After embracing me, he said I had done discreetly, and should acquaint neither; for, if I did, I should never get out of trouble.  If the king were to know of it, he would indeed use me courteously, but would make a great stir to get it into his hands, and then, according to custom, I might sue in vain to recover my own.  The prince, I knew, was ravenously greedy and tyrannical, and wearied all with his scandalous exactions.  He desired me to steal all ashore, trusting none, and explained to me many means of conveyance, bidding me observe the usage of the Portuguese on the like occasions; adding, that he wished to purchase the pearl, and if I would grant his desire, would deposite its value in my hands, whatever I chose to ask, and, in recompence for this confidence I had reposed in him, he would hereafter be my solicitor in all things, and assured me I could do nothing without him.  I answered, that I was most willing to let him have the pearl, and hoped he would never betray my confidence.  Having received his oath, and a ceremony of mutual covenant, by crossing thumbs according to the custom of the country, we embraced.  I promised to be guided entirely by him, and he engaged to do every thing I required for the safe conveyance of the other things, engaging to give me firmauns so that no person should touch any thing, but all should come safely to me, to dispose of at my pleasure.

He engaged likewise to reconcile me to the prince, and would take me with him the next time he went to visit him, and would make the prince use me with all manner of grace and favour; adding, that I should have a particular judge assigned me to take care of our business, and to give us every satisfaction we could desire.  He also advised me to make a present to his sister, Queen Noormahal, and she would prevail upon the king to give me money.  To this I replied, that I wished only for the good usage of my countrymen.  He then carried me to the king, to whom I presented the inventory translated into Persian, and was graciously received.  He asked me if the arras were a present, to which I answered in the affirmative, as the prince was by, lest it might be seized.  In conclusion, the king said he would take a considerable quantity of our cloths and other commodities, desiring me to cause them to be brought up speedily, and directed Asaph Khan to make out an order for their free passage in the prince’s name.  I was well pleased with the success of this day; for though I knew that there was no faith to be placed in these barbarians, yet I was sure Asaph Khan would deal truly in this, as he was to help himself, and durst not betray me, lest he should miss the pearl, neither could I suspect him afterwards, as he could not betray my secret without discovering his own falsehood to the prince.

Sec.8. Asaph Khan protects the English for hope of Gain, as also Noormahal.—­Arrival of Mr Steel.—­Danger to the Public from private Trade.—­Stirs about a fort.