Alvarez's narrative. 
17 
thieves carried off a number of valuable articles, 
while a servant, who attempted to defend them, 
was wounded in the leg. The ambassadors, in- 
quiring the mode of obtaining redress for this 
outrage, were assured that these thieves formed 
a regular part of the court establishment, and 
that officers were appointed, who levied a pro- 
portion of the articles stolen for behoof of his 
imperial majesty. It was judged prudent, there- 
fore, to abstain from all complaint upon this head. 
Soon after, a present arrived of three hundred 
wheaten loaves, numerous jars of mead, and ten 
oxen. On the following days similar presents 
continued to arrive, particularly a calf, dressed 
whole, in paste, and the belly stuffed with spices 
and fruits, in a manner which gave extraordinary 
delight to the palates of the mission. It was 
hinted, however, that these supplies w^ould cease, 
unless they delivered to the Prete all the pepper 
in their possession. They positively denied the 
possession of any considerable quantity of pepper ; 
but obtained apparently little credit, and a serious 
coolness from that time arose. However, on the 
night of the 1st of November, two hours after 
sunset, the Prete again sent for them. On com- 
ing to the first circuit, or hedge, they were de- 
tained for a " good hour in the cold wind." At 
length five principal men came and led them 
in. As soon as they were within hearing, these 
VOL. II. B 
