ion; of his struggles
among rocks and forests to reach the shore; and he bitterly reproached
himself with the death of his faithful companion. While the crowd of
Spaniards were yet on the beach administering to the recovery of their
commander, they beheld steering into the harbour, a squadron of ships,
which they soon recognised as that of Nicuesa. Ojeda recollected at once
his quarrel; his valiant spirit was quelled by the hardships he had
suffered; he feared to meet his rival; and he directed his followers to
leave him concealed in the woods until the disposition of Nicuesa should
be known.--

"As the squadron entered the harbour, the boats sallied forth
to meet it. The first inquiry of Nicuesa was concerning Ojeda.
The followers of the latter replied, mournfully, that their
commander had gone on a warlike expedition into the country,
but days had elapsed without his return, so that they feared
some misfortune had befallen him. They entreated Nicuesa,
therefore, to give his word, as a cavalier, that should Ojeda
really be in distress, he would not take advantage of his
misfortunes to revenge himself for their late disputes.

"Nicuesa, who was a gentleman of noble and generous spirit,
blushed with indignation at such a request. 'Seek your
commander instantly,' said he; 'bring him to me if he be alive;
and I pledge myself not merely to forget the past, but to aid
him as if he were a brother.'

"When they met, Nicuesa received his late foe with open arms.
'It is not,' said he, 'for Hidalgos, like men of vulgar souls,
to remember past differences when they behold one another in
distress. Henceforth, let all that has occurred between us be
forgotten. Command me as a brother. Myself and my men are at
your orders, to follow you wherever you please, until the
deaths of Juan de la Cosa and his comrades are revenged.'

"The spirits of Ojeda were once more lifted up by this gallant
and generous offer. The two governors, no longer rivals, landed
four hundred of their men and several horses, and set off with
all speed for the fatal village. They approached it in the
night, and, dividing their forces into two parties, gave orders
that not an Indian should be taken alive."

Dreadful indeed was the carnage, and fierce the vengeance the two
commanders wreaked upon the natives. Having sacked the v