446 MASSOWAH. 
convenient opportunity, as we were then going to breakfast. They 
promised to do so, and departed. At eleven o'clock, instead of the 
return of the above chiefs, as had been agreed upon, the Banian 
came, accompanied by one of the Nayib's secretaries. They in- 
formed us that Hamed Chamie had ah:eady stated our willingness 
to pay what was proper; and in consequence, the Nayib had 
resolved to reduce his demand to three hundred dollars, to be paid 
down to the Ascari, and that the expenses of our journey should 
be a subsequent consideration ; that he hoped every thing would 
be speedily adjusted to our mutual satisfaction; but if not, as we 
had come friends into the country, so he hoped we should depart. 
As they added that the Nayib wished to talk over the business 
personally, we declined returning an answer until we should see 
him ; at the same time giving them fully to understand, that no 
such demand would be complied with, and that, as the indispensa- 
ble condition of our paying any thing, was the being supplied with 
convenient means for passing through the Nayib's territory, we 
should make but one agreement, which must comprehend a sup- 
ply of mules, asses, a guard, and provisions for the journey. The 
evening was accordingly appointed for our private visit to the 
Nayib. After waiting till past seven o'clock. Currum Chund at 
last came, and endeavoured to put off our visit, stating, that nothing 
could be done without first settling with the Ascari. We paid 
little attention to him, and sent Hamed Chamie to the Nayib to 
enquire, whether he meant to see us according to his appointment, 
as we should enter into no farther negotiation until he should 
grant us a personal interview. 
" From the situation of aflPairs, I perceived it was impossible to 
