196 ANOTHER INTERVIEW 



prepared the long-boat, which had been left at 

 Iddah at our departure to the sea-side, for our 

 passage to the steamer. 



About 1 p. M. Abboka sent to inform me that 

 he was waiting to accompany me to the king and 

 settle the palaver. This intelligence afforded 

 me great satisfaction, as I was very desirous 

 of returning to the vessel : I had now been 

 here five days without receiving any satisfactory 

 answer. 



Abboka had his horse ready, with several iron 

 bells jingling at its head for the occasion. He 

 offered me the use of it ; but I preferred walk- 

 ing, though the day was excessively hot, and 

 he accompanied me. The only companion I had 

 with me was Mr. Brown ; and this was the first 

 time we had gone either unarmed or without 

 five or six attendants. 



After a short stay in the queen's apartments, 

 I sent to the king, to say that I was very anxious 

 to have the palaver settled, in order that I 

 might return to the ship. In a few minutes a 

 eunuch returned, to say that the king expected 

 us ; and after passing, as usual, through nume- 

 rous houses, yards, and passages, we were 

 ushered into the royal presence. We found his 



