GREAT LOO-CHOO ISLAND. 177
expressing a wish to look a t the different parts of the ship,
he was conducted all round the decks. He observed every
thing with attention, but without betraying any great degree
of curiosity: he had heard of the boatswain’s wife, and
asked to see h e r; the lady, in her best dress, was presented
to him; he stood for about half a minute looking at her
with a sort of pleased surprise, and then, as if suddenly recollecting
that this was somewhat rude, he drew his fan from
his breast, and with an air of the utmost politeness, held
it towards her, arid upon Mrs. Loy curtsying in acknowledgment,
he sent it to her by Mridera. He asked to see
the fire-engine worked, and appeared much gratified by
seeing the water thrown to so great a height. He had heard
of the African negro, and begged tha t he might be sent for.
When the black man was brought before him he looked
exceedingly surprised, and probably was in doubt whether
the colour was natural, as one of his people was sent to rub
his face, as if to discover whether it was painted or not. The
natives, who had flocked on board in crowds, fell on their
knees whenever the Prince passed.
On returning to the cabin, the Prince was invited to
a collation prepared for him in the foremost cab in :
for a long time he refused to sit down, nor could we conjecture
what his objection was; a t length, however, he