d at the entrance of the river, a hole was made in it, into
which a marble pillar was fixed, six of which having been brought out
for the purpose of being thus erected.  On the base of each pillar were
two escutcheons, one the arms of Portugal, and on the opposite side a
representation of the globe, together with an inscription, "Of the
Lordship of Portugal, Kingdom of Christians."

Vasco da Gama, pleased with the diligence shown by his officers and men,
called them together, entreating them to be of good courage, and not to
allow the thoughts of treason--so hateful to God--to enter their hearts;
and, being aware that it was from faint-heartedness that they had given
way before, he forgave them.  He pictured to them the joy they would
feel when, on their return to Portugal, he would present them to the
King, and describe their dangers and labours.

With tears of joy they exclaimed, "May the Lord, in His great mercy, so
will it!"  Returning to their ships, the anchors were weighed, and, with
a fair breeze, on the 24th of February, 1498, they sailed out of the
river.

After running along the coast for some distance, they sighted a sail,
which, on observing, they stood out to sea; but it was lost sight of
during the night.  Proceeding on, when close to land they arrived off a
large creek, near the mouth of which they saw a zambuk at anchor.  On
this Vasco da Gama ordered the ships to heave to, and sent a boat in
chase of a canoe which was seen leaving the zambuk, carrying her crew,
who were trying to escape, on shore.  She was soon overtaken, when the
six blacks who were on board her threw themselves into the sea.  One
Moor alone remained on board, he being unable to swim.  He wore on his
head a round skull-cap, made of silk of various colours, sewn with gold
thread, and small rings in his ears.  His shirt was of white stuff, and
a girdle of  cloth was fastened round his waist.

The Portuguese, taking him into their boat, went to the zambuk; but she
was empty, the Moor having been about to freight her with a cargo f