[ 47 ] 
CHAPTER 11. 
JVIay ^4, — At six we were under weigh, but were obliged soon to 
come to an anchor, as the land-wind was against us, and there was 
no room to work. Mr. Maxfield had been sent oflP in the jolly boat 
to the shore, where we saw a considerable crowd collected close to 
a mud building, which we presumed to be the castle. On his re- 
turn he informed us, that the natives had perceived our approach, 
and had taken us for the Wahabees, in consequence of which the 
Nayib had come over from Arkeko, and they had been all night 
under arms. Mr. Maxfield informed them that a great man was on 
board, going to Suez, who would probably pay the Nayib a visit ; 
that we wished for permission to enter the port, and obtain water 
and provisions ; that we were willing to salute the fort with three, 
five, or seven guns, whichever the Nayib, would return. He was at 
the head of his troops, and replied, that he should be happy to see 
the great man; that the island and every thing it afforded was his, 
and that he would return five guns, but did not wish for more, as 
it would alarm the Bedowees of the surrounding country, and make 
them hasten down to protect him. Mr. Maxfield said the natives 
were extremely civil, and told him, he might stay if he pleased, and 
send away the boat. This he thought suspicious, for which we 
laughed at him, and compared him to Mr. Bruce, who thought the 
man near Crab Island must be a villain from his smiling. 
