by the alferez Albarran, who was stationed on that island as sentinel, that the enemy were anchored at Azebu, five or six leagues from there.  Upon receiving this news, on that same day (St. Lucy’s) our men began to spread the pavesades, [27] and ballasted the flagship a trifle more.  They were all in the highest of spirits, and so eager were they to come to close quarters with the enemy, that every hour’s delay seemed a hundred years to them.  At midnight, or a little later, on St. Lucy’s day, the flagship weighed anchor without notifying its almiranta.  The latter, seeing the flagship make sail, followed.  Without waiting for the small Portuguese vessel, they followed the course of the enemy, and at dawn the next day, which was the fourteenth of the said month, they discovered them.  They investigated and ascertained beyond all doubt that it was the enemy.  Their only fear was lest the latter might escape from them.  Our men thought that if but once the enemy were grappled, they could overcome ten vessels.  However, in a little while they were made to see the difference between fighting in imagination and actually using their hands in real earnest.  In short, as above stated, our flagship was leading the advance; and when the enemy saw it, he ordered his almiranta to weigh anchor and reconnoiter.  The order was obeyed, and although the almiranta put out to sea but a little distance, it recognized them as armed vessels, which was reported to the general.  The latter ordered the almiranta to keep a sharp lookout and to run close-hauled; and, if it was apparent that the two vessels were approaching to attack them, to return to his assistance.  But his intent was to see if he could not in any way separate their force, because he said that, ship for ship, his force was the abler.  Since our flagship was drawing nearer and outstripping the almiranta, it was overtaking the enemy, who put to sea with his flagship and waited close-hauled.  He fired a shot, which carried away part of the tops and the main halyard on our flagship.  Ours returned the fire, but struck the water.  When they almost touched our ship, the enemy fired another shot, which destroyed a pump and killed two or three Indians.  Thereupon our men crowded on all sail, and attacked with the greatest determination that was ever seen—­for, as they say, they were going with all sails set.  Our ship grappled with its opponent, so that our men could board easily.  With the vessels in this condition, shots were fired on both sides.  About twelve of our men leaped aboard the enemy’s ship.  The enemy retreated to the bow, where they intrenched themselves, and made loopholes, through which they fired their muskets—­although, being fearful lest our almiranta should come up to grapple with them, they did but little damage, before they were compelled to strike their own colors and hoist ours in their place.  At this moment our almiranta came up with the intention of boarding on the other side.  Thereupon our men who were aboard