CEYLON. 
2S5 
Macdowal as embassador to Candy, was then mentioned to the 
Adigaar. He paused a little, and then observed, that the Gover- 
nor might send the proposed strong escort with the General, if he 
pleased. After some expressions of regret that things must remain 
as they were, the conference ended. The Adigaar, during the 
whole of it, was mild, temperate, and collected ; though it might be 
perceived that he laboured under great anxiety of mind. 
In this interview the Adigaar's purpose was manifestly to feel 
his way, by throwing out suppositions, and putting questions. The 
enquiry, what would be the consequence of an attack commenced 
on the part of the King? is very observvable, and fully explains some 
subsequent events- 
On January ^Ist, at nine in the morning, the Adigaar waited 
on the Governor. After the usual compliments, he desired the 
room might be cleared ; and then began by saying, that what Mr. 
Boyd had told him the preceding night, of the Governor's reso- 
lution not to permit the deposition of the present King of Candy, 
had rendered him very unhappy, Mr. North answered, that he 
was sorry for his uneasiness, but that no consideration should in- 
duce him to be accessory to the deposition of a prince, whom he 
had officially recognised, and from whom he had not received any 
cause of offence ; that, moreover, his friendship for the Adigaar, 
and his desire that his power should be secured, and even augment- 
ed, by any just means, had induced him to make the proposal of 
governing in the King's name under the protection of the Enghsh ; 
since he must find that power infinitely less dangerous, and more 
easy to be maintained, than any that he could unjustly usurp. The 
Adigaar then asked how he and the King could be in power at the 
