It was just
about the same food that a sailing vessel would carry to-day, with the
exception of tea and coffee; for Portugal had not then discovered the
lands from which these two beverages were to be introduced into Europe.
All these preparations were watched by two eager-faced boys who no doubt
often said to each other, "I hope father will think us old enough to go
with him on his next voyage!" For the Admiral had brought little Diego
and Fernando along to Sevilla and Cadiz, so that he might see them every
day before the long separation.
Finally, on September 25, 1493, all was ready and the anchors were
hoisted. How different it was from that first fearful sailing out of
Palos in 1492. This time the fleet was magnificent; seventeen vessels,
all newly calked and painted; about fifteen hundred men, all happy and
hopeful; and on shore, instead of a populace wringing its hands in
dismay, a populace cheering and making music and flying banners, and
actually envying the lucky ones who were starting off to the wonderful
new lands where they could pick up gold!
CHAPTER XIV
FINDING NEW ISLANDS
With the departure of this second expedition for the "western lands"
Columbus's brief season of glory ended. Neither home-comings nor
departures would ever be the same for him again; for behind him he left
a few jealous enemies, potent to do him harm, and with him he took men
of such unstable character that more enmity was sure to spring up.
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