S72 
ANECDOTE OF THE GRAND VIZIER. 
his child. All his servants were sworn to secrecy by the King j and 
the Vizier, in his anxiety, every now and then called them before 
him, to swear an oath upon the koran, that, to the best of their know¬ 
ledge, his child was well. It was curious to see the faces which they 
made after every oath. 
When it was made known that we intended visiting Asterabad, 
the journey was strongly opposed by the Grand Vizier, who said 
that the road was dangerous on account of the Turcomans, who lay 
wait in the woods to steal travellers, and carry them into captivity. 
“ If the Elchi were stolen,” said Mirza Sheffea, his ransom could 
“ not be effected under 5000 tomauns, which I should be obliged to 
“ pay.” However, upon being admitted to an audience of the King, 
the request was renewed, and our anxiety to visit the seat of the 
Cajars (His Majesty’s own family) was strongly urged; for we said 
that it would be shameful to have been so near, without making 
an effort to see it. His Majesty was pleased to assent, but warned us 
to take advantage of the present moment; for in three days it was his 
intention to depart, and after that it would not be safe to travel in this 
part of the country. He then ordered Mustafa Khan, an Asterabad 
Chief, to attend us with ten mounted fusileers; and gave him injunc¬ 
tions to bring us back in safety on the morning of the second day. 
