I ordered my men to carry me in their arms to the king, and to accompany me with the presents, as I was determined to have a personal interview, although only fit for a hospital.
Upon my approach, the crowd gave way, and I was shortly laid on a mat at the king's feet.

He was a fine-looking man, but with a peculiar expression of countenance, owing to his extremely prominent eyes; he was about six feet high, beautifully clean, and was dressed in a long robe of bark cloth most gracefully folded.

The nails of his hands and feet were carefully attended to, and his complexion was about as dark brown as that of an Abyssinian.

He sat upon a copper stool placed upon a carpet of leopard-skins, and he was surrounded by about ten of his principal chiefs.
Our interpreter, Bacheeta, now informed him who I was, and what were my intentions.

He said that he was sorry I had been so long on the road, but that he had been obliged to be cautious, having been deceived by Debono's people.