336 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
This interview took place at the house of Abdalla, who 
opened the business by stating part of what had passed 
between him and the British agent, and adding other 
things for which he had no authority. He was promptly 
corrected by Mr. Hastie, who took upon himself the 
responsibility of the whole transaction, warning the traders 
and the natives, who consulted together in the Moorish 
language, of the dreadful consequences that would follow 
the continued resistance of the chief. A poorly-dressed 
man amongst the friends of Andriansolo, whom Mr. Hastie 
recognized as having some months before appeared at the 
capital, richly attired in a scarlet robe, as an ambassador 
from that chieftain, asked what proposal was to be made 
to Andriansolo. To which Mr. Hastie replied, that the 
proposal was of a very limited, yet very extended nature ; 
it was simply that Andriansolo should render allegiance 
to Radama, and obey his laws, or be considered an out¬ 
law. The party appeared disappointed, and asked if 
that was all. They were told that the rest must be left 
to Radama, who would not forget the late exalted station 
of the chief. After further conversation and argument, 
Mr. Hastie was told that Bahaur, who was Andriansolo’s 
confidant, was charged to visit him, and return in the 
space of three days with his answer. 
It was well for the British agent, on this occasion, that 
he had been on his guard with the crafty Moors, for he 
was watched by an eye quick to discern the slightest 
deviation from true and honourable dealing. On turning 
away from the door of Abdalla’s house, he found to his 
surprise, that the king, having placed himself in disguise 
amongst the boys who usually attended upon him, had 
been a witness of the whole transaction. He had not 
deen known by any of the Moors, and, on reaching his 
