e crews landed, and Mass
was performed by the two priests, the only survivors of six who had
embarked. The crews also confessed and received the Sacrament, and a
Mass was offered in praise of Vasco da Gama's patron Saint George.

The Captain-Major, who was a hot-tempered man, angry that the Sheikh had
not further communicated with him, then took it into his head to send
Nicolas Coelho back to Mozambique in a boat with cannon and well-armed
men, to ask him for a pilot; and should he refuse to supply one, to fire
at the Moorish vessels, and send them to the bottom.

In this, however, he was overruled by his brother Paulo. The wind
becoming favourable, they proceeded on their voyage along the coast.
The remaining pilot told them that he would conduct the ships to a great
city named Quiloa, abounding in wealth, where he stated that numerous
Christian traders resided. This he said with a treacherous design,
intending, in revenge for having been put in irons, to deliver them into
the hands of the people, hoping that they would all be killed.

Again Davane, who by this time could express himself very clearly in
Portuguese, warned the Captain-Major of the pilot's treacherous plan.

The pilots and masters were therefore charged to be on the watch, Vasco
da Gama threatening to put out the eyes of the pilot should the ship
strike upon a shoal. Notwithstanding this, the pilot, even though he
should die on the spot, had resolved to wreck the ships.

Sailing on, they came off Quiloa, where it was the intention of the
pilot to carry out his design; but a contrary wind springing up, the
ships were driven out to sea, and so, avoiding the danger, continued on
along the coast until they reached Bombaza (Mombas), a large commercial
city. Unable to enter the river, the ships came to an anchor outside
the bar. The King of Mombas had already received a message from the
Sheikh of Mozambique, saying that the Portuguese were Christians and
robbers, and came as spies to the countries they visited. The King
consequently, though resolved to destroy them, to throw them off their
guard, treacherously sent a large boat laden with fowls, sheep,
sugarcanes, citrons, and large sweet oranges, with an envoy inviting
them to enter the harbour, and sending also two pilots to conduct them.

Excusing himself, Vasco da Gama sent two convicts, intelligent men, to
see the city, and ascertain if there were any Christians residing there.
The men were co