JIDDA. 315 
every night, and on the sent in an old woman to give them 
notice they should be there at night. We were again applied to for 
assistance, and it was proposed, by Jelani, that Captain Court and 
his crew should head the garrison, march out at night with the 
guns, and beat up the Wahabee's quarters. This, however, did not 
meet with our approbation, and we only generally said, we should 
be happy to do any thing in our power. Neither side seemed fond 
of fighting. On my asking Jelani what were the numbers of the 
Wahabee ; he replied, " what is the use of talking of numbers ; the 
whole country is Wahabee to Suez.'* The Wahabee, on the ^^d, 
got possession of the wells, but the next day they were free. The 
water came but slowly, and during these holidays the people will 
not work, so that we got none at all. Our cable was making, but not 
likely to be ready before the end of the month. The weather was 
very fine and the winds more moderate. 
December 24. — Three guns were fired about nine, which, we 
afterwards learned, were a salute to the Vizier on his leaving the 
palace to visit Jelani. We went on shore soon afterwards. We found 
Jelani seated in his inner square, which was much more richly 
furnished than during Ramadan, the cushions being of satin. When 
I entered, the commander of the forces was seated in my usual 
place in the corner; Jelani next to him: I sat on his right, and 
chairs were placed for the other gentlemen. As soon as the chief 
departed, Jelani made me take his place. A great number of people 
came in to congratulate him on the Ede, to each of whom on 
their entrance was presented sherbet, with an embroidered napkin 
to wipe their mouths. When he thought any person had staid 
long enough, the rose water and perfume gave the hint for his 
VOL. III. s s 
