I 
548 MASSOWAH 
determination. I sent again to say, I would not wait till morning ; 
that I would have an immediate answer, or would be at Arkeko 
myself in the morning to settle the business. Soon after the 
Naqueda of the Dow, Unus Barilla, came on board laughing, and 
said there had been a violent quarrel between the Nayib and Dola; 
that the Askari of Massowah had taken part with fhe former, 
declaring the English were very good, and ought not to have any 
demands made on them. It had nearly ended in blows; but at 
length the whole town being in an uproar, and the very boys 
taking up stones to pelt the Dola's soldiers, they had retired to 
their boats on the opposite side of the town, and slipt off unper- 
ceived by us. 
The Banian soon afterwards arrived, and confirmed the fact. He 
brought a message from the Dola, that he did not require any 
money for the anchorage, nor had he the least wish to offend the 
English. The Nayib sent to say, he had gone to Arkeko to settle 
every thing ; that he would return the next day, and come on 
board the Panther; till when he begged I would not move. The 
transaction had now taken the turn I wished ; they had tried the 
experiment of threats, to establish a dangerous precedent, and had 
failed, I therefore agreed to wait till morning. I was much 
pleased by a visit from the Nayib's youngest son, which shewed 
great confidence in us at such a moment. After having been 
served with sweetmeats and coffee, I gave him a piece of kincaub, 
and several little articles which he admired. He then asked for 
some soap, which was of course given to him, and a box to keep 
his things in. Captain Court also presented him with some 
powder, which is always a most acceptable gift. Abou Yusuff and 
