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CHAPTER VIII. 
November 14, 1805. — W I T H the land breeze we left Massowah : 
but it was five before we reached Dohool, in consequence of light airs 
and calms. We went to the east side of the island, where we were 
obliged to anchor at the distance of a mile from the shore on a hard 
sand, there being only a few feet water when closer in. We let go 
in a quarter less than three, and wore out only half a cable, yet the 
vessel struck in two and a half: this was owing to the swell, for we 
did not draw so much. After hauling off, we put out our stream 
anchor ahead, and lay very comfortably all night. 
November 15. — Captain Court and Mr. Salt went on shore: 
they found the island in a wretched state for want of rain : the 
sbeep and cattle were half starved, but there was plenty of water 
in a natural tank. This the people willingly let us have, but it was 
with the greatest difficulty they could be made to bring down their 
sheep and sell them ; always starting some new objection, that the 
owner was not there, or that they did not know how to sell them. 
The truth seemed to be, that they had formerly received instruc- 
tions from the Nayib, when Captain Court was last there, not to 
supply him, and they did not know whether they ought now to let 
us have them. By inquiries we learned that their subjection to the 
Nayib was merely nominal ; they pay him nothing, but when they 
visit Massowah they take a present of sheep or goats. He appoints 
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