By the end of July the provisions and stores were on board, the whole complement of eighty-seven persons collected and enlisted, and only the finishing touches left for Columbus.

It is a sign of the distrust and fear evinced with regard to this expedition, that no priest accompanied it--something of a sorrow to pious Christopher, who would have liked his chaplain.

There were two surgeons, or barbers, and a physician; there were an overseer, a secretary, a master-at-arms; there was an interpreter to speak to the natives of the new lands in Hebrew, Greek, German, Chaldean or Arabic; and there was an assayer and silversmith to test the quality of the precious metals that they were sure to find.

Up at La Rabida, with the busy and affectionate assistance of the old Prior, Columbus made his final preparations.

Ferdinand was to stay at Cordova with Beatriz, and to go to school there; while Diego was already embarked upon his life's voyage, having been appointed a page to the Queen's son, Prince Juan, and handed over to the care of some of the Court ladies.