and being an intelligent man, with a keen eye to business, he at
once determined to become the broker of the Portuguese, hoping to make a
good profit by loading their ships. He offered to conduct them to
Cambay, of which he was a native, and showed much satisfaction when they
agreed to go there with him.

Sailing on, the ships came off the banks and shoals of Sofala, when the
Moor, by signs, warned them to keep a look-out for danger ahead.
Standing out to sea, the shoals were passed during the night. Shortly
afterwards they sighted another sail ahead, when the _Saint Raphael_,
edging out to sea to prevent her escape, quickly got up with her. The
boat being sent alongside, two blacks--cafres, as the Portuguese called
them--were brought on board the _Saint Raphael_. Immediately a boat was
dispatched to Paulo da Gama's ship to bring a black, a native of Guinea,
who sailed with him, that he might interpret. The blacks, though from
opposite sides of the coast, perfectly understood each other, showing
that at that period the language of Congo extended from the Atlantic to
the Indian Ocean.

The zambuk was laden with pigeons' dung, and was bound for Cambay, where
it is used in dyeing stuffs. The Captain-Major gave the blacks biscuit,
salt fish, and wine, which they ate and drank with evident satisfaction,
not refusing the wine as the Moor had done.

The vessel called a zambuk was probably the style of craft similar to
the dhow of the present day, with a high stern, the bow sharp and low,
and either perfectly open or partially decked over with light planking.

The Moor, Davane--which he said was his name--now informed the
Captain-Major that farther on they should come to a place of large size,
thickly peopled and with much trade, and that from thence he would
conduct them to Cambay, where he would load the ships with full cargoes
of drugs and spices, as it was a rich country, and the greatest kingdom
in the world.

The Captain-Major replied that he considered himself fortunate in having
met him, and swore that he would reward him richly for the work he
performed. Davane then advised him to follow the zambuk, the crew of
which, being acquainted with the navigation, would pilot the ships clear
of all dangers. Six Portuguese sailors were therefore sent on board
her, that no treacherous trick might be played, and the same number of
blacks brought to the _Saint Raphael_.

Although the zambuk's sails were of matting, sh