Argosy, Vol. 120, No. 1 — page 125: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE GREAT tive population of the island. Every one over fourteen within the provinces of the Mines must pay, every three months, a little bellful of gold. Brass and copper tokens were given to the natives to show when the tribute had been paid, and these they wore about their necks. In an effort to relieve the sufferings of his unhappy people, the king of the mine province offered to institute a huge farm, and produce enough com to maintain all Castile, if the admiral would only release them from that tribute which they could not collect. But Columbus would not consent.: He must have gold to send to Spain! The de- mands from there became more and more insistent! The admiral was in a sad dilemma. The poor natives withdrew from their old haunts, and hid themselves in the moun- tains. Even Guacanagari fled, and took his people with him. Then the settlers hunted these poor creatures as if they were beasts and when they succeeded in capturing any, they herd- ed them back, with lashes, to their labors. Suck conditions obtained for months! The harassed admiral did not know which way to turn. These new possessions were costing the crown far, far more than they were bringing to it. There was little gold, and Columbus had declared that there was such a quantity! The natives were now his enemies. His own colonists hated him. At court he was maligned; people said that he was keeping everything for himself, He had amassed nothing but misery. The only thing he was really able to do and wanted to do—discover—he could not, for whenever he left his colony ungoverned the greatest misfortunes took place. Matters reached their climax when, im. October, 1495, his brother Diego returned, bringing with him Juan Aguado, a man sent by the sovereigns to investigate affairs, and bearing a warrant of unlimited authority. The admiral was absent at the time, and Aguado lost no opportunity in making his presence felt. Bartholomew could do little, as the discontented colonists had at once ac- cepted Aguado as a royally appointed right- er of their wrongs, Any move made against DISCOVERY. 115 him would have resulted in a serious vout- break. ; - Arthur Lake was the orfe to bring to Columbus the news of Aguado’s arrival. And, in the young man’s company, Cotum- bus hastened back to Isabella. His meeting with Aguado was quiet and dignified. With that simple courtesy that a great man sometimes displays, Columbus bowed before a superior authority. But it was only a short time before Co- lumbus saw how serious the situation really was. Then he sent for Arthur Lake, and announced that the young man must pro- ceed at once to Spain as his envoy, “ There are things which you can say by word of mouth which I dare not write,” Columbus declared. Arthur nodded. “You know more about the actual state of affairs here than—than I do myself,” the admira} resumed. collected against me has been furnished him _by natives, who hope in this way to secure themselves with the man they believe to be the new viceroy. “But he will never be!” Columbus cried excitedly. ‘‘ The queen will never forsake me like that. You will explain to her. Keep nothing back. Tell ber everything! Speak just as you would to me. But ”—the Italian taised his finger in warning—“ only speak when you are alone. Mind you, in the pres- - ence of no one else!”’ Arthur understood that he meant King Ferdinand, but said nothing. Columbus resumed: “ You are to go im- mediately to Dofia de Torres, and she will arrange for your interview with the queen. The moment you reach Spain, seek out the court, and Donia de Torres. Your whole trip and mission must be secret. The queen would not receive you openly when the royal investigator is already working on the case. You must be very circumspect, and you must waste no time. My very life probably depends upon your forestalling Aguado’s reports.” Columbus looked inquirirgly at his silent listener, “What do you say?” he cried. Arthur did not speak, but shook his head doubtfully, ‘“* Much that Aguado has» GOMMlepoo (-) S CO@