CHAPTER XII 137

Guzman's Second Administration--A Masterful Politician--Decline of Cuban Welfare--An Interregnum in the Governorship--The Coming of De Soto--His Imposing Arrival at Santiago--Progress Across the Island--Vasco Porcallo de Figueroa Made De Soto's Lieutenant--Cuba a Stepping Stone to Florida--De Soto's Removal from Santiago to Havana--Organization of the Florida Expedition--Report of the First Scouts--Departure of De Soto--Lady De Soto's Faithful Watch--Tragic Fate of the Explorer--Evil Effects upon Cuba--Serious Trouble with the Indians--Intrigues of Guzman and Bishop Sarmiento.