_ 98 _ which were in the middle of the chapel nave. Beyond the church, we also found a stone well that was also carved, from which we took as much water as we wished. Dominating the entire island was an enormous cistern four braças high, and we also found a beach in front of the church, where we cleaned and tarred the Berrio and the captain-major's ship. The S. Rafael was not drawn up on the beach because of the inconveniences described below. One day when we were in the Berrio which was drawn up on the beach, two large boats resembling foists approached, carrying a great many infidels. They were propelled by oars and came playing drums and shawms, with their standards atop their masts. Another five remained along the coast for their protection. Before the ships arrived, we asked those who were travelling with us, what race and what kind of men they were. They told us not to allow them to set foot aboard because they were robbers and had come to capture us if they could. The men of that country went about armed and were keen on boarding ships. When they were aboard, if they thought that they were strong enough, they took over the vessel. When they were within range of our bombard, the S. Rafael and the captain-major's carrack fired on them. They then began to shout "Tamberam", indicating that
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