BAY OF AMPHILA. 14f 
that, should he accede to my wishes, he expected that the Nayib 
would come up in force against him, in which case he should feel 
at a loss in what manner to act." 
In reply I observed, that if he were dependent on the Nayib, I 
was far from wishing him to subject his people to such an alter- 
native ; but that I was assured he was perfectly free from any 
control of this nature, otherwise I should have proceeded imme- 
diately to Massowa, and have treated with the Nayib himself. 
He said, '' it was well, he liked few words ; he was under no 
restraint ; but then, why had I sent a messenger to the Ras pre- 
viously to his arrival, as he would have done it much more 
expeditiously than Alii Manda ?" I asked him in what time he 
could have effected it ? he answered, in five and twenty days 5 
it being a long distance from Antalo to Adowa, where he under- 
stood the Ras then resided." I told him that I knew the distance 
pretty accurately, as I had travelled it myself three different 
times in the space of five days. *' Allah 1" said he, with a look 
of surprise, '' can it be possible 1" 
This gave rise to a fresh difficulty. " The Ras was at war 
with a tribe on the road under a chief called Subegadis." This I 
told him I also knew, and mentioned the particulars of the family 
quarrels related in my former journey into Abyssinia. My know- 
ledge on this subject seemed to make a considerable impression 
upon him, and he desisted from making any farther attempts to 
deceive. 
The subject of presents was next discussed, on which point it 
requires an uncommon share of patience to listen, even with 
seeming attention, to this people. A demand for an additional 
