Realizing the important gains to be made from the passage discovered by Da Gama, the King of Portugal fitted out a great fleet which was loaded with European goods with which to carry on a lucrative business, and a man named Cabral was appointed its commander. As he knew how unsafe it was to sail along the African coast, he steered, as soon as he was on the other side of the equator, to the west, and, after keeping in that direction for some time, suddenly and much to his astonishment found himself on the coast of a great country. By accident he had discovered the rich Brazil. He took possession of it in the name of the King and sent one of his vessels back with the agreeable news. In this way was one part of America after another discovered, demonstrating more and more how correct were the grounds upon which Columbus’ conjectures rested. Chapter XIV Columbus Again Calumniated at the Spanish Court—Bobadilla is Ordered to San Domingo on a Tour of Investigation—He Sends Columbus Back to Spain in Fetters—Columbus Vindicated by his Sovereigns—Ovando Sails to the New Countries with a Fleet of Thirty-two Vessels Roldan and his followers did everything in their power to escape responsibility for the disorder which had occurred and fasten the blame upon Columbus. At the same time many malcontents returned to Spain angry because, in place of the riches they had expected, they had encountered only hardships and poverty. All of these people regarded Columbus as the sole cause of their blasted hopes, and accusations and curses were heaped upon him all over Spain. Encouraged by his powerful enemies, they overwhelmed the King and Queen with petitions for compensation for their losses and with complaints of the injustice and oppression they alleged they had suffered from him. Their ragged attire and pale, famished appearance aroused sympathy for them and lent their statements the appearance of truth. Whenever the King and Queen appeared in public a swarm of these unfortunates, instigated by the Admiral’s enemies, surrounded them, implored the royal mercy, and inveighed against Columbus. Is it surprising that a naturally credulous and suspicious King at last believed their accusations? Is it surprising also that the Queen herself, who had hitherto been Columbus’ steadfast patron, at last took sides against him?