asury soon made his appearance, and sending for a
money-changer, weighed all the money, and proved it with his
touchstones, setting a value on each coin which the clerk wrote down.
It was found to be higher than in Portugal. A price was then set upon
each article of merchandise separately, on which a large profit was
made.

The overseer of the treasury then inquired whether they wished to begin
weighing at once, and on their replying "Yes," he ordered a large number
of sacks of pepper to be brought. These were weighed, and sent off to
the ships.

As evening approached, the overseer requested the factor to say what
goods were required for the next day, that he might have them ready.
Accordingly Pedro da Braga was sent back to learn this from the
Captain-Major, and to give a report of the transactions which had been
concluded.

It should have been said that two armed boats were sent from the ships,
which, as they could not on account of the surf reach the shore, were
anchored outside, with guns in their bows to protect the factory, the
people being carried ashore in the light native skiffs.

Vasco da Gama having received a hint that the natives were great rogues,
resolved to outwit them by leading them to suppose the Portuguese to be
so ignorant that they might easily be cheated, and thus greatly to
desire their return to the country. He therefore directed the factor to
receive any goods offered, and to pay whatever price might be asked, and
always to appear perfectly satisfied.

The trading was carried on day after day. Pepper, being the heaviest,
was the first article obtained. Ginger was next purchased; but it was,
in order to preserve it, covered with clay. More than a due proportion
had, however, been put on, of which the factor was aware; but according
to the orders he had received, he did not complain, but desired that it
should be surrounded by more clay, that it might keep the better, paying
for it as though it was all ginger.

Cinnamon was next offered. The factor said he would rather wait, but
the overseer of the treasury declared that as it was ready it must be
received. When it came it was found to consist of old cinnamon of bad
quality, done up in packages of sticks and mats. The factor again
pretended not to notice the way he was cheated, but sent word to the
Captain-Major, who directed him to take even worse goods.

These were afterwards offered, much of the pepper being mouldy and unfit