_ 224 _ with a great deal of noise and left by the Guazil’s gate. The Captain and the Ouvidor, who were watching all this, heard the disturbance and rushed to the gate to prevent it from closing. The interpreter, Simao Ferreira, carried out his function quickly with the Guazil, and the Vicar went down to the lady, whom Matias de Albuqerque had placed in his care. Matias de Albuquerque alone protected the two through the darkness and corridors, which he did not know, until she arrived at the gate, where the Captain and the Ouvidor took charge of her. They took her to the house of Simao da Costa, the Superintendent of the King’s Exchequer, a man much respected and of much authority in the city, who lived near the fortress. The noise made by the Moors increased, as did that made by our own people, who also approached. Matias de Albuquerque had the Guazil ordered to quieten his people, so that the matter could be discussed on the following day. The Guazil was pleased and quietened the tumult. Matias de Albuquerque withdrew to the fortress, leaving a strong guard on the rooms where Bifatima was. and where she was delighted in the extreme to find herself. Early the next morning the King and about five thousand Moors were at the gate of Reis Barbadin, the
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