_Columbus returns to Spain._
I have related how Pedro Margarite seized a ship, and, with some
others, fled to Spain. Here they found full exercise for their enmity
to Columbus. They accused him of many wicked acts, which, though
unfounded, obtained some credit, and served to lessen his
justly-acquired popularity.
The king and queen, thinking, perhaps, that all was not right,
despatched a man, by the name of Aguado, to see how matters stood, and
to assist in preserving the tranquillity of the colony.
No sooner had Aguado arrived at Isabella, than he began to assume a
tone of authority, and to treat Columbus as an inferior. Among other
things, he endeavored to hunt up accusations against him, which he
might present to the court of Spain on his return.
Perceiving what was going forward, and what was intended against him,
Columbus determined to return to Spain at the same time that Aguado
did. On the 10th of March, 1496, both embarked in different vessels.
After a fatiguing voyage of three months, they landed at Cadiz.
On his arrival in Spain, Columbus found that his enemies had been at
work in good earnest. They had spread various injurious reports about
his management. Although these reports had doubtless reached the king
and queen, they received him with great kindness, and treated him with
attention.
In the autumn of that year, a large sum of money was ordered to be
advanced to Columbus, in order to fit out another expedition under his
command. Various circumstances occurred, however, to delay the sailing
of the vessels, and it was not until the 30th of May, 1498, that
Columbus was enabled to leave Spain on his third voyage for the new
world.