It is
still quite dark, and on the shore all Palos appears to be running about
with lanterns. Friar Juan is there to wring the hands of the one-time
wanderer who came to his gate, and to assure him that one of the Rabida
monks will conduct Columbus's little son Diego safely to Cordova.
Columbus is rowed out to the largest ship. He gives the command and
those ashore hear the pulling up of anchors, the hoisting of sails, and
the cutting of moorings. Then the flags are raised--the Admiral's with a
great cross in the center--and down the murky Tinto go the three little
caravels with their unwilling, frightened, human freight. Those on shore
turn tearfully into church to pray; and those aboard watch the dim
outline of Palos fade away; by and by they notice that the reddish Tinto
has become the blue ocean sparkling in the early sunshine; but no
sparkle enters their timid souls. They can only keep looking longingly
backward till the last tawny rocks of Spain and Portugal are left
behind, and then there is nothing to do but sigh and mutter a dismal
prayer. But Christopher's prayer is one of thankfulness.
CHAPTER IX
"LAND! LAND!"
On the fourth day out from Palos the _Pinta's_ rudder became loose,
and unless the damage could be speedily repaired the ship would soon be
a prey to current and wind.
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