At the end of two years I could speak the language enough to be understood, and my accent from the first was a matter of surprise to all; I had also saved out of my gratuities about one hundred rupees.
Having been conversant with the qualities of many kinds of precious stones from my youth up, I determined to invest my economies in a diamond or a pearl.

Before long I struck a bargain with an old _marwarri_ over a small stone, of which I thought he misjudged the value, owing to the rough cutting.

The fellow was cunning and hard in his dealings, but my superior knowledge of diamonds gave me the advantage.

I paid him ninety-three rupees for the little gem, and sold it again in a month for two hundred to a young English 'collector and magistrate,' who wanted to make his wife a present.

I bought a larger stone, and again made nearly a hundred per cent on the money.