"It is but a short time since things were sufficiently settled for traders to venture up here, and as Savandroog lies altogether off the roads between large towns, it is possible that none with such goods as we have have come this way, since the garrison took over Savandroog from the British detachment that occupied it." In little over an hour there was a shout from the walls, and on approaching the gate again, they were told that the governor had given permission for them to enter.
"You are to be blindfolded," the officer said, as the gate closed behind them.

"No one may ascend the rock, unless he consents to this.
Your horses will be led, and beware that you do not attempt to remove the bandages, until you have permission to do so." It took nearly an hour to mount the steep road, and when they came to a standstill, and the sub-officer who had accompanied them told them they could now remove their bandages, they found themselves in front of a small building, close to the commander's quarters.

The packs were, by the order of the officer, taken off the horses by the soldiers who had led them up, and carried into the house.

The horses were fastened in the shade to rings in the wall, and on Surajah pointing out the packs containing goods he wished to show to the ladies, two of the soldiers carried them across to the governor's house.

The old officer himself came to the door.
"Enter, my friends," he said.