saph Khan asked why I wished to speak with him
in private, desiring me to speak my mind with freedom, bowing, and
protesting such friendship as I never could have expected. I told him,
that my reason for asking this private conference was to have his
advice. It was certainly true that I had some things which were not
enumerated, but had been so badly used last year that I durst not trust
any one; but, to shew my confidence in him, I was willing to open
myself to him, on his oath of secrecy, which he readily gave. I then
told him that I had a rich pearl, and some other strings of fair pearls,
and knew not whether it were fit to tell the king, lest the prince might
be displeased. I informed him likewise, how I had gone in the morning to
visit the prince, and of his discourtesy, and my consequent
determination; yet I knew his favour was necessary for us, and I had
hopes to recover it by means of this pearl, which I had purposely
concealed for him. This was my purpose, and the reason of my
concealment; and as he was father-in-law to the prince, and the king's
favourite, I was desirous to please both, and therefore begged his
advice.

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 sh