He had arrived in Spain after Columbus had sailed again, and had presented himself at court with his two nephews, Ferdinand and Diego, both of whom were now in the service of Prince Juan as pages.

Ferdinand and Isabella seem to have received Bartholomew kindly.

They liked this capable navigator, who had much of Christopher's charm of manner, and was more a man of the world than he.

Much more practical also; Ferdinand would be sure to like him better than he liked Christopher, whose pompous manner and long-winded speeches bored him.

Bartholomew was quick, alert, decisive and practical; he was an accomplished navigator--almost as accomplished as Columbus, as it appeared.