I 
MASSOWAH. 253 
at Massowah, and taken to Bombay, had been repurchased by the 
Government, and sent back by the Panther, to be returned to 
their native country, if the Nayib should desire it, as a proof that the 
British would not violate the laws, while in his dominions. On 
communicating these circumstances to the Nayib, he replied, that 
this could be settled at our first interview. Affairs took another 
turn, and the boys were left in our hands ; at their own wish they 
were now entered on the ship's books, and instead of the slavish 
names of Sidi and Pompey, assumed the more Christian designa- 
tions of George Habesh, and Harry Gondar. Christians they were 
born, but of the doctrines of Christianity, or indeed those of any 
other religion, they had no idea; I therefore placed them under 
Pierce, to teach them to read and pray. 
