us about five days, during which time we had friendly dealings and intercourse with them, although they mistrusted us to a certain extent.  They had already abandoned the first town on the shore and had withdrawn to a hill about two hundred paces away.  There most of them had taken their wives, children, and part of their goods, although the best part of their property was kept farther inland.  This hill was so well fortified by nature, that, had it not been for the two ladders, which the Moros kept in two places, one could have ascended it only with wings.  Notwithstanding all these difficulties, our Spaniards paid them friendly visits.  On this little fortified spot the Moros had built their huts, as high as Mexican market-tents.  They resembled a crowd of children with their holiday toys.  During these five days, the Moros had, little by little, given two hundred taels of impure gold, for they possess great skill in mixing it with other metals.  They give it an outside appearance so natural and perfect, and so fine a ring, that unless it is melted they can deceive all men, even the best of silversmiths.  While in this port of Mindoro the master-of-camp sought information concerning the distance to Manilla and the towns which would be found on the journey.  Our interpreter disagreed with the Moros of Mindoro as to the number of days it would take; but they all agreed that it was far, and that perhaps the weather would not permit us to sail thither.  The natives of Mindoro added also that the Spaniards were crazy to go to Manilla with so small a force, and that they pitied us.  They recounted so many wonders of Manilla that their tales seemed fabulous; they said that there were very large oared boats, each carrying three hundred rowers, besides the warriors; that the people were well armed and excellent bowmen; that the ships were well equipped with artillery, both large and small; and that any one of those vessels could attack two praus, and sink them when within range.  With these accounts the Moros tried to discourage the Spaniards; but the more they attempted to frighten them with such things the more desirous they all became to set foot in Manilla.  In view of this, the master-of-camp did not wait for the full payment of what the Moros had promised; but, warning them to have the remainder ready upon his return, he left them on friendly terms, and set out for the town of Manilla with all his men.

He left the port of Mindoro at midnight, and the next morning cast anchor before a small island lying between Mindoro and Lucon, where he remained two days waiting for the praus.  Meanwhile, having sufficient leisure, he crossed over to the shore of Lucon, which was about two leagues distant; and discovered in that same island a wide, spacious bay.  The praus went forward, in company with one of the Moros belonging to the town of Balayan, who had offered their friendship.  These Moros pointed out to Captain Juan de Salcedo,