S O O L O O. 357 



he was under the effects of opium, of which they all smoke large 

 quantities.* His teeth were as black as ebony, which, with his bright 

 cherry-coloured lips, contrasted with his swarthy skin, gave him any 

 thing but a pleasant look. 



On the left hand of the Sultan sat his two sons, while his right was 

 occupied by his councillors ; just behind him, sat the carrier of his 

 betel-nut casket. The casket was of filigree silver, about the size 

 of a small tea-caddy, of oblong shape, and rounded at the top. It 

 had three divisions, one for the leaf, another for the nut, and a third 

 for the lime. Next to this official was the pipe-bearer, who did not 

 appear to be held in such estimation as the former. 



I opened the conversation by desiring that the Datu would explain 

 the nature of our visit, and tell the Sultan that I had come to make 

 the treaty which he had some time before desired to form with the 

 United States. f 



The Sultan replied, that such was still his desire; upon which I 

 told him, I would draw one up for him, that same day. While I 

 was explaining to him the terms, a brass candlestick was brought in 

 with a lighted tallow candle, of a very dark colour, and rude shape, 

 that showed but little art in the manufacture. This was placed in 

 the centre of the table, with a plate of Manilla cigars. None of 

 them, however, were offered to us, nor any kind of refreshment. 



Our visit lasted nearly an hour. When we arose to take our leave, 

 the Sultan and his divan did the same, and we made our exit with 

 low bows on each side. 



I looked upon it as a matter of daily occurrence for all those who 

 came to the island to visit the Sultan ; but the Datu Mulu took 

 great pains to make me believe that a great favour had been granted 

 in allowing us a sight of his ruler. On the other hand, I dwelt upon 

 the condescension it was on my part to visit him, and I refused to 

 admit that I was under any gratitude or obligation for the sight of 

 His Majesty the Sultan Mohammed Damaliel Kisand, but said that 

 he might feel grateful to me if he signed the treaty I would prepare 

 for him. 



On our return from the Sultan's to the Datu Mulu's house, we 



* Chewing the betel-nut and pepper-leaf also produces this effect, and is carried to a 

 great extent among these islanders. 



t The Sultan, on the visit of one of our merchant-vessels, had informed the supercargo 

 that he wished to encourage our trade, and to see the vessels of the United States coming 

 to his port. 



vol. v. 90 



