THE ATTAH OF EGGARAH. 
293 
from their motley appearance, though it is to be pre- 
sumed that none hut the privileged were allowed the 
entree. Among the crowd were a number of ' Mallams/ 
one of whom was pre-eminent in age and importance, 
of which his long snowy beard was a very distinguished 
evidence. 
A party issued from a side-door to the sound of bells, 
and we then expected the King to make his appearance. 
They took their seats at the upper end of the court, with 
their backs to the verandah, which was concealed by 
a curtain. The musicians made a loud discordant 
noise, and the populace outside gave a shout ; at 
the same time a large curtain was lowered at the end of 
the couii;, and Ochejih, AttMi of Eggarah, was seen on a 
throne, formed of a bamboo frame, covered with mats 
and carpets ; the latter were given him by Lander. He 
was almost smothered by his garments, and surrounded 
by attendants, who were fanning him vehemently. Their 
office was also to conceal the royal countenance when 
speaking or laughing, and they then uttered the most 
hideous yells, in which the courtiers joined. This 
practice Commander W. Allen had seen at the Court of 
Fandah, and it was brought here by the present King, 
who is of the royal family of that country ; it had not 
been introduced by the former sovereign. 
The Attah was arrayed in an ample tobe, fantastically 
brocaded with gold, beneath which was another of red 
velvet; and, judging from his size, many others of 
