_ 14 _ Lanzarote. In the early hours we reached the Terra Alta, where we spent about two hours fishing. When dusk fell the following evening we were opposite the Rio de Ouro [Gold River]. That night the fog was so thick that Paulo da Gama and the whole fleet were scattered in all directions. When dawn broke, there was no sign either of his or the other ships, so we made our way to the Cape Verde islands, because we had been given orders that anyone who became separated should follow that route. The following Sunday morning we caught sight of Salt island, and an hour later we saw three ships, which we went to meet. Among them we found the supply ship with Nicolau Coelho and Bartolomeu Dias, who was travelling with us as far as Mina. These had also become separated from the captain. When we had met up, we continued our journey, but the wind dropped and we were becalmed until the following Wednesday. Then at ten o'clock we sighted the captain about five leagues ahead of us, and in the afternoon we came within hailing distance and gave expression to our great joy by firing off many guns and blowing out trumpet, all because of our great relief at finding him. The next day, which was Thursday, we arrived at Santiago island where, with great jubilation and rejoicing, we dropped anchor in the port of Santa Maria. There we
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