40 
AFRICA AND ITS EXPLORATION. 
silver, and provisions. The next day Gama arrived at 
Melinda, a rich and flourishing city, whose gilded mina¬ 
rets, sparkling in the sunshine, and whose mosques of 
dazzling whiteness, stood out against a sky of the most 
intense blue. The reception of the Portuguese at Melinda 
was at first very cold, the capture of the barque the 
evening before being already known there, but as soon 
as explanations had been given, the people became 
cordial. The king’s son came to visit the admiral, ac¬ 
companied by a train of courtiers splendidly dressed, 
SYLVANNUS” MAP 
A.D.isil 
and a choir of musicians, who played upon various 
instruments. The greatest astonishment was shown at 
the artillery practice, for the invention of gunpowder 
was not yet known on the east coast of Africa. A 
solemn treaty was made, ratified by oaths upon the 
Gospel and the Koran, and cemented by an inter¬ 
change of presents. From this moment the ill-will, the 
treachery, the difficulties of all kinds which had hitherto 
beset the expedition, ceased as if by magic : this must 
be attributed to the generosity of the King of Melinda, 
and to the aid which he furnished to the Portuguese. 
Thus far Jules Verne. But we cannot follow Vasco 
