Final Answer:
Based upon the passage, Columbus suspects that the ship's master and sailors sabotaged the rudder, possibly due to their fear and reluctance to continue the challenging journey.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the passage, Columbus expresses suspicion toward the ship's master and sailors as potential saboteurs of the rudder. He mentions that they may have conspired against him due to their fear and unwillingness to continue the perilous voyage.
This suspicion arises from the challenging circumstances they faced, including the crew's anxiety and apprehension about the unknown journey ahead. Columbus, as the leader of the expedition, perceives the sabotage as a response to the crew's fears and reluctance to explore unfamiliar waters.
The passage does not explicitly state the reason behind the sabotage, but Columbus's suspicion is linked to the crew's apprehension and the challenges they encountered during the voyage. This adds a layer of tension and conflict within the crew, as Columbus grapples with the possibility of betrayal and sabotage from those under his command.
The dynamics between Columbus and the crew, driven by fear and uncertainty, contribute to the overall narrative and highlight the interpersonal challenges inherent in ambitious exploratory endeavors.
In summary, Columbus suspects that the ship's master and sailors sabotaged the rudder, driven by fear and reluctance to continue the challenging journey. This suspicion adds a dramatic element to the passage, reflecting the complexities of leadership and teamwork in the face of uncertainty and the unknown.