_ 166 _ Document III And because you will be pleased to be in his company, so that you can speak more fully of the matters we command you to discuss on our behalf. You will give him our letters and some things which we are sending him now, as a beginning and as a sign of amity. Whether or not you think that he and his good faith are entirely to be trusted, you must not go ashore without him giving you sureties because of what was done to Vasco da Gama, who was detained in Pantalayini. Also, because some of our goods that he was taking as samples, which he ordered to be put ashore, were taken from him, through no fault of his, as we believe, but at the request and by contrivance of some infidels, who did not wish him to succeed. So you are to ask him for these sureties, to remain in your ships until you return to them, and tell him that, from what you know of them you will be pleased if these are so and so and such and such; You will do everything you think best to ensure that some of our people see and can recognize the Indians you send so that when the King of Calicut sends them back they will be recognized and he cannot send you others in their place who are not of the same quality and standing, to which you will pay careful attention.
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