This contribution to "Lacerda 120" is a personal account of a student of Lacerda's who had the privilege to work with him in the years 1966–68. During that time he helped Lacerda to collect data for his vast and last research on Portuguese intonation using tools like the chromograph and the tonogramme desk that Lacerda himself had designed and developed. The auspicious beginnings of Lacerda's scientific career are mentioned and some aspects of his last research work on Portuguese intonation are highlighted.