Under These Circumstances The
Request For Fresh Water Was Refused, Or At All Events, Was Not
Complied With.
The captain of the brig was a simple-minded man
with a strongish will, and he at once declared
That if his casks
were not filled in three hours, he would destroy the whole place.
"A great people indeed!" said the Governor; "a wonderful people,
the English!" He instantly caused every cask to be filled to the
brim from his own tank, and ever afterwards entertained for the
English a degree of affection and respect, for which I felt
infinitely indebted to the gallant captain.
The day after the abortive attempt to extract a confession from the
prisoners, the Governor, the consul, and I sat in council, I know
not how long, with a view of prosecuting the search for the stolen
goods. The sitting, considered in the light of a criminal
investigation, was characteristic of the East. The proceedings
began as a matter of course by the prosecutor's smoking a pipe and
drinking coffee with the Governor, who was judge, jury, and
sheriff. I got on very well with him (this was not my first
interview), and he gave me the pipe from his lips in testimony of
his friendship. I recollect, however, that my prime adviser,
thinking me, I suppose, a great deal too shy and retiring in my
manner, entreated me to put up my boots and to soil the Governor's
divan, in order to inspire respect and strike terror.
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