and eat and drink, to banish his fears. At length the negro
appeared to have overcome his alarm, on which da Gama induced him to
point out by signs where his people were to be found. Having given him
a cap and some beads and bells, the Captain-Major ordered him to be set
at liberty, making signs to him to return to his companions and tell
them that if they would come they would receive similar articles.

The negro, fully comprehending what was desired, set off, and returned
with a dozen men, to whom various presents were made. They appeared,
however, not to value articles of gold and silver and spices. The next
day upwards of forty more came, and were so familiar, that a man-at-arms
named Fernando Veloso begged permission to accompany them, and obtain
more information about their country. While he was gone, Coelho
remained on shore to look after the crews, who were collecting wood and
catching lobsters, while da Gama, not to be idle, went in chase of some
young whales. Having speared a whale, the rope being made fast to the
bow of the boat, the animal in its struggles nearly upset her, but
fortunately running into shallow water, offered no further resistance.

As it was getting late in the day, the boats were about to return to the
ships, when, just as they were shoving off, Vasco da Gama saw Fernando
Veloso, who was somewhat of a braggadocio, coming rapidly down the hill,
looking every now and then behind him. On this the Captain-Major
directed Coelho, whose boat was nearest, to pull in and take him off.
The sailors, however, for the sake of frightening Fernando, rowed on
slowly.

Before he reached the beach two negroes sprang out and seized him, when,
as matters were becoming serious, some sailors leaping on shore struck
right and left at Fernando's assailants in a way which brought blood
from their noses. Perceiving how their companions were being treated, a
number of other negroes rushed out, very nearly catching the boaster,
and began throwing stones and shooting arrows at Coelho's boat. Fearing
that matters might grow serious, Vasco da Gama rowed in to try and
pacify the natives; but before he could do so he received an arrow
through his leg, and the master of the _Saint Gabriel_ and two seamen
were also wounded.

Finding that nothing could induce the natives to be friendly, and
Veloso, having been rescued, Vasco da Gama ordered the boats to return
to the ship, and then sent back a party of crossbow-m