_ 108 _ this proved impossible, since there was such a strong easterly wind that our ships were in danger. Furthermore, they were unable to enter into the most sheltered part of the harbour, because this was already taken up by other ships; both native and foreign about sixty of them. They were therefore forced to drop anchor almost outside the harbour; because of the storm, it took quite some time to anchor the fleet securely, as there were some ships which required no less than four anchors. The storm and the resulting delay were the first obstacle which prevented us from capturing the city, for if we had attacked at once the Arabs would not have dared to defend themselves, such was their fear at our sudden arrival. In fact, there were not even any gates at the gateway which faced the sea. But when Mira Mergena saw that our men were not going to attack him, he at once sent for help from the mainland, and fortified the city as best he could. After the wind had died down, he tried to play for time by pretending he wanted peace, and by sending an Arab from Cannanore to ask the governor who he was and what he wanted. The Governor replied that he was commander-in-chief and governor of India as a representative of the King of
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