THE CONQUEST OF ESPANOLA We must now go back to the time when Columbus, having made what arrangements he could for the safety of Espanola, left it under the charge of his brother James.

Ojeda had duly marched into the interior and taken over the command of Fort St.Thomas, thus setting free Margarite, according to his instructions, to lead an expedition for purposes of reconnoitre and demonstration through the island.

These, at any rate, were Margarite's orders, duly communicated to him by Ojeda; but Margarite will have none of them.

Well born, well educated, well bred, he ought at least to have the spirit to carry out orders so agreeable to a gentleman of adventure; but unfortunately, although Margarite is a gentleman by birth, he is a low and dishonest dog by nature.

He cannot take the decent course, cannot even play the man, and take his share in the military work of the colony.