176 
INTERVIEW, &c. 
[1820. 
they were not kings, Mateebe was king, and 
they must go to him ; adding other remarks of a 
similar nature. It is probable that some of the 
old captains had been secretly inquiring of Mu- 
nameets if the Missionaries had interfered in the 
government of the country, which might lead 
him publicly to make the above remarks. 
The king and his uncle Mungallee were silent, 
but an elderly captain made a long speech, after 
whom two others spoke a little. A tall, venerable- 
looking captain, about fourscore years old, who 
is said to be the oldest captain in that part of 
Africa, came in when the others had nearly done 
speaking. Every eye was directed to him ; he 
seemed to be the Ahithophel of Mashow. He 
gave his opinion in a very becoming manner, 
saying, " That it would be well for them to have 
such men amongst them, wherefore, he thought 
they ought to accept the offer now made." His 
opinion was definitive ; all instantly assented to 
it. Kossie afterwards inquired if we were satis- 
fied with the answer that had been given. The 
name of the old captain was Maquotoo, and his 
son had formed one of the party, which came to 
meet us on our way to Mashow. 
Makabba, king of the Wanketzens, had sent 
a messenger, two days before our arrival, to invite 
the Mashows to join in an expedition against a 
