_ 92 _ and took charge of those who were to be positioned in the awning. He entrusted the deck to João Rodrigues Pessanha son of Manual Pessanha, and to his brother Jorge Pessanha. The front turret was to be defended by the fleet’s factor, whose name was Francisco de Novais. In the meantime, the Roumeliote ships were approaching, firing heavily at Dom Lourenco’s ship. When the boatswain, who was in the boat, saw that he did not wish to save himself, he did not want to wait any longer, in fear of the enemy, and rowed towards the place where the other captains had dropped anchor. The latter were unable to rescue Dom Lourenco, on account of the strong currents and the absence of wind, although they ardently wished to do so specially Payo de Sousa, who was still trying to go back. Pero Barreto, who had dropped anchor behind the others was the first to catch sight of the boatswain making his way towards them and asked him what he was doing. The boatswain, who did not wish to say he was running away said that Dom Lourenco had sent him to ask for help. He climbed aboard and told him what was happening there, Pero Barreto went to Diogo Pires galley at once, in the boat, accompanied by Duarte de Melo. Learning
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