ideas of civilization maintained. But it was an arduous task at all times:
and this Roldan did not furnish the least of the troubles which the
admiral and his brothers had to endure.


INSURRECTION OF ROLDAN.

Roldan, too, if we could hear him, would probably have something to say.
He wished, it appears, to return to Spain, as Father Buil and Margarite
had done; and urged that a certain caravel which the Governor Don
Bartholomew Columbus had built, might be launched for that purpose. Such
is the account of Ferdinand Columbus, who maintains that the said caravel
could not be lunched for want of tackle. He also mentions that Roldan
complained of the restless life the Adelantado led his men, building forts
and towns; and said that there was no hope of the admiral coming back to
the colony with supplies. Without going into these squabbles--and indeed
it is very difficult when a quarrel of this kind arises, taking it up at
the point where it breaks out, to judge it upon that only, since the
stream of ill-will may have run underground for a long time--suffice it to
say, that Roldan and his men grew more and more insubordinate; were not at
all quelled by the presence of the Adelantado on his return from Xaragua;
and finally quitted Isabella in a body. The Adelantado contrived to keep
some men faithful to him, promising them, amongst other things, two slaves
each. Negotiations then took place between the Adelantado and Roldan,
which must be omitted for the present, to enter upon the further dealing
of Don Bartholomew with the Indians.


FLIGHT OF GUARIONEX.