THE
C O M P A N I O N S OF COLUMBUS.
CHAPTER
229
XXIV.
VASCO NUNEZ TRANSPORTS SHIPS ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS TO THE PACIFIC
OCEAN.
[1516.]
B E H O L D Vasco Nufiez once more in the high career of prosper ity !
His most implacable enemy had suddenly been converted
into his dearest friend ; for the governor, now that he looked upon him as his son-in-law, loaded him with favors.
Above all,
he authorized him to build brigantines and make all the necessary preparations for his long desired expedition to explore the South ern Ocean.
The place appointed for these purposes was the port
of Careta, situated to the west of Darien ; whence there was supposed to be the most convenient route across the mountains. A town called Acla had been founded at this port ; and the for tress was already erected, of which Lope de Olano was alcalde ; Vasco Nunez was now empowered to continue the building of the town.
Two hundred men were placed under his command, to
aid him in carrying his plans into execution, and a sum of money was advanced to him out of the royal treasury.
His supply of
funds, however, was not sufficient; but he received assistance from a private source.
There was a notary at Darien, Hernando
de Arguello, a man of some consequence in the community, and who had been one of the most furious opponents of the unfortu nate Nicuesa.
He had amassed considerable property, and now
embarked a great part of it in the proposed enterprise, on condi tion, no doubt, of sharing largely in its anticipated profits. On arriving at Acla, Vasco Nunez set to work to prepare the