296 
THE BEKKI’n SALIKI. 
“ Amin, Amin !” looking astonished that a white could 
speak in the native language. Captain Trotter now 
intimated, through Johnson, the interpreter (a relative of 
Ochejlh’s), his wish to open the proceedings, when the 
Att£ih was ready. 
As it is quite beneath the dignity of an Attah to reply 
from the throne except through his ^ mouth/ or Bekki’n 
Shliki ; this functionary, who stood near the throne, 
explained, “ that when strangers came to visit him, the 
Attah first gave them water ; after which he will be 
ready to hear/’ This speech elicited the applause of all 
his court, as well as the people outside, who were probably 
apprized, in some way, when to join the acclamations. 
Palm-wine, country beer, in small English jugs, 
and goora-nuts were then handed round, and when 
partaken of, the Commissioners thanked him for the 
refreshment. 
The Attah observing some of the officers writing, said 
through his ^ mouth,’ or interpreter, “ that he did not 
like it.” It was, however, soon explained to him, that 
they were merely taking a description of his court, 
which caused him to laugh. The fan-bearers imme- 
diately put forth their fans to screen their sovereign 
from such an exposure of his feelings, it being quite 
incompatible with Eggarah royalty to betray any emotion 
in presence of strangers. 
Attah {through the ^ mouth, ^ or interpreter ), — It you 
have anything to say, begin. 
