VISIT TO THE PALACE. 187 



gave him to understand that there was plenty, 

 thinking it would be a strong inducement for 

 him to assist us ; and I was not mistaken in my 

 opinion, for he was very anxious to know if we 

 had plenty of velvet, satin, and handsome pieces 

 of printed cotton — articles which met with a very 

 ready sale. He promised to render me every 

 assistance. 



On the arrival of Abboka, I presented him also 

 with a piece of cotton, some fancy cups, some 

 rum, and some beads ; and, in return, he gave 

 an elephant's tooth and a goat. 



Abboka came to me early the next morning, 

 and proceeded directly to the king his brother. 

 About two o'clock a horse was sent down to the 

 water-side, and I went to the palace. I was con- 

 ducted by Abboka to Amagdohby, the king's 

 sister, who was also his head wife. She was re- 

 markably civil, and requested us to seat our- 

 selves on a platform slightly elevated, and covered 

 over with a mat. She informed me that the 

 king her brother was engaged with workmen, 

 who were employed in rebuilding his houses. 

 Several eunuchs and sixteen of the king's daugh- 

 ters were seated round the house crosslegged on 

 a mat. 



