He probably apprehended that this viceroy, when once master of the boundless wealth which was supposed to be nearly within his grasp, would become more powerful than his master, and might finally throw off his allegiance altogether.

But here was an opportunity, without any flagrant breach of faith, of eluding the bargain, by refusing, on very plausible grounds of policy, to reinstate Columbus immediately in his viceroyalty.

Isabella, who had always been his firm friend, would probably have refused to acquiesce in, any scheme for absolutely depriving him of his rights, but it was sufficiently obvious that just at present, while the colonists were excited against him, it would be prudent that some one else should take the reins of government.
COLUMBUS PLEADS HIS CAUSE BEFORE THE QUEEN.
The Queen granted Columbus a private audience.

He told his story with much simple eloquence--so pathetically, indeed, that his warmhearted mistress is said to have been moved to tears at the recital.

He described the difficulties which he had encountered and the machinations of the enemies who had been constantly thwarting him.