[Illustration: "PRODUCING HIS CREDENTIALS." P. 14.]

After some time, when they observed that I made no more demands for
meat, there appeared before me a person of high rank from his imperial
majesty. His excellency, having mounted on the small of my right leg,
advanced forwards up to my face, with about a dozen of his retinue: and,
producing his credentials under the signet-royal,[10] which he applied
close to my eyes, spoke about ten minutes, without any signs of anger,
but with a kind of determinate resolution, often pointing forwards,
which, as I afterwards found, was towards the capital city, about half a
mile distant, whither it was agreed by his majesty in council that I
must be conveyed. I answered in few words, but to no purpose, and made a
sign with my hand that was loose, putting it to the other (but over his
excellency's head, for fear of hurting him or his train) and then to my
own head and body, to signify that I desired my liberty.

It appeared that he understood me well enough, for he shook his head by
way of disapprobation, and held his hand in a posture to show that I
must be carried as a prisoner. However, he made other signs, to let me
understand that I should have meat and drink enough, and very good
treatment. Whereupon I once more thought of attempting to break my
bonds; but again, when I felt the smart of their arrows upon my face and
hands, which were all in blisters, and many of the darts still sticking
in them, and observing, likewise, that the number of my enemies
increased, I gave tokens to let them know, that they might do with me
what they pleased. Upon this the _hurgo_ and his train withdrew, with
much civility, and cheerful countenances.

Soon after, I heard a general shout, with frequent repetitions of the
words, _Peplom selan_, and I felt great numbers of people on my left