preparing the boats, at the same, time calling to two of his
attendants to assist him to get on his legs. Each took an
arm, and in this way succeeded in raising him up, which
was no sooner observed by the people, than they jumped
into their boats with the utmost alacrity, and the Chief,
after many bows and salams, walked into his boat. This
did not give him so much trouble as he had experienced on
coming on board, for a platform of gratings and planks had
been prepared for his accommodation during his visit, an
attention with which he seemed much pleased. So far all
seemed well; but there was still something amiss, for the old
man, seated in state under his umbrella, remained alongside
with his attendants ranged on the deck about him, he and his
people preserving the most perfect silence, and making no
signs to explain his wishes. We were greatly puzzled to
discover what the old gentleman wanted, till at length it
was suggested, that having paid us a visit, he expected a
similar compliment in return. This idea was no sooner
started, than we proceeded to pay our respects to him in
his boat. He made signs for us to sit down, honouring us.
at the same with a corner of his own mat. When we were
seated, he looked about as if in distress at having nothing
to entertain us with, upon which a bottle of wine was sent
for and given to him. He ordered an attendant to pour it
into several bowls, and putting the bottle away, made signs
for us to drink, but would not taste it himself till all of us
had been-served. He was nowise discomposed at being
obliged to entertain his company a t their own expense; on the
contrary, he carried off the whole alfair with so much cheer-r
fulness and ease, as to make us suspect sometimes that he
saw and enjoyed the oddity of the scene and circumstances,
as fully as we did ourselves.
After sitting about ten minutes, we left the Chief in
great good humour, and returned on board, thinking, , of
course, that he would go straight to the shore; but in this
we were much mistaken, for we had no sooner left him,
than he pushed off to the distance of ten or twelve yards,
and calling the other boats round him, gave, orders for inflicting
the discipline of the bamboo upon the unfortunate
culprit, who had been ordered into confinement during, the
conference. This exhibition, which it was evidently intended
we should witness, had a very ludicrous effect, for.it
followed so much in train with the rest of the ceremony,
and was carried on with so much gravity and order,, that it
looked like an essential part of the etiquette. During the infliction
of this punishment, a profound silence was observed
by all the party, except by five or-six persons immediately
about the delinquent, whose cries they accompanied by a