A boat was lowered, and the captain went ashore with a strong crew, all armed to the teeth.

Francis accompanied him.

The natives were sullen in their manner, but expressed a willingness to trade, and to exchange hides and wine for cloth.
"We may as well do a little barter," the captain said, as they rowed back towards the ship.

"The port is not often visited, and the road across the island is hilly and rough, so they ought to be willing to sell their goods cheaply." "They did not seem pleased to see us, nevertheless," Francis said.
"No; you see the Genoese have got a footing in the island, and of course they represent us to the natives as being robbers, who would take their island if we got the chance.

All round these coasts and islands the people are partisans either of Venice or Genoa.