Amadour, who was on the alert and heard the din, forthwith assembled as
many of his men as possible, and defended himself so stoutly that the
enemy, in spite of their numbers, were for a long time unable to prevail
against him. But at last, hearing that the Duke of Najera was taken, and
that the Turks had resolved to set fire to Palamos and burn him in the
house which he was holding against them, he thought it better to yield
than to cause the destruction of the brave men who were with him. He
also hoped that by paying a ransom he might yet see Florida again.
Accordingly, he gave himself up to a Turk named Dorlin, a governor of
the King of Tunis, who brought him to his master. By the latter he was
well received and still better guarded; for the King deemed that in him
he held the Achilles of all the Spains.

Thus Amadour continued for two years in the service of the King of
Tunis. The news of the captures having reached Spain, the kinsfolk
of the Duke of Najera were in great sorrow; but those who held the
country's honour dear deemed Amadour the greater loss. The rumour came
to the house of the Countess of Aranda, where the hapless Avanturada at
that time lay grievously sick. The Countess, who had great misgivings as
to the affection which Amadour bore to her daughter, though she suffered
it and concealed it for the sake of the merits she perceived in him,
took Florida apart and told her the mournful tidings. Florida, who was
well able to dissemble, replied that it was a great loss to the entire
household, and that above all she pitied his poor wife, who was herself
so ill. Nevertheless, seeing that her mother wept exceedingly, she shed
a few tears to bear her company; for she feared that if she dissembled
too far the feint might be discovered. From that time the Countess often
spoke to her of Amadour, but never could she surprise a look to guide
her judgment.