ABSTRACT
Inasmuch as it was part of the plan laid down by Cogeatar to study at all times to obtain information of all Afonso Dalboquerque’s doings and intentions, he immediately became aware of the differences that had arisen between him and the captains, as well as of the remonstrances they had made to him. And at this very juncture four men deserted from the fleet, by whom he was better informed of all that161was going on, and that Afonso Dalboquerque had determined, on his return from the straits (whither he was bent upon going), to establish himself in Ormuz, and break out into opposition with the aid of the fortress, as soon as it was completed, and that he was constructing it against the opinion of the captains, and without their advice, because the king, D. Manuel, had not given him any instructions to build a fortress in Ormuz. Cogeatar, having long repented of having granted a site for the fortress, became highly rejoiced at their making these assertions that the captains and men of the fleet were displeased at it, for it grieved his heart excessively to have consented to it; and their certifying him that Afonso Dalboquerque was minded to establish himself in Ormuz conduced in no small degree to his repentance, for, if this event were to come to pass, he would remain without any government, and Afonso Dalboquerque would be lord of the kingdom. Cogeatar, then, excited at the false news of this design on the part of Afonso Dalboquerque, gave an account of the affair to certain noble Moors who were admitted to his most intimate friendship, to gather from them what course he ought to pursue in regard to it. And having talked it over with them, after two days he sent word by Pero Vaz Dorta, the factor, to Afonso Dalboquerque, that the rulers of the land were coming to him every day with heavy complaints, asserting that the real reason why he was building that fortress was, that he might rise up in rebellion by its aid and destroy Ormuz; and should it be so he would not permit another stone to be put upon it.
