MASSOWAH. 
2,43 
arrangement would be formed with the Government of Massowah. 
I told the Banian I was astonished at the Nayib s giving any credit 
to such a rascal ; and that after my former visit, he ought to havb 
known me better, than to suppose me capable of meditating any 
thing hostile to him. On the Banian s return, he declared the Nayib 
did not believe a word that Alii Nohri said, and was perfectly con- 
vinced of my friendship ; that, however, the stones were not his 
property, but belonged to the Sultaun of Rome; and consequently 
he could not give them to me. I replied, I knew too well his con- 
nection with Rome, not to laugh at this reason, but he should 
have them ; at the same time I took it very ill, as I could not for- 
get that he offered them to me when I was last here. 
Soon afterwards a respectable man made his appearance, and 
was introduced tome as Vizier of the Nayib. When last here I 
had heard nothing of such a personage, and now suspected he was 
an instrument to procure money through another channel. He 
said he had been to the Nayib, and represented, that it would be a 
discredit to him, if, after I had brought these stones, I should be 
obliged to give them up ; and that on his advice the Nayib had 
consented to let me keep them, and I might give him what I pleased. 
I said I would not, on any pretence^ give a single dollar. He re- 
plied, the Nayib did not wish it ; that he gave up all claims to it» 
and hoped we were now as good friends as ever. I assured him we 
were^ and that I would visit him on the morrow; in the mean time, 
as he had acted like a friend, I begged his acceptance of a shawl. 
I now spoke about trade. He said the Nayib would arrange the 
duties, and no anchorage should be demanded for any English ship. 
It was settled that he should come in the evening. . 
VOL. n. II 
