136 
MISSION TO ASFIANTEE. 
would give me his hand, and promise that I should go then, I would 
wait. No ! he could not, but he would promise me for the Monday 
following. I saw that yielding to this would subject me to an 
indefinite delay. 1 told the King that I should be obliged to go, 
though unwilhngly, without his approbation, and that not only my 
duty but his promise justified me. I had only to ask him if he still 
wished me to leave Mr. Hutchison ? All the reply I could get 
was, that I might break the Law if I thought proper. I told them 
the Law would never be broken by an English officer, but still, if 
they were sorry that they had sworn to the Law, I would send for 
it and tear it in pieces before them ; we did not make laws from 
fear. No ! they hked the Law, and could not break it, but I might 
if 1 chose. I repeated my willingness to stay till Wednesday ; the 
promise could only be given for the Monday : the King and the 
council retired abruptly. I followed them, told them I was obliged 
to be determined, and begged the King to shew his respect for 
you, and the friendship he had condescended to profess for myself, 
by considering your orders ; this was construed as indecision ; 
and Monday, or when the King has time, was the reply. I 
thanked him formally for all his kindnesses, told him I must go, 
and retired. It was necessary, at least, to make^the attempt, 
although it was then eight o'clock. I left all the luggage in the 
charge of Mr. Hutchison, except two portmanteaus, the sextant, 
and the box containing my papers. We had scarcely proceeded 
fifty yards before the gong-gongs and drums were beat ciU around us, 
and we were attacked by a crowd of swords and muskets, headed 
by our house master Aboidwee, Avho in the first rush seized the 
luggage and the flag. I felt myself compelled to attempt to regain 
the flag; and the value of my papers, and the impolicy of being 
intimidated by the outrage, were also considerations. I begged the 
officers not to draw their sv/ords till the last moment, and taking 
