, and these so eager to
return home that their leader was forced to give up the quest. He sought
the island of Trinidad, near the coast of South America, and there, as
governor, he dwelt for years, keeping alive in his soul the dream of some
day going again in search of El Dorado.

While Berreo was thus engaged, there dwelt in England a man of romantic
and adventurous nature named Walter Raleigh. He became afterwards famous
as Sir Walter Raleigh, and for many years devoted himself to the attempt
to plant an English colony on the coast of North America. On this project
he spent much time and money, but ill-fortune haunted him and all his
colonies failed. Then he concluded to cross the ocean himself and restore
his wasted wealth by preying on the Spanish treasure-ships, after the
fashion of the bold Sir Francis Drake. But Queen Elizabeth put an end to
this project by clapping him in prison, on a matter of royal jealousy.
While one of the queen's lovers, he had dared to marry another woman.

While Raleigh lay in prison, some of the ships of the fleet he had fitted
out came back with a Spanish galleon they had taken, so richly laden with
costly goods that the whole court was filled with delight. Part of the
spoils went to the queen and another part to Raleigh, and when at length
he was released from his prison-cell his mind was set on winning more of
the American gold. The stories of El Dorado and its marvellous city were
then in great vogue, for Berreo had but lately returned from his
expedition--with no gold, indeed, but with new tales of marvel he had
gathered from the Indians.

It was now the year 1594. Raleigh was but forty-two years of age, in the
prime of life and full of activity and energy. His romantic turn of mind
led him to a full belief in the stories that floated about, and he grew
eager to attempt the brilliant and alluring adventure which Berreo had
failed to accomplish. Though the Spaniard had failed, he had opened up
what might prove the track to success. Raleigh had sent various
expeditions to the New World, but had never crossed the ocean himself. He
now decided to seek Guiana and its fairyland of gold.

A small vessel was sent in advance, under command of Raleigh's friend,
Jacob Whiddon, to feel the way and explore the mouth of the Orinoco, which
was deemed to be the gateway to the golden realm. Whiddon stopped at
Trinidad, and found Berreo, then its governor, very kindly and cordial.
But, on one pre