MASSOWA. 211 
jLobo justly observes: ils sont d'un si mauvais naturel que si 
on a la moindre complaisance pour eux, ils deviennent bien-tot 
insolens et insuportables, et qu'on ne peut les reduire a la raison, 
ni etre bien servi, qu*en agissant avec eux a toute rigueur et les 
menant le baton haut/' 
Previously to the departure of Mahomed Jelani, I made him a 
present of a telescope and a small piece of broad cloth, in token 
of friendship, and I entrusted him with a letter for Captain 
Rudland, that I might put an end to his anxiety for our safety. 
On the 18th I went on shore to visit the Kaimakan, and had 
another conversation with him, in private, from which it appeared 
to me, that he perfectly comprehended the political situation and 
interests of the states bordering on the Red Sea. He assured me 
that the SheritFe was really averse from the Wahabee ; that the 
latter were at present weak, and that in all probability a more 
favourable opportunity would never occur for forming a league 
against them, which, indeed, he knew was already in agitation 
between the Imaum of Sana, SherifFe Hamood, and Sheriffe 
Gualib, under the sanction probably of the Pacha of Egypt ; and 
he concluded by asking me whether I thought the English 
might not be induced to assist them. I told him, that they were 
anxious not to interfere; but at the same time hinted, that, at 
such a moment, a letter from the Sheritfe to the Bombay Govern- 
ment might prove useful. He then enquired respecting our in- 
tentions with regard to Persia, observing, that he understood we 
had taken possession of Cush, the country of the Banians, bor- 
dering on the Sind (Indus), I answered that I had received no 
^nch intelligence ; but that I believed it was true, that we had an 
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