ABSTRACT
At the end of the two days which Cogeatar had required that he might send the Christians, Afonso Dalboquerque, who perceived they were not likely to come, sent him word by Gaspar Rodriguez, that he desired him earnestly to return his men, and not make any further delay, for he would not put up with it any longer. So Gaspar Rodriguez went to land, and delivered his messages to Cogeatar, who, after conversing with him for some time upon the subject, bade him inform the chief captain that he must send back certain Moors who had been captured in the destruction of the vessels, as they were his servants, and a written deed promising not to bring the deserters to justice, and then he would send them back at once, for he was not desirous of making war upon him, but of maintaining peace and friendship; for they were all vassals of the King of Portugal, and he would always continue in obedience to him; and thereupon he added many other words to the end that his deceitfulness might take effect. Gaspar Rodriguez returned with this reply, and told Afonso Dalboquerque that Cogeatar had caused the Christians to be exhibited to him, in very good trim, and to all appearance so well satisfied with themselves, that in spite of all the promises of Cogeatar, he would affirm that they would not be restored to him. For all that Afonso Dalboquerque was quite well 168aware of his tricks and lies, he continued to dissemble with him, for he was anxious to know from the fugitives who it was who had incited them to fly; and that nothing should remain untried, he sent Gaspar Rodriguez back again with the written deed which had been demanded of him for security, and desired to be informed where they should land the Moors, for he would send them back to him without delay.
