Page 114 - The Pirate Coast (By Sir Charles Belgrave)

ncr on a chair, not knowing what to do with his legs, finding that
there was not room to sit with his legs crossed, he at last squatted
on the floor. After some time, lie gave Mr. Colquhotin a signi­
ficant look, which Colquhoun understood, and assured him that
lie was among friends. The Alchemist stated that he had received
a small package of the Salt of Gold, and in a short time he was to
be initiated into the method of procuring gold from it. l ie at
last pulled from his bosom, with the utmost caution, a small parcel
of paper. On opening it, he told us, in a low voice, that lie had
received it from a friend, and for a sum of money was to gain the
secret.
‘But the poor man was disappointed and chagrined in observing
us laughing, on his showing us the contents of the paper, and on
being informed that it contained nothing more than common,
shining talc, ground into powder. I shall not easily forget the
poor man’s misery, as he swung his body backwards and forwards
in agitation. At last, placing his right thumb to his teeth, lie gave
a shrill whistle, exclaiming “1 am taken in! They have nearly
ruined my fortune already, and they wish to complete the wreck.
Thank God my eyes have been opened.’’ Neither Turks nor
Persians ever whistle, unless it is in derision or anger, and then
only with a single long one. The man left the Residency at once,
apparently more displeased at having been shown up as an casily-
imposed-on person, than gratified at having been saved from ruin.
Having remained as long as was thought necessary, the Eden set
sail for Bushire on the evening of March 16th, carrying Captain
Bruce and his family, and Mr. Colquhoun.

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