50 
MASSOWAH. 
thanks for the answer the Nayib had returned me in the morning. 
Hyder interpreted this to the Banian, who went stooping, and in 
a low voice communicated it to the Nayib. Our whole convers- 
ation passed in the same way, and was merely complimentary : as I 
had been informed it would be wrong to enter on any business at 
my public audience. He told me that the island was mine, and 
begged I would make what use I pleased of it ; that a house was 
prepared for me, and that he hoped I would continue in it during 
my stay. To this I assented. Coffee was brought, after the Arab 
fashion, in very small china cups, without milk or sugar: these 
were placed in larger ones of gilt filagree, to prevent the fingers 
from being burnt. Afterwards a caftan of red silk was thrown over 
my shoulders. They enquired who Mr. Salt was ; and, on being 
informed he was my Secretary, there was some confusion, and a 
man went out. I now wished to take my leave, but was desired to 
stay till my house would be ready. I suspected what afterwards 
proved to be the case. A man entered, and immediately a caftan 
of blue cloth with yellow silk facing was thrown over Mr. Salt. 
I now made my salaam, and the Nayib rose to attend me. We 
went down together. The troops in the gateway got up from their 
couches to make their salaams, which he returned by a wave of the 
hand. He attended me a considerable distance, but without saying 
a word. At a sharp turning he departed one way, and directed 
some of his people to shew me another. At length I reached a 
small house by the sea-side, nearly opposite to the Antelope. Here, 
in a stone built room, several couches were prepared, some with 
carpets, and some with blankets thrown over them ; it was how- 
ever, comparatively cool, from the thickness of the walls, and the 
