Irritably and OneEye grinned and nodded, then without releasing Sean's

hand he began an impassioned speech to the other villagers. Sean

meanwhile was searching his memory for the name of one of the Portuguese

ports on this coast.

Nova Sofala, he shouted as he got it.

One-Eye broke off his speech abruptly and stared at Sean.Nova Sofala,

said Sean again pointing vaguely towards the east and One-Eye showed his

gums in his biggest grin yet.Nova Sofala, he agreed pointing with

authority and then it was only a matter of minutes before it was

understood between them that he would act as guide. Mubi saddled the

horses, One-Eye fetched a grass sleeping mat and a battle-axe from one

of the huts. Sean mounted and looked at Mubi to do the same but lubi

was acting strangely. Yes? Sean asked with resignation. What is it?

INkosi Mubi was looking at the branches of the tree above them. The Old

One could lead the packhorse. You can take it in turns, said Sean.

Hlubi coughed and transferred his eyes to the fingernails of his left

hand.

INkosi, is it possible that you will return to this village on the way

back from the sea? Yes, of course, said Sean, we'll have to leave the

Old One here. Why do you ask? I have a Thorn in my foot, Nkosi, it

gives me pain. If you do not require me I will wait here for you.

Perhaps the thorn wound will have healed by then Mubi looked up at the

tree again and shuffled his feet with embarrassment. Sean had not

noticed him limping and he was puzzled as to why Hlubi should start

malingering now. Then Hlubi could not stop himself from glancing at

where the girl stood in the circle of villagers. Her kilt was very

small and from the sides gave her no cover at all. Understanding came

to Sean and he chuckled.The thorn you have is painful, but it's not in

your foot Mubi shuffled his feet again. You said they were monkeys. .

. have you changed your mind? Sean asked. Nkosi, they are indeed

monkeys, Wubi sighed.

But very friendly monkeys. Stay then . . . but do not weaken

yourself too much.

We have mountains to cross on the way home.

One-Eye led the packhorse, this made him very proud.

Through tall grass, mangrove swamp and thick hot jungle, then through

white coral sand and the curving stems of palm trees, they came at last

to the sea. Nova Sofala was a fort with brass cannon and thick walls.

The sea beyond it was muddy brown from the estuary that flowed into it.

The sentry at the gates said, Madre de Dio'when he saw Sean, and took

him to the Commandant. The Commandant was a small man with

fever-yellowed face and a tired, sweat-darkened tunic. The Commandant

said, Madze de Dio, and shot his chair back from his desk. It took some

time for him to realize that contrary to appearance this dirty, bearded

giant was not dangerous. The Commandant could speak English and Sean

laid his problem before him.

For a certainty he could be of assistance. There were three Jesuit

missionaries in the fort, freshly arrived from Portugal and eager for

employment. Sean could take his pick but first he must bath, eat dinner

with the Commandant and help him sample the wines that had arrived on

the same boat as the missionaries. Sean thought that was a good idea.

At dinner he met the missionaries. They were young men, pink-faced

still, for Africa had not yet had a chance to mark them. All three of

them were willing to go with him and Sean selected the youngest, not for

his appearance but rather for his name. Father Alphonso had a heroic

ring to it. The Jesuits went early to bed and left the Commandant, the

four junior officers and Sean to the port. They drank toasts to Queen