"Chief Bruno, the steward's reply is here!..."
"Quick! Bring it here, let me see!..."
With Columbus shamelessly shouting away, the harbor that had already been streaming with people was now packed shoulder to shoulder. News of the new sea route stirred the atmosphere on the spot, hooking the greed and hunger for wealth in every heart. The crowd gathered to watch the spectacle probably numbered well over a thousand!
Faced with this "shameless scoundrel" who always blew matters up, Bruno could not very well simply lay hands on him and arrest or drive him away on his own authority. At once, he had sent men to ask Steward Nuno for instructions, and now, at last, the steward's reply had arrived!
"His Majesty is very displeased."
The steward's handwritten note contained only two sentences, and the first made Bruno's heart tremble. The second was even more concise, only six words.
"Give him mounts, make him get lost!..."
With such approval and backing secured, Bruno's gaze sharpened as he looked toward Columbus, who was still shouting at the top of his lungs, a few traces of fierceness showing on his face. Then he looked at his trusted men on either side and ordered them.
"Call over the harbor patrol, and the navy soldiers in the taverns too! Bring spears and clubs, and clear the place out for me!..."
"Confiscate a few donkeys and hand them to this seafaring scoundrel, then drive him off!..."
"Wait! I'll lead the men myself and slap that troublemaking scoundrel twice!..."
"Yes, chief!..."
Very soon, with the appearance of Portugal's official force, the Port of Lisbon, which had been noisy with crowds and laughter like it was Easter, rapidly sank into silence. The townsfolk watching the fun fled with practiced ease, the rabble-rousing sailor ruffians were knocked down