"And you were the pilot for the Rahimi?"
"I am called the musallim.” A note of formality entered the Indian's voice and he instinctively drew himself more erect.
"Is that the pilot?"
"Yes, but more. Perhaps it is like your first mate. But I am in full charge of navigation for the nakuda, the owner. To you he would be captain."
"And what was your salary for the voyage?"
"I received two hundred rupees for the trip to Aden, and am allowed two extra cabins of goods for personal trade."
Hawksworth smiled resignedly to himself, remembering he had unquestioningly delivered to the nakuda a bag of Spanish rials of eight equivalent to five hundred Indian rupees to buy out the pilot's contract. Then he spoke.
"Tonight, we go upriver to Surat. You're still in my service and you'll be pilot."
"I had expected it. I know the river well."
"Will there be any Portugal traders on the river?" Hawksworth searched his eyes hoping to monitor their truthfulness.