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 fact that the ships had brought a beautiful pearl which he alleged he was anxious to sell, either to the Emperor or to the prince.

Asaf Khan swallowed the bait tendered with avidity. He told Roe that he must on no account allow either Jehangir or the prince to have the jewel. The Emperor, if he were told about it, would not rest until he got it into his hand, and once it was in his possession Roe would have to sue for it. The prince was tyrannical and opposed to all nationalities. "Why not let him have the pearl? If it were put in his possession, he insinuated, he would reconcile Roe to the prince and do great things for the English. Roe showed a yielding disposition, but raised doubts as to the possibility of the transaction leaking out. Whereupon Asaf Khan gave his oath, and this was followed by "a ceremony of covenant by crossing of thumbs," Finally the conspirators embraced in token of their bond of friendship.

The minster proved as good as his word. He took Roe "to Prince Khurrum and "persuaded him to alter his course towards us, telling him he gained yearly by us a lakh of Tupees at his port (Surat), that the trade was on the increase, and that if it were interfered with great inconvenience would ensue." Finally, Asaf Khan "moved him for a firman for our present case, and obtained it, promising all manner of content." Afterwards the minister added to the great service he had rendered by writing to the government of Surat on behalf of the Company's representatives.

Noor Mahal ably seconded her brother in his support of English interests. In exchange for a promise of priority in the selection of foreign novelties brought by the English ships, she took the cargoes under her special protection,