nence, said that from the top of it the southern sea was visible.

"Remain here!" commanded Balboa to his followers. "I must be first to gaze on the ocean.” With palpitating heart he began the ascent of the lone mountain-top. Would he behold the un

known sea; or was it all a delusion of the Indians? He climbed on, the summit was gained, and-0 joy! he was saved! he had carved his name forever

on the tablet of fame; for a glorious sea burst on his view. Below extended a vast chaos of rock and forest, green savannas and wandering streams, while afar the waters of a vast, unknown ocean glittered in the morning sun.

Enraptured, the grim warrior fell on his knees and thanked God that to himself was given the glory of this discovery. He called his followers to his side, and pointed to the ocean.

'Friends," he said, "behold that glorious sight, so long the desire of our hearts. Give thanks to God that to us is given this favor and advantage. Pray Him to guide us and aid us to conquer the sea and land which we have discovered, and which Christian man has never entered to preach the holy doctrines of the Evangelists. As to yourselves, be as you have hitherto been, faithful and true to me, and by the favor of Christ, you shall be the richest Spaniards that have come to the Indies; you will render the greatest service to your king that vassal ever did to his lord, and you will have the eternal glory and advantage of all that is here discovered, conquered, and converted to our holy Catholic faith.”

Followed by his men he descended the mountain, waded into the ocean up to his waist, and took possession of it in the name of his sovereign. What a change had come to Vasco Nuñez de Balboa in three

years! From a rash roister, a gambler and libertine, he was converted into a discreet, politic captain. He who had fled his creditors but a short time ago, was now the possessor of seas and lands. Thus it is that men are often made by their fortunes; their latent qualities are brought out, shaped and strengthened by the necessity of every exertion to cope with the greatness of their destiny.

FOR the present we must take leave of Balboa, in the flush of his glory, and return to San Domingo. Many incidents worthy of mention have transpired since Balboa's departure. Ojeda, who left Darien, landed at Cuba, at that time uncolonized, and finally arrived at San Domingo to die in poverty and neglect. In 1512, an event transpired which caused some comment and amusement. An old knight, called Ponce de Leon, deceived by Indian stories of a fabulous fountain which had the power of restoring youth to the aged, set out to find it. He failed in the object of his expedition, but discovered a beautiful land, which, from its flowers and the fact that it was discovered on Easter Sunday, he called Florida. As neither populous cities nor gold had been discovered, the land was thought to be too poor and insignificant to colonize.

A Florentine, who had accompanied Ojeda to the New World in 1507, returned to Europe and

published a book on the discoveries of Columbus, himself, and others. English, Spaniards, Germans, French, and Portuguese all read the wonderful book with avidity, and, by some uncontrollable law of circumstances, christened the New World by the first name of the author, Amerigo, or America, adding one more proof to the time-honored adage that the pen is more powerful than the sword.

Asking pardon for this digression, we will return to old friends and acquaintances. Estevan lived quietly at San Domingo with his wife and child. The boy grew strong and healthy. Cortez, the same rollicking, devil-may-care fellow, was a frequent visitor at his house, and became a great favorite with little Christopher Estevan. Before the baby was able to toddle about the house, he used to sit on the knee of Cortez, pull his whiskers, and crow with delight at the grimaces made by the young cavalier.

One day Don Diego Columbus, the admiral, came to Estevan's house and in course of conversation said:

"Estevan, I have determined on the conquest of Fernandina. Our mines are almost exhausted, and we need more territory for these restless spirits. Besides, the royal party, always at enmity with the

* The name originally given Cuba by the Spaniards.