ailed straight to
the Isle of Pearls. Here he gained tidings of his friend and proceeded
at once to Chicama, where the two commanders at length met, and each
recounted his adventures.

[Illustration: Almagro wounded in the eye]

After much consultation over what was next to be done, Pizarro decided
to remain where he was while Almagro returned to Panama for fresh
supplies, and so ended the first expedition. But when Almagro reached
Panama he found the Governor anything but inclined to favour him and his
schemes, and but for the influence of De Luque there would have been an
end to their chance of discovering Peru. Fortunately, however, he was
able to settle the difficulties with Pedrarias, who for about 2,500_l._
gave up all claim to any of the treasures they might discover, and
ceased to oppose their plans. A memorable contract was then entered into
by Father De Luque, Pizarro, and Almagro, by which the two last solemnly
bound themselves to pursue the undertaking until it was accomplished,
all the lands, gold, jewels, or treasures of any kind that they might
secure to be divided between the three, in consideration of the funds
which De Luque was to provide for the enterprise. Should they fail
altogether, he was to be repaid with every morsel of property they might
possess. This being arranged, two vessels were bought, larger and
stronger than the ones with which they had started before, and a greater
supply of stores put on board, and then a proclamation was made of 'an
expedition to Peru.' But the citizens of Panama showed no great
readiness to join it, which was, perhaps, not surprising, seeing that of
those who had volunteered before only three-fourths had returned, and
those half-starved. However, in the end about one hundred and sixty men
were mustered, with a few horses and a small supply of ammunition, of
which there was probably very little to spare in the colony. The two
captains, each in his own vessel, sailed once more, and this time having
with them an experienced pilot named Ruiz, they stood boldly out to sea,
steering direct for the San Juan River. This was reached without
misadventure, and from the villages on its banks Pizarro secured a
considerable store of gold and one or two natives. Much encouraged by
this success, the two chiefs felt confident that if this rich spoil, so
soon acquired, could be exhibited in Panama it would draw many
adventurers to their standard, as a larger number of men was abso