allay the tempest he had raised.
He succeeded in
preventing the people from pursuing Nicuesa into the forest, and then endeavored to mollify the vindictive rage of his fellowalcalde, Zamudio, whose hostility was quickened by the dread of losing his office, should the new governor be received ; and who