_ 34 _ The further out we went the more they followed us, calling on us to wait for them. When we had anchored in the roadstead off the island, from which the boat had come, seven or eight of their boats or almadias approached us. The crews were blowing some anafils [Moorish trumpets] that they had brought, and indicating to us to go further inshore and they would take us into the port if we so wished. These came aboard our ships and ate and drank what we were having. When they became tired they left. The captains conferred and decided to enter the bay to learn what sort of people we were dealing with. Meanwhile, Nicolau Coelho was to go with his ship and take soundings at the bar and if there was sufficient clearance they would enter. When Nicolau Coelho attempted to approach the island he broke his rudder. No sooner had his ship hit the bank than he freed himself and made for the open sea. I was with him at the time. When we were again in deep water, we furled our sails and dropped anchor two bow-shots from the village. The people of this country are of ruddy complexion and fine physique. They belong to the Mohammedan religion and speak like Moors. Their clothing is of very fine linen
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