DISCOVERIES OF THE FRENCH. 
177 
jesty on board, stipulated, that he should, during 
the visit, abstain from the use of strong liquors, in 
consideration of the inconveniences to which they 
were apt to give rise. The Brak readily closed 
with this condition, and he shewed every disposition 
to make favourable arrangements as to the objects 
which the French had in view. As soon, however, 
as his majesty arrived on board, he began to crave 
brandy with such earnestness, that the Director 
found it impossible to refuse it. To the surprise 
of all, however, this liquor was used in such mode- 
ration, as not at all to disorder the royal judgment ; 
and he behaved throughout in a very reasonable 
and friendly manner. Every thing demanded by 
the French was granted unless in one instance, 
where they were themselves satisfied by the reasons 
alleged against it. The king then went on shore 
amid the acclamations of the court and people, who 
were stationed along the banks. 
The same afternoon, our traveller was visited by 
two ladies, sisters of the Brak. They were hand- 
some, particularly the youngest, and had a lively 
and graceful air. Their dress consisted chiefly of 
two large pieces of black cotton with white stripes, 
one piece wrapped above the other. This upper 
covering forms a great mark of distinction. In very 
hot weather it is thrown off, and leaves all the up- 
per part of the body uncovered. Their chief or- 
naments consisted of coral beads, and gold orna- 
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