_ 318 _ Item: When you have done this, to make more certain you will go to Aden so as to reach the east bar before dawn. If at daybreak you see no ships, go right up to the city and see if you can find out whether they are for the Turks or for the Arabs. When you have done this and you know for sure what you can expect, sail to the mosque I mentioned, and write and tell me what is happening, and then make for these islands, where I am now. If the weather does not permit and you take so many days that you think you will not find me there, then go to the other coast, Abyssinia, and there off Zeila try and take some gelvas coming from Aden which can tell you what is going on there and what has happened to the soldiers and Turks who attacked it. You are to sail along that coast or cross to the other, so that they do not know where you are going, and pass the time until 25 April, learning the latest and most reliable news of the Turks, with which you will make for India. Item: But if when you get to Aden you find that it is backing the Arabs, then you will send word to the King that I have arrived here with a large fleet to support him, so that he will send a messenger to me by land, who will bring me your letter. You will try to let me know by sea what is happening.
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