f the fleet under his
command. Pacheco felt indignant at the suspicion which the rajah
entertained, and endeavoured to convince him that he had been imposed
upon by the Moors out of enmity to the Portuguese, assuring him that he
would faithfully exert himself in his defence. He pointed out to him the
strength of the natural defences of Cochin, which were all narrow, and
defensible therefore by a few valiant men against any number of
assailants. The rajah was greatly relieved by these assurances, and
Pacheco went to visit the different places by which the island of Cochin
might be assailed, all of which he diligently fortified, more especially
the ford, which he strengthened with a row of stakes, both to prevent the
enemy from wading across, and to hinder any of their vessels from passing.

In the mean time he was informed by letter from Rodrigo Reynel, that a
principal Moor in Cochin, in concert with several others, were contriving
to quit that city; and had been twice secretly at Calicut to confer with
the zamorin on this subject. Pacheco was a good deal concerned at this
intelligence, and proposed to the rajah to have this Moor executed for
his treasonable intercourse with the zamorin. But Trimumpara would by no
means consent to this measure; saying that it would occasion a mutiny
among the Moors, by whom the city was furnished with provisions in
exchange for goods, and be thought it were better to dissemble with them
all. Pacheco then said that he would have a conference with the Moors,
meaning to use policy with them, since the rajah did not approve of
violent measures; and to this the rajah consented, giving orders to his
naires to obey the orders of Pacheco. In pursuance of this plan, Pacheco
went to the dwelling of this chief Moor, named _Belinamacar_, close by
the river, taking with him a guard of his own men well armed, and
requested that person to send for some other leading men among the Moors,
whom he named, saying that he wished to consult with them on a subject of
great importance to them all. When they were all assembled, he made them
a speech to the following effect.

"I sent for you, honest merchants, that I might inform you for what
purpose I remain in the Indies. It is reported by some, that I mean only
to remove the factory and the goods belonging to the Portuguese to Coulan
and Cananor: But my sole purpose is to defend Cochin against the zamorin,
and even if necessary I will die in your defence. I a