At a few yards from this spot we were desired to halt, and the King’s chief messenger was sent forward to acquaint Terrasso-weea with our arrival. However, he had been already made aware of the fact, and had retired to his quarters to change his tobe. The messenger soon arrived, accompanied by Terrasso-weea, who prostrated himself before the King, who was on my right and a little in advance. The King politely informed him that he had taken upon himself to introduce to him a stranger who had come to see him from a far country. Whereupon the merchant again prostrated himself and kissed the ground. Then he arose and walked slowly towards me, holding out his hand with a smile of satisfaction beaming in his venerable countenance. He said he was truly happy to see me. It was, he said, the second time he had seen a white man in the course of his life. The merchant took from a leather wallet, or spohran, hanging in front of his dress, similar to that of a Highlander of Scotland, a small book written in Persian-Arabic. From this he read some form of welcome. He then begged the King’s leave to depart, which his Majesty, with every show of politeness, agreed to, at the same time remarking that it was his right to have the first of my company, being the principal object of my journey. After a little time he should certainly claim the privilege of a palaver with the white man. We were then desired by the merchant to follow him. He first led us to his stalls in the market, by the side of one of which was seated, cross-legged, a dark swarthy man, but not much darker than some of the Spaniards residing at Whydah. I was struck with the expression and quick intelligent eye of this man, and could not help fancying that I had seen the same individual at some previous period. The man eyed me for some minutes with great interest, and at last suddenly advanced towards me, holding out both his hands, and clasping his arms round waist. I did not much relish this sort of embrace from a stranger; but, by his expression, I could observe that the salute was friendly. He then passed his hands down each side, pressing my person gently, in a similar manner to the searchers in the docks. Then he explained himself, to my great though agreeable surprise. He proved to be a merchant whom I met with when we were at the town of Egga with the late unfortunate Niger expedition. He was then accompanied by another man, and was on a trading tour from Rabba, attending the market at Egga. I was invited by the malaam of Egga to dine with him, for he invites all strangers to take refreshment. It was in his house that I met these two individuals, who seemed quite delighted to meet me. They stated themselves to be natives of Tripoli.