B2; MASSOWAH. 
were procured from the ship, as our stay was not likely to be short. 
The pilots were to be procured from Dhalac, who were to conduct us 
to Suakin ; and our dow was in such a state as to render getting her 
up on the beach necessary. Soon after their arrival, Captain Keys 
sent for them to attend him to the Nayib. The interpreter, a low 
fellow from Mocha, but not an Arab, the Banian, and Havildar, as 
orderly, composed the whole of his suwarry. The Nayib did 
not compliment him with a public audience, but received him in 
a little hut by the sea-side, without any except the necessary attend- 
ants, and in a perfect undress. 
I was very much indisposed, but did not wish to take any thing 
till night, as I understood from the Banian that the Nayib intended 
to visit me in the evening, when I should have an opportunity of 
delivering my present. About four o'clock he sent for Hyder, and 
told him to acquaint me that he had no such intentions ; that if he 
came he must have all his people and troops with him, who would 
all expect presents from him ; and added, what have I to give them ? 
He wished, that when it was quite dark, I would come alone to his 
house, when he would give me a private audience. As I was assured 
that the reason assigned was a real one, I consented to his request, 
without the slightest hesitation. 
Accordingly, about eight o'clock, the Banian, and another person, 
arrived to conduct me. I did not even take Mr. Salt with me. 
Hyder carried my present concealed, which consisted of a hand- 
some pair of shawls, a gold tissue dress, complete, but not made up, 
and a piece of kincaub. He received me in an undress, sitting on a 
bed of the country, out of doors, in one of the yards of his house : 
the only light was from two small lanthorns, the one suspended, 
