Storia do Mogor 265.19.4

265.19.4

In that city dwelt a rich merchant, a widower, who had one son. At the time of the father's death the son was away from home. As there was no other heir, the defunct entrusted all he had to the hands of a Hindu clerk (in India everybody employs such men). When the son arrived, the clerk made over to him everything that was in the house, but, as the deceased [222] had made no will, he retained the best of the jewels. The youth, who knew what the house had contained, demanded from the said clerk the remaining articles. The man declined most decisively to do so. The dispute went into court, and it was a long time before any finding could be secured, putting the youth to considerable expense. Finally the Hindu, who had bribed highest, was favoured by the court, and obtained a decree in his favour. The young man, perceiving the wrong, and the little effort they made [at Goa], had recourse in secret to the Mahomedan governor of Bicholim, near the island of Goa, where was the home of the said Hindu clerk. The governor held his appointment from the King of Bijapur. The young man explained the case to him, and stated what had happened. The Mahomedan governor reassured him, and said he should get back his jewels. Meanwhile he might take a rest, and in due time he would send him word. To get at the truth the governor had recourse to the following plan.