From here may be seen the Persian Navy at anchor, represented by one small gunboat, the _Persepolis_.

This toy of the Shah's was built by a German firm in 1885, and cost the Government over L30,000 sterling.
She has never moved since her arrival.

Her bottom is now covered with coral and shells, her screw stuck hard and fast, while the four steel Krupp guns which she mounts are rusty and useless.
My preparations for Baluchistan were soon completed.

The escort furnished me by the Indian Government had been awaiting me for some days at Sonmiani, our starting-point on the coast.

A telegram from Karachi, saying that men, camels, tents, and stores were ready, was the signal for our departure, and on March 7 I took leave of my host to embark on the British India Company's steamer _Purulia_, for Baluchistan.