270 THE STORY. OF COLUMBUS AND THE WORLD’S FAIR. | 
no caravel with Escobar had arrived in port; that it was only a 
phantasm conjured up by Columbus, who was well versed in 
magic. He reminded them it was said to have come just at dusk, 
and held communication with no one but the admiral, and then 
disappeared us suddenly as it came. Did they believe, had tt 
been a real vessel, that Columbus would not have embarked at 
once with his brother and son? This sort, of language shows 
clearly how superstitious that age was, when men could be 
persuaded that such illusions could be successfully carried out. 
‘He continued to work upon their fears, until he convinced 
them of the folly of hoping for relief, but dreading lest they 
should, on reflection, let commonsense resume its Sway, he 
‘marched them to an Indian village, Maima, a mile from the ship, — 
and boldly proposed to them to plunder the stores left on board 
the wreck, and take the admiral prisoner. 
The latter, however, had again been warned. -Bartholomew, 
"with fifty followers, did battle, and Sanchez was killed and Porras 
taken prisoner. The Adelantado came back in triumph. Many 
of the rebels fell under his fire, while those who were left, sent 
a most abject petition to the admiral confessing their crimes, 
- begging for mercy, and calling down the most awful punishment 
upon themselves if they ever again failed to serve him faithfully. 
~ No one who studies the character of this great man, can doubt 
what his answer was. aes : : 
This was the last incident of importance, for at the end of 
- the year two ships, one equipped at Columbus’ own expense, —