risked
the difference in the belief that he had not come merely to dispose of
those rubies, and because I saw from his manner that he wanted to be
alone with me in order to show me something better. As the time of
prayer for the Mohammedans was drawing near, three of the attendants
given to me by the governor went off, and I sent away the fourth to
procure some bread, which is scarce in those parts. Being thus alone
with me and my interpreter, the Banian, with great ceremony, removed
his turban, and unbound his hair, which, according to the fashion, was
tied up on his head. Then I saw him take from his hair a little bit of
linen in which was wrapped a diamond weighing 48-1/2 of our carats, of
fine water, and cabochon cut,* three-fourths of the stone pure, except
a small patch (chevron) on one side, which seemed to penetrate a little
into the stone. The other quarter was all flaws and red flecks {points rouges).
" As
I was examining the stone with great attention, the Banian said, ' Do
not trouble to look at it now. You will see it at your leisure
to-morrow morning when you are alone. When a fourth of the day has
passed (for thus they reckon the time) you will find me outside the
town, and if you want the stone, you will bring the money, and he then
told me
