(Continuing from Part 05)
After killing the lion and taking its skin, Xury and I continued sailing south along the African coast.
For ten or twelve days, we traveled almost without stopping.
Our food supplies were becoming smaller, so we ate very carefully. We went ashore only when we needed fresh water.
I hoped to reach the area near the Senegal or Gambia River, not far from Cape Verde. I knew that European trading ships often passed through those waters.
If we could find one, perhaps its captain would rescue us.
But if we failed, I did not know what would happen.
We could try to reach the Cape Verde Islands, but our boat was small, and we had no proper instruments to determine our position.
I had learned some navigation during my first voyage to Africa. Unfortunately, I did not have the equipment needed to use that knowledge.
So I continued following the coastline.
After several more days, we began to see signs of people living near the shore.
One morning, we noticed several people standing on the beach, watching our boat.
They were Black Africans, and most wore little or no clothing.
I wanted to approach them, but Xury was worried.
“No go, no go,” he said.
I understood his fear. We did not know these people, and we could not speak their language.
Still, we needed food.
I steered the boat closer to shore, keeping enough distance to escape if necessary.
The people began walking along the beach, following us.
One man carried a long spear, but the others did not appear to have weapons.
I tried to communicate with them by making signs.
I pointed toward my mouth and stomach, hoping they would understand that we were hungry.
They seemed to understand.
Two men ran inland while the others waited.
After about half an hour, the men returned carrying dried meat and grain.
I was grateful, but I was still afraid to land.
The people also seemed uncertain about approaching us.
Finally, they placed the food on the beach and moved away.
Xury and I brought our boat close enough to collect it.
We carried the food aboard and made signs to thank them.
I wished I had something to give them in return.
Then an unexpected event gave me an opportunity to help.
Suddenly, two large wild animals came running down from the hills.
One appeared to be chasing the other.
The people on the beach became frightened.
Most ran away, although the man carrying the spear remained where he stood.
The animals rushed into the sea and began swimming.
I could not identify them clearly.
They were large and powerful, and I feared they might attack our boat.
One began swimming toward us.
I quickly loaded my gun and told Xury to prepare the others.
When the animal came close enough, I aimed and fired.
The shot struck it.
The creature struggled violently in the water, leaving blood around it.
Then it sank beneath the surface.
The other animal turned away and swam toward the shore.
The people on the beach were astonished.
They had probably never heard a gun before, and its loud noise frightened them almost as much as the animals.
For a moment, they stood still.
Then they began shouting and making excited movements.
I tried to show them that they were safe.
The dead animal soon floated back to the surface.
I pointed toward it and made signs that they could take it.
Several men entered the water and pulled the animal onto the beach.
They examined it with great interest.
I could not tell exactly what kind of creature it was, although it appeared to be a large leopard.
The people began cutting it open.
They wanted the meat, but I was interested in the skin.
Through signs, I asked whether I could have it.
They agreed.
While some of them worked on the animal, others brought us more food and fresh water.
I was delighted.
They gave us roots, grain, and other things that we could eat.
They also filled our water containers.
I had no money or valuable goods to offer them, but they seemed pleased that I had killed the dangerous animal.
Before we left, they gave me its skin.
I accepted it gratefully and carried it aboard.
Our little boat was now better supplied than it had been for many days.
I felt encouraged.
The people had treated us kindly, despite our fear of approaching them.
I thanked them again with signs, and then Xury and I raised our sail.
We continued south.
For several more days, we followed the coastline, hoping to see a European ship.
I knew that ships traveling between Europe, Africa, Brazil, and the East Indies often passed near Cape Verde.
This was our best chance of rescue.
One morning, I noticed that the shape of the coast had changed.
The land stretched out into the sea, and I believed we might be approaching the Cape Verde region.
Farther out, I thought I could see distant islands.
I began wondering whether we should leave the coast and sail toward them.
But this would be dangerous.
If we missed the islands, we might be carried far into the Atlantic Ocean.
Our food and water would not last long enough for such a journey.
I was still considering what to do when Xury suddenly called out.
“Master! Master! A ship!”
I turned and looked toward the open sea.
At first, I could see nothing.
Then I noticed a distant vessel.
It was sailing across the water, some distance from us.
My heart began beating quickly.
This might be the opportunity we had been waiting for.
I immediately turned our boat toward the ship.
We raised as much sail as possible and tried to approach it.
But the vessel was far away.
For a time, I feared that it would disappear before anyone noticed us.
I waved and made every signal I could.
Xury watched anxiously beside me.
Then, to my great relief, the ship changed its course.
It appeared that someone aboard had seen us.
The vessel began moving toward our little boat.
As it came closer, I recognized its appearance.
It was a Portuguese ship.
I could hardly believe our good fortune.
After so many days of danger, hunger, and uncertainty, we might finally be safe.
But I still wondered what kind of people we would meet aboard.
Would they help two strangers in a small boat?
Or would our troubles continue?
I waited nervously as the great ship approached.