_ 506 _ Highness’s naus, as this could be done with added authority through this letter. I told His Holiness that the Cairo route was the most suitable, if a person could be found who knew it or was prepared to attempt it. He begged me to take steps to find him such a person and arrange everything for the venture with Cardinal Amulio. I could find no one better qualified than Antonio Pinto who had recently come from Cairo to ransom his Portuguese companions, who were captives. Up till that moment he was not keen, but he now found the offer of the aforementioned expedition acceptable. I told that him it would be a service to Your Highness, and, in a sense, I ordered him to do it on your behalf. For this part, he seems courageous and satisfied, and because of his determination, I believe he will accomplish it very well. As a former slave of the Turk who was free, and who enjoys great privileges for this reason, he will ask the Pasha of Cairo for a safe-conduct to go to Abyssinia, explaining that his brother, from whose estate he is hoping to receive money has died there. He swears, and I believe him, that the Turks will give him the safe-conduct without difficulty and that he will be able to travel in disguise and bring back with him the
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