He made overtures for a reconciliation to Porras, and endeavoured to persuade the mutineers to return on board the ships.

But these overtures were scornfully repulsed and the admiral's messengers were sent back with threats of force.

As for the caravel, Porras had little difficulty in persuading his credulous followers that it was merely an apparition which Columbus had conjured up by magic arts; and such was the reputation for sorcery which the admiral had acquired by his astronomical observations, that even the sight and taste of some tangible bacon (half of that present from Ovando of which we have heard) which he sent as a peace offering to the mutineers, failed to convince them of the material character of the supposed phantom ship.
RESORT TO ARMS.
Soon, however, the differences between the rival parties were brought to an issue.

The Adelantado received information that Porras was planning a descent on the ships, with the object of seizing the stores and capturing the admiral.

Resolving to anticipate this attack, he placed himself at the head of fifty[25] devoted partisans of Columbus, and sallied out to engage the mutineers.