88
V O Y A G E S A N D D I S C O V E R I E S OF
This offer had the desired effect.
Such confidence had the
people in the energy, ability, and influence of Ojeda, that they felt assured of relief should he seek it in person.
They made a
kind of convention with him, therefore, in which it was agreed that they should remain quietly at Sebastian's for the space of fifty days.
At the end of this time, in case no tidings had been
received of Ojeda, they were to be at liberty to abandon the set tlement and return in the brigantines to Hispaniola.
In the
meantime Francisco Pizarro was to command the colony as Lieu tenant of Ojeda, until the arrival of his alcalde mayor, the Bachelor Enciso.
This convention being made, Ojeda embarked
in the ship of Bernardino de Talavera.
That cutpurse of the
ocean and his loose-handed crew were effectually cured of their ambition to colonize.
Disappointed in the hope of finding abun
dant wealth at San Sebastian, and dismayed at the perils and hor rors of the surrounding wilderness, they preferred returning to Hispaniola, even at the risk of chains and dungeons.
Doubtless
they thought that the influence of Ojeda would be sufficient to obtain their pardon, especially as their timely succor had been the salvation of the colony.
CHAPTER IX. DISASTROUS V O Y A G E OF OJEDA IN THE PIRATE
SHIP.
O J E D A had scarce put to sea in the ship of these freebooters, when a quarrel arose between him and Talavera.
Accustomed to
take the lead among his companions, still feeling himself gover nor, and naturally of a domineering spirit, Ojeda, on coming on