owing no other course to take to shun the People. And as we went
still forwards we saw Coracan Corn, sowed in the Woods, but neither
Towns nor People; nor so much as the Voice of Man. But yet we were
somewhat dismayed, knowing that we were now in a Countrey inhabited
by Malabars. The Wanniounay or Prince of this People for fear pay
Tribute to the Dutch, but stands far more affected towards the King
of Cande. [But do what they can to avoid them.] Which made our care
the greater to keep our selves out of his hands; fearing lest if he
did not keep us himself, he might send us up to our old Master. So
that great was our terror again, lest meeting with People we might be
discovered. Yet there was no means now left us how to avoid the Danger
of being seen. The Woods were so bad, that we could not possibly
Travel in them for Thorns; and to Travel by Night was impossible,
it being a dark Moon, and the River a Nights so full of Elephants
and other wild Beasts coming to drink; as we did both hear and see
laying upon the Banks with a Fire by us. They came in such Numbers
because there was Water for them no where else to be had, the Ponds
and holes of Water, nay the River it self in many places being dry.

[As yet undiscovered.] There was therefore no other way to be taken
but to Travel on in the River. So down we went into the Sand, and put
on as fast as we could set our Legs to the ground, seeing no People
(nor I think no body us), only Buffaloes in abundance in the Water.

CHAP. XI.

Being in the Malabar Territories, how they encountred two Men,
and what passed between them. And of their getting safe unto the
Dutch Fort. And their Reception there, and at the Island Manaar,
until their Embarking for Columbo.

[They met with two Malabars. To whom they relate their Condition.] Thus
we went on till about three of the Clock afternoon. At which time
coming about a Point, we came up with two Bramins on a sudden, who were
sitting under a Tree boyling Rice. We were within forty paces of them;
when they saw us they were amazed at us, and as much afraid of us as we
were of them. Now we thought it better Policy to treat with them than
to flee from them; fearing they might have Bows and Arrows, whereas
we were armed only with Axes in our hands, and Knives by our sides;
or else that they might raise the Countrey and pursue us. So we made
a stand, and in the Chingulay Language asked their leave to come near
to treat with them,