MASSOWAH. 447 
avoid paying exorbitantly for permission to pass through the 
country ; we therefore came to a determination not to exceed five 
hundred dollars ; and we were induced to comply so far, merely 
from our extreme reluctance to return without having made every 
possible effort towards the accomplishment of our mission. 
Hamed Ghamie returned with a message, that the Nayib was 
ready to see us. We found him in his cadjan-house, where Lord 
Valentia had had his first private audience. He was in a loose un- 
dress, sitting at the further end of the room, surrounded by all his 
principal people, -in a similar dishabille ; one small lamp hung 
from the centre of the room, shedding around so faint a light, that 
we were at a loss to recognize even the Nayib, till he was pointed 
out by one of the attendants. 
Having made our usual salaams, we were seated immediately op- 
posite to him, and then (Hamed Chamie, standing between us as in- 
terpreter, and Andrew, a servant, whom we had hired at Mocha, and 
who spoke Arabic, Hindostanee, and English, on my right hand) the 
following dialogue took place. 
Salt. — We have now arrived in your territory for the third 
time ; you have received us M^ith the greatest honours ; such, in- 
deed, as we have always experienced from your friendship. For 
these we return you our thanks. 
Nayib. — It has always been my wish to treat you well. You 
came here as friends ; we have always continued as such ; and I 
hope that we shall settle every thing amicably. 
" Salt. — It is for that purpose we have waited on you, and I will 
now explain the reason of our coming. Your friend, Lord Valentia, 
has received letters from Ras Welleta Selasse, desiring that some 
