Several years passed before guides were sentto Ghisolfi, but in the spring of 1496 they reached the mouth of the [[Miyusha]] and [[Taigana]] rivers, where Zacharias was to meet them four weeks after [[Easter]]. It had been arranged that in the event of either party reaching the rendezvous before the other, the first should wait until [[Whitsuntide]], and if need be until [[Feast of Saints Peter and Paul|Peter and Paul's Day]]. The guides waited until [[St. Nicholas]]' Day (Dec. 6), when they learned that Ghisolfi was unable to advance on account of disturbances among his people, for "the man Zacharias is substantial, his family is great, and probably it is difficult to induce them to move." In his report to Ivan, the Crimean ambassador declared that, out of friendship for Muscovy, the khan Meñli I Giray would take Ghisolfi under his protection, but expressed concern due to Ghisolfi's having antagonized the Turks, who were the khan's overlords.<ref>ib. pp. 77-114.</ref>
From subsequent events, it is evident that Ghisolfi entered the service of the khan, for further negotiations were carried on, and in April 1500, Ivan, instructing his ambassador, refers to Ghisolfi as "Zacharias the Fryazin,"<ref>i.e., "the Italian".</ref> who had lived in [[Circassia]] and is now in the service of [[Meñli I Giray]], but who never reached Russia."<ref>ib. p. 309.</ref>
