Even then they are delayed by storms and head-winds; and when they do arrive Roldan and his company will not embark in them.

The agreement has been broken; a new one must be made.

Columbus, returning to San Domingo after long and harassing struggles on the other end of the see-saw, gets news of this deadlock, and at the same time has news from Fonseca in Spain of a far from agreeable character.

His complaints against the people under him have been received by the Sovereigns and will be duly considered, but their Majesties have not time at the moment to go into them.

That is the gist of it, and very cold cheer it is for the Admiral, balancing himself on this turbulent see-saw with anxious eyes turned to Spain for encouragement and approval.
In the depression that followed the receipt of this letter he was no match for Roldan.