"You may search the men if you wish. But I am here as representative of the king of England. And as his representative I will not allow my personal chest to be searched, no more than His Majesty, King James of England, would submit to such an indignity." Hawksworth decided to reach for all the authority his ragged appearance would allow.
"All _feringhi_, except ambassadors, must be searched. Do you claim that immunity?"
"I am an ambassador, and I will be traveling to Agra to represent my king."
"Permission for _feringhi _to travel in India must come from the Moghul himself." The Shahbandar's face remained impassive but his mind raced. The stakes of the English game were not wool, he suddenly realized, but India. The English king was challenging Portugal for the trade of India. Their audacity as astonishing. "A request can be sent to Agra by the governor of this province."
"Then I must see him to ask that a message be sent to Agra. For now, I demand that my personal effects be released from the customs house. And that no duty be levied on our goods, which are samples and not for sale."
"If your goods are not taxed, they will remain in the customs house. That is the law. Because you claim to represent your king, I will forgo my obligation to search your person. All of your men, however, will be searched down to their boots, and any goods or coin they bring through this port will be taxed according to the prevailing rate. Two and one- half percent of value."
"Our Chief Merchant wishes to display his samples to your traders."
"I have told you I will consider your request for trade.
There are many considerations." He signaled for the hookah to be lighted again. The interview seemed to be ended.
Hawksworth bowed with what formality he could muster and turned toward the counting-room door.
"Captain Hawksworth. You will not be returning to your men. I have made other arrangements for your lodging."
Hawksworth revolved to see four porters waiting by an open door at the Shahbandar's left.
I must be tired. I hadn't noticed the door until now.
Then he realized it had been concealed in the decorations on the wall. When he did not move, the porters surrounded him.
No, they're not porters. They're the guards who held back the crowds from the steps. And they're armed now.