Has your Excellency any orders ?" Velasquez saw, by the innuendo in the words of Cortez, that the latter was aware of his intention to deprive him of his command.

He had no orders to give, for it was evident that Cortez would not obey them.

The latter therefore returned to his vessel, and the fleet instantly set sail for the port of Macaca.

This was in November, 1516.
The act of Cortez was doubtless one of insubordination; but, after he had embarked the whole of his resources in the expedition, and had received the command from the governor, this being ratified by the authorities of Hispaniola, it could hardly be expected that he would submit to disgrace and ruin being brought, not only upon himself, but upon all the friends who had aided him in the enterprise.

At Macaca Cortez laid in some more stores, and then sailed for Trinidad, an important town on the southern coast of Cuba.