The soldiers of the garrison were greatly annoyed at having to leave, and

were much pleased early the next morning to learn that Theodore had

rescinded his order. He had, he said, pardoned them on account of their long

and faithful services. The Ras was put on "half-pay," and a new

commandant, Bitwaddad Hassanié, sent to take over the charge, while the

garrison was reinforced by some 400 musketeers.

It is probable that Theodore wanted simply to know what amount of corn

the garrison possessed, as he might perhaps require it himself before long,

and possibly also the clemency shown by him was due to his being pleased

at the soldiers having complied with his orders and purchased grain, as he

had directed them, with the money he had a short time before given them.

CHAPTER XIX.

We are counted by the new Ras, and condemned to sleep in One Hut—

Theodore's Second Visit to the Amba—Sends for Mr. Rassam and gives

orders that Prideaux and myself should have our Chains taken off—The

Operation described—Our Reception by the Emperor—We are sent for to

see "Sebastopol" landed on Islamgee—Conversation with his Majesty—

The remaining Prisoners are freed from their Fetters—Theodore is unable

to Plunder his own property.

On the 28th of March, all of us, with the exception of Mr. Rassam, were

called out and made to stand in a line to be counted by the new Ras; then at

about ten at night, as we were undressing, Samuel came to inform us that he

had received orders to put us all, with the exception of Mr. Rassam, in one

hut for that night, but that as none of our huts was large enough, he had

obtained leave that we should be distributed into two. Cameron, Mr.

Rosenthal, and Mr. Kerans were made to join us company, and four

villanous-looking rascals, with lighted candles burning all night, were

posted inside the door to prevent our going out. Samuel and two chiefs slept

in Mr. Rassam's room, and I strongly suspect that Samuel was on that

occasion more in the position of a prisoner than a guardian.

We slept but little, expecting that the morning would bring some change for

the worse. To our day guards some ten or fifteen of the greatest scoundrels

of the camp had been recently added, and we felt rather anxious when we

learnt early the next morning that Theodore had sent word he would come

up in the course of the day to muster the garrison.

At about three in the afternoon some of our servants came rushing into our

hut to tell us that Theodore had arrived on the Amba, and that he appeared

to be a little drunk. Shortly afterwards Mr. Flad came with a message to Mr.

Rassam from the Emperor, to the effect that if his Majesty had time he

would send for him after his return from the church. A red-flannel tent, the

sign of royalty, was, in the meanwhile, pitched in the plain, and all around

carpets were spread. When Theodore issued from the church he was in a

great passion, seized a priest by the beard, and said to him, "You say that I

want to change my religion; before any one could force me to do so I would

cut my throat." He then thrust his spear with violence into the ground,

"fakered," cursed the Bishop,—in a word, acted in all respects as if drunk or

mad. He called Mr. Meyer, who was standing at a short distance from him,

and told him to go to Mr. Rassam with the message, "Your people are

coming. I put you in chains for that purpose. I have not obtained what I

wanted. Come to me, and in the same dress you used to wear before."

We all felt very nervous about the interview, as Theodore seemed in a bad

disposition; however, all went on well. As soon as Mr. Rassam approached

the tent, Theodore advanced a few steps to meet him, shook hands with

him, and asked him to sit down. He then said, "I cannot say that I could not

bring my throne today, as you are aware that it is at Magdala; but out of

respect for my friend the Queen, whom you represent here, I desire to sit on

the same carpet as yourself." After a while, he said to Mr. Rassam, "Those

two persons who came with you are neither my friends nor my enemies, but

if you consent to become their security, I will have their chains opened." On

that Mr. Rassam rose, and said, "Not only will I become their security, but

should they do anything displeasing to your Majesty, do not say it is Blanc

or Prideaux, but that Rassam did it." Theodore then asked Mr. Rassam to

send two persons to have our chains taken off, and as his Majesty insisted

upon it, Mr. Rassam mentioned Mr. Flad and Samuel.

The servants had heard the good news and rushed in before Flad came to us

with the welcome intelligence. On the arrival of Flad and Samuel, we were

taken to Mr. Rassam's house, where Mr. Flad delivered to us from his

Majesty the following message:—"You are neither my friends nor my

enemies. I do not know who you are. I chained you because I chained Mr.

Rassam: now I open your chains because he promised to be your security. If

you run away it will be a shame for you and for me."

On that we were told to sit down; an iron wedge was first hammered in

where the ring was joined, and when the intervening space was considered

sufficient, three or four loops of strong leather rope were passed inside the

irons, and we were told to put one leg on a large stone brought in for the

purpose. On each side a long pole was then fixed in the leather loops, and

five or six men pulled on them with all their strength, using the stone as a

"point d'appui" for the lever. As the leather thongs acted on the iron ring,

little by little it gave way and stretched out, until at last it was wide enough

to pass over the foot: the operation was then performed on the other leg. It

took at least half an hour to take mine off, and even more to open

Prideaux's. Though we were delighted at the prospect of having again the

free use of our limbs, we did not enjoy the rude operation at all; and

although (as we were in favour) the soldiers did their best not to hurt us,

still the pain was at times quite unbearable, as the "point d'appui" now and

then slipped from the stone to the chain itself, and pressing on the shin it

seemed to us as if the leg would be crushed to pieces.

At first we could hardly walk. Our legs seemed to us as light as feathers; we

could not guide them, and we staggered very much like drunken men: if we

met with a small stone in our way, we involuntarily lifted up the foot to a

ridiculous height. For days the limb was painful, and the slightest exertion

was followed by great fatigue.

Theodore having expressed his desire that we should present ourselves

before him in uniform, we dressed ourselves immediately the chains were

taken off. As I was the first to get rid of my twenty-one months' friends, I

was ready when Prideaux came in; but no sooner had he begun taking off

his prison garb to dress himself, than messenger after messenger rushed in,

sent from Theodore to hurry us on. Well knowing the fickle disposition of

their master, all the chiefs present, Samuel, the guards, every one kept

continually shouting out to Prideaux, "Make haste, make haste!" Flurried,

and unaccustomed since so many months to the civilized way of putting on

his clothes, and unable to guide his feet properly, in his hurry he tore his

uniform trousers almost in two. But no one _would hear of waiting any

longer: off we must go. Luckily a few pins were at hand, and what with his

cap as a screen, the accident, if not repaired, was hidden. On reaching the

Imperial tent, his Majesty, after greeting us cordially, said, "I chained you

because your people believed that I was not a strong king; now that your

masters are coming I release you to show them that I am not afraid. Fear

not; Christ is my witness, and God knows, that I have nothing in my heart

against you three. You came to this country knowing what the Consul had

done. Do not fear, nothing will happen to you. Sit down."

Once seated he ordered some tej to be given to us, and conversed with Mr.

Rassam; amongst other things he said, "I am like a woman in the family

way, and know not if it will be an abortion, a girl or a boy; I hope it will be

a boy. Some men die when they are young, some at middle age, some when

they are old; some are prematurely cut off, but what my end will be, God

only knows." He then introduced his son to Mr. Rassam. He inquired if we

had carpets, and if our houses were comfortable; and on Mr. Rassam telling

him that by his favour we had everything we required, and that his Majesty

would be pleased if he saw the nice home he had, Theodore looking up to

heaven said, "My friend, believe me, my heart loves you; ask me for

whatever you like, even for my own flesh, and I will give it to you."

His Majesty, during the whole of the interview, was most courteous and

appeared much pleased with Mr. Rassam's answers, and laughed heartily

more than once. When he dismissed us, he sent his son and the Europeans

to accompany us to our huts.

I heard, both from Mr. Rassam and from the Europeans that were present all

along, that before as well as during the time we were present, Theodore had

shown himself most friendly and kind. The Europeans told me that whilst

our chains were being opened he talked on many subjects with Mr. Rassam.

Amongst other things, he said to him, "Mr. Stern has wounded me in the

arm, but if anything bad is to happen, before that I will wound him also."

He also said, "I will fight; you may see my dead body, and say there is a bad

man, who has injured me and mine; and perhaps you will not bury me."

After we left he mustered his troops and spoke to them about us. "Whatever

happens, I will not kill these three—they are messengers; but amongst those

that are coming, and here also, I have enemies; those I will kill if they want

to injure me." As he was passing the gate on his way back to his camp, he

called the Ras and told him, "Mr. Rassam and his companions are not

prisoners, they may play and run; watch them with the eye only."

That night we had no guards inside our room; they slept outside as before.

We, however, did not venture to avail ourselves of the order and walk about

the Amba, but remained quietly in our inclosure.

On reaching his camp, Theodore assembled his people and said to them:

—"You hear of white men coming to fight me; it is no rumour, but quite

true." A soldier shouted out, "Never mind, my king, we will fight them."

Theodore looked at the man, and said, "You fool! you do not know what

you say. These people have long cannons, elephants, guns, and muskets

without number. We cannot fight against them. You believe that our

muskets are good: if they were so they would not sell them to us. I might

kill Mr. Rassam, as he brings these soldiers against me. I did him no harm:

it is true I put him in chains; but it is your fault, you people of Magdala, you

should have advised me better. I might kill him, but he is only one; and then

those who are coming would take away my children, my women, my

treasures, and kill me and you."

The following morning, the 30th, a message was sent to the five who had

lately joined us, asking them to work again for him, as he wanted more

stone shots. On accepting his offer, their foot chains were taken off, hand

chains put by pairs, and they were conducted to the camp. A tent was

pitched for them, and on their arrival they received a present of tej, meat

and bread, from his Majesty.

None of us were over sanguine at the recent good treatment we had

received at the hands of Theodore; we knew how suddenly he changed, and

that often,—as formerly in our case,—he pretended great friendship, when

he intended all the while to ill-use, or even kill his dupes. We were,

however, in good spirits and kept up our courage, knowing that the end was

near: we left the result in God's hands, and hoped for the best.

On the 1st of April we learnt that the evening before, Theodore, being very

drunk, had "fakered" a great deal. At about ten in the forenoon a large

number of soldiers came rushing in from the camp below (we always

disliked very much those abrupt movements of the soldiers), but instead of

coming towards our fence, as at first we feared, they went in the direction

of the magazines, and shortly afterwards we saw them again passing along

on their way back, carrying the cannons Theodore had on the mountain,

powder, cannon-balls, &c. We supposed that Theodore had either decided

on defending Selassié, or had sent for his guns, as he intended, such was the

general opinion, to have a great "faker."

Early on the morning of the 2nd, some of the chiefs were sent by the

Emperor to inform us that his Majesty required us immediately to proceed

to Islamgee. From our former experience of Theodore's fickle disposition

we knew not what would be our fate, whether a polite reception,

imprisonment or something worse; but as there was no help for it, we

dressed, and, accompanied by the chiefs, left our huts, (perhaps never to see

them again,) and walked down to the camp below the mountain. It was the

first time, with the exception of the short distance we had gone on the day

our chains had been opened, that we had left our inclosure. We had but a

very indifferent idea of the Amba, and were astonished to find it much

larger than we expected, the road between the gates longer and steeper, and

the paths along the side of the Amba more abrupt and more lengthy than we

had supposed from our recollections of twenty-one months before.

We found Theodore seated on a heap of stones about twenty yards below

Islamgee, on the side of the road just completed, and through which the

cannons, mortars, and waggons were going to be dragged. From the spot he

had chosen he could see all the road down to the foot of Islamgee, where all

his people were busily engaged fixing long leather ropes to the waggons,

and, under the supervision of the Europeans, making everything ready, for

the ascent. The Emperor was dressed very simply: the only difference in his

attire from the chief in attendance standing some ten yards on his side, was

in the silk border of his shama: he held a spear in his hand, and two long

pistols were fixed in his belt. He greeted us cordially and made us sit down

behind him : a proof of confidence, he would certainly not have accorded to

his dearest Abyssinian friend, as we had only to give him a sudden push,

and he would have rolled down the precipice below.

The road he had made on the side of Islamgee was broad but very steep on

the average at a gradient of one in three; half way an almost straight angle

intersected it, and we feared that there might be some difficulty in turning

the heavy waggons without upsetting them. He did not speak much at first,

being intent on examining the waggons below; but as soon as the big mortar

came in sight he pointed it out to us, and asked Mr. Rassam his opinion

about it. We all admired the huge piece, and Mr. Rassam, having

complimented his Majesty on his great work, added, that before long he

hoped that our people would have the same pleasure of admiring it as we

did. Samuel, who translated on that occasion, turned quite pale, but as the

Emperor understood a little Arabic he was obliged to render the sentence,

though he evidently did not like it. Theodore laughed, and sent Samuel to

tell Mr. Waldmeier what Mr. Rassam had just said. A few minutes

afterwards his Majesty got up; we rose also, and Mr. Rassam told him,

through Samuel, that to gladden his heart still more he begged him to be

gracious enough to release from their fetters our companions still in chains

on the Amba. This time Samuel not only turned pale, but shook his head,

declining to open such a subject; but on Mr. Rassam repeating his request,

this time in a higher tone of voice, Theodore looked round, and Samuel,

having no option left, complied. His Majesty looked sullen and a little

annoyed, but after a short pause gave orders to some of his attendants and to

Samuel to proceed at once to the Amba and have the chains of the five

remaining captives opened at once.

The Emperor then walked down to the spot where the road made a sharp

angle, and directed the laborious task of having such heavy masses dragged

up the precipitous incline. He sent us to the other side of the road, where we

might witness the whole scene well, and appointed several of his high

officers to attend upon us. None but Theodore, I believe, could have

directed that difficult operation; the leather ropes, from long use, were

always breaking, and we were very much afraid that some accident might

happen, and that, at the very last stage, the ponderous mortar "Sebastopol"

would tumble over the precipice. We fancied the rage his Majesty would be

in; and our close proximity to him made us earnestly pray that nothing of

the kind would occur. The sight was well worth witnessing: Theodore

standing on a projecting rock, leaning on his spear, sent his aide-de-camp at

every moment with instructions to those who directed the five or six

hundred men harnessed to the ropes. At times when the noise was too great,

or when he wanted to give some general instructions, he had but to lift up

his hand and not a sound would arise from the thousands engaged in the

work, and the clear voice of Theodore would alone be heard in the deep

silence that his simple gesture had produced.

At last the big mortar was safely landed on Islamgee. We climbed up as fast

as we could, and complimented his Majesty on the achievement of his great

undertaking; he sent us word to examine the mortar. We all three jumped on

the gun-carriage, greatly admired it, and loudly expressed our astonishment

and delight to the bystanders. His Majesty was evidently well pleased with

the praises we had bestowed upon his great favourite, and made us sit down

near him on the verge of the Islamgee plateau whilst the remaining cannons

and waggons were being drawn up. The wonderful work of dragging up the

16,000 pounds weight of "Sebastopol" once over—though some of the

cannons were also of a considerable size,—the rest of the operation was

only child's play, and his Majesty, though present, never interfered.

We must have remained with him for at least several hours in quiet and

friendly talk. As the sun was getting hot, his Majesty insisted on our putting

on our caps, and, on Mr. Rassam a short time afterwards asking his

permission to open an umbrella, he not only granted it, but, seeing that I had

none, kindly sent one of his pages for his own, opened it, and gave it to me.

He told us of all the difficulties he had undergone, and how the peasants

refused every assistance. He said, "I was obliged to make roads during the

day and drag my waggons, and to plunder at night, as my people had

nothing to eat." All the country, he said, had been against him, and when

they could seize any of his followers they immediately put them to death; in

return, when he made any of them prisoners, to avenge his friends, he burnt

them alive: this he told us in the quietest way possible, just as if he had

done the right thing. He then asked about our troops, the elephants, the

rifles, &c. Mr. Rassam told him everything we knew; that about 12,000

troops had landed, but that not more than 5,000 or 6,000 would advance on

Magdala—adding, "It will only be friendship." Theodore said, "God only

knows; before, when the French came into my country, at the time of that

robber 'Agau Negussi,' I made a quick march to seize them, but they had

run away. Do you believe that I would not have gone to meet your people,

and asked them what they came into my country for? but how can I? You

have seen to-day my army, and"—pointing to the Amba above—"there is

all my country. But I will wait for them here, and then let God's will be

done."

He next spoke about the Crimean war, of the late contest between Austria

and Prussia, of the needle-gun, and asked us if the Prussians had made the

Emperor of Austria a prisoner, or seized his country. Mr. Rassam told him

that the needle-guns, by their rapid fire, had gained the victory for the

Prussians; that on peace being made the Emperor of Austria was obliged to

pay a large sum of money; that a part of his territory had been annexed by

the conqueror, and all his allies had lost their kingdoms. His Majesty

listened with great composure, only when he was told that only 5,000 men

were coming, the proud curl of his lip expressed how much he felt his fallen

condition when so few men were considered sufficient to conquer him. He

afterwards spoke to us about his old grievances against Cameron, Stern, and

Rosenthal. About us he said, "You have never done me any wrong. I know

that you are great men in your country, and I feel very sorry to have illtreated you without cause."

After the last waggon had been drawn up, he rose and told us to follow; we

walked a few yards behind him, and when Samuel, who had gone to give

orders for a tent to be pitched for us, returned, he asked us, through him,

several questions about shells, the charge required for his big mortar, &c.,

to all of which Mr. Rassam replied, that being a civilian he knew nothing

about it. He then told him to ask me, but Mr. Rassam replied that I was only

acquainted with medicines. On that he ceased his inquiries and conducted

ne to the tent prepared for us; then bidding us good afternoon, retired to his

apartment. An Abyssinian breakfast, tej, and a few European dishes and

cakes that Mrs. Waldmeier had prepared; according to his instructions, were

then sent for us to partake of. A short time afterwards he sent for Mr.

Waldmeier and Samuel.

It seems that Theodore had already been drinking, as he talked to them in a

very excited manner, inquiring why he had not received any intimation of

the landing of our troops and if it was not customary for a king to inform

another that he was invading his country &c. Mr. Waldmeier and Samuel,

when they returned, appeared rather alarmed, as it was no unfrequent case

with Theodore to be very friendly in the morning, and, when in his cups, to

change his demeanour and ill-treat those he had petted a little while before.

Samuel and Waldmeier were a second time sent for. Theodore then abused

Samuel a great deal, told him that he had many charges to bring against

him, but that he left it for another day; he then ordered him to take us back

to the fort, gave instructions for three mules to be brought, and for the

commandant of the mountain, together with the former one, to escort us. To

Mr. Waldmeier he said, "Tell Mr. Rassam that a small fire, the size of a pea,

if not put out in time, may cause a great conflagration: it is left to Mr.

Rassam to extinguish it before it spreads." We were glad to return safe and

sound to our old prison, and rejoiced on seeing our companions freed from

their fetters and looking happy and hopeful.

On the following morning Mr. Rassam sent word to the Emperor,

requesting his permission to be allowed to inform the Commander-in-Chief

of the British army of his Majesty's good-will towards the Europeans in his

power; but Theodore answered that he did not desire him to write, as he had

opened the chains of the captives not out of fear, but simply on account of

his personal friendship for Mr. Rassam.

As Theodore had on several occasions expressed his astonishment at not

receiving any communication from the Commander-in-Chief, we thought it

advisable to request Sir Robert Napier, through our friends, to be kind

enough to send a short courteous letter to the Emperor, informing him of the

object of the expedition; as the letter he had addressed to him before

landing had been detained by Mr. Rassam, and the ultimatum sent by Lord

Stanley previous to the intervention of an armed force, having also fallen

into Mr. Rassam's hands, instead of reaching the Emperor, had been

destroyed by that gentleman.

The five (Mr. Staiger and his party) were making stone balls for his

Majesty's cannons, but as none of the Europeans in his service would stand

security for them, every evening the hand chains were hammered on after

their day's work was over. On the evening of the 3rd Theodore sent to Mr.

Rassam, asking him to become their guarantee; but he refused, as he could

not, he said, hold himself responsible for them so long as they were

working for his Majesty and resided at a distance from him. However, Mr.

Flad and one of the other Europeans consenting to become security, the

torture of having the chains daily fastened on was discontinued, and the

captives were simply guarded at night in their tent.

Provisions were running short, and for some days a foraging expedition was

much talked about, Dahonte being considered as the place selected. But

Theodore, unwilling to expose his small force to a repulse, did not venture

so far, but on the morning of the 4th of April plundered his own people, the

few small villages situate at the foot of the Amba; and he unsuccessfully

attempted to sack the village of Watat, where his own cattle were kept.

Theodore met with much more resistance than he expected from the Galla

peasants; many of the soldiers were killed, and the booty brought back was

very small.

The soldiers on the mountain were more despondent than ever: little aware

of the great change that before long was to take place, they viewed with

great concern and anxiety this last raid, as, were the Emperor to go away,

they would be left to starve on their rock. From Mr. Munzinger we

frequently received short notes, which reached us sewn in the worn-out

trousers of some peasant or messenger; thus we knew that our deliverers

were now near, and we longed for the day, not far distant, when our fate

would be decided: for we suffered more from constant anxiety and doubt—

as to what every minute might bring, than from the certainty of death: even

the few hopeful thoughts we now and then indulged in were nothing

compared to regained liberty.

CHAPTER XX.

All the Prisoners leave the Amba for Islamgee—Our Reception by

Theodore—He harangues his Troops, and releases some of the

Prisoners—He informs us of the Advance of the English—

The Massacre—We are sent back to Magdala—Effects of the

Battle of Fahla—Messrs. Prideaux and Flad sent to negotiate

—Release of the Captives, and their Narrow Escape—Their

Arrival in the British Camp.

On the evening of the 7th of April we heard indirectly that the next morning

all the prisoners, ourselves included, would be called before his Majesty,

who was at the time encamped at the foot of Selassié, and that in all

probability we should not return to the Amba. At day-dawn a messenger

came from Theodore ordering us to go down, and take with, us our tents

and anything else we might require. As was our wont on such occasions, we

put on our uniforms, and proceeded to the Emperor's camp accompanied by

the former captives. On approaching Selassié we perceived his Majesty,

surrounded by many of his chiefs and soldiers, standing near his guns in

conversation with some of his European workmen. He saluted us

courteously, and told, us to advance and stand near him. Cameron was

staggering from the effects of the sun, and could with difficulty keep

himself from falling to the ground. On perceiving his condition his Majesty

asked us what was the matter with him. We answered that Cameron was

unwell, and begged permission for him to sit down, a request that was

immediately granted. Theodore then greeted the other prisoners, asked them

how they were, and on perceiving the Rev. Mr. Stern he said, smiling all the

while, "O Kokab (Star), why have you plaited your hair?" [Footnote: Only

soldiers plait the hair; peasants and priests shave the head about once a

month.] Before he could answer Samuel told the Emperor, "Your Majesty, it

is not plaited; it falls naturally on his shoulders."

Theodore then retired a little way from the crowd, and told us three and

Cameron to follow him. Seating himself on a large stone, and telling us also

to sit down, he said, "I have sent for you, as I desire to look after your

safety. When your people come and fire upon me I will put you in a safe

place; and should you even there be in danger I will remove you to

somewhere else." He asked us if our tents had arrived, and on being

informed that they had not, he ordered one of his own, of red flannel, to be

pitched in the meanwhile. He remained with us about half an hour

conversing on different topics; he narrated the anecdote of Damocles, asked

us about our laws, quoted Scripture—in a word, jumped from one subject to

the other, discoursing on topics quite foreign to his thoughts. He did his best

to appear calm and amiable, but we soon detected that he was labouring

under great excitement. When, in January, 1866, he received us at Zagé, we

were struck by the simplicity of his dress, in every respect the same as that

of his common soldiers; of late, however, he had adopted a more gaudy

attire, but nothing compared to the harlequin coat he wore that day.

After he had dismissed us, he ascended the hill under which our tent was

pitched, and for two hours, at about fifty yards from us, surrounded by his

army, he "fakered" (bragged) to his heart's content. He discoursed first on

his former deeds, or what he intended to do when he should encounter the

white men, speaking all the while in contemptuous terms of his advancing

foe. Addressing the soldiers whom he was sending as an advanced post to

Arogié, he told them, on the approach of the white men, to wait until they

had fired, and before the enemy had time to reload, to fall upon them with

their spears; and showing the gaudy dress he had put on for the occasion, he

added: "Your valour will meet with its reward, and you will enrich

yourselves with spoils, compared to which the rich dress I am wearing is

but a mere trifle." When he had concluded his harangue he dismissed his

troops, and sent for Mr. Rassam. He told him not to notice what had taken

place, as it meant nothing; but that he was obliged to speak publicly in that

manner to encourage his soldiers. He then mounted his mule and ascended

to the top of Selassié to examine the road from Dalanta to the Bechelo, and

ascertain the movements of the English army.

The next day, the 8th, we only saw his Majesty at a distance, seated on a

stone in front of his tents, and talking quietly to those around him. In the

afternoon he ascended to the top of Selassié, and on his return sent us word

that he had seen nothing; but that our people could not be far off, as a

woman had come to inform him that, the evening before, horses and mules

had been taken down to the Bechelo to be watered.

As we came down from the Amba the day before, we had met on the road

all the prisoners crawling along, many of them in hand and foot chains,

having in that condition been obliged to walk down the irregular and steep

descent. Their appearance was enough to inspire pity in the most callous

heart; many had no other covering than a small piece of rag round the loins,

and were living skeletons, covered with some loathsome skin disease.

Chiefs, soldiers or beggars, all wore an anxious expression: they had but too

much reason to fear that they had not been dragged out of the prison where

they had spent years of misery for any good purpose. However, on that

morning Theodore gave orders for about seventy-five to be released, all

either former servants of his, or chiefs whom he had imprisoned, without

cause, during his fits of madness, so frequent of late.

Soon after his return from Selassié, his merciful mood being over, Theodore

sent orders to have seven prisoners executed; amongst them the wife and

child of Comfou (the storekeeper who had run away in September)—poor

innocent beings on whom the despot vented his rage for the desertion of the

husband: they were shot by the "brave Amharas," and their bodies hurled

over the nearest precipice. Theodore sent me word to go and visit Bardel,

who was lying dangerously ill in a tent close by. Having seen him and

prescribed, I afterwards visited some of the Europeans and their families; I

found them all exceedingly anxious and none could arrive at any conclusion

as to the probable course Theodore would adopt.

Early on the morning of the 9th some of the European workmen informed

us that Theodore was making roads to drag part of his artillery to Fahla,

where it overlooks the Bechelo; they also told us that before parting he had

given orders for the release of about one hundred prisoners, most of them

women or poor people. Towards 2 P.M. the Emperor returned, and sent us

word by Samuel that he had seen a quantity of baggage coming down from

Dalanta to the Bechelo—four elephants, but very few men. He had also

remarked, he said, some small white animals, with black heads, but he

could not make out what they were. Did we know? We made a rough guess,

and answered that they were probably Berbera sheep. He sent a last

message, saying, "I am tired from looking out so long; I am going to rest

awhile. Why are your people so slow?"

A severe storm then broke out; and it had hardly subsided when we saw

soldiers rushing from all directions towards the side of the precipice—a

couple of hundred yards from our tent. We soon heard that his Majesty, in a

fearful passion, had left his tent, and had gone to Mr. Rassam's servants'

houses, where the Magdala prisoners had been shut up since they had been

taken down to Islamgee.

As I have said, that morning Theodore had released a large number of his

prisoners. Those who remained, believing that they might avail themselves

of the Emperor's good disposition, clamoured for bread and water, as for

two days they had been deprived of both, all their servants having

decamped and kept away since they had been removed from Magdala. At

the cries of "abiet, abiet," [Footnote: "Abiet," master, lord. The usual

expression used by beggars when asking alms.] Theodore, who was

reposing after indulging in deep potations, asked his attendant, "What is it?"

He was told that the prisoners begged for water and bread. Theodore,

seizing his sword, and telling the man to follow him, exclaimed, "I will

teach them to ask for food when my faithful soldiers are starving." Arrived

at the place where the prisoners were confined, blind with rage and drink,

he ordered the guards to bring them out. The two first he hacked to pieces

with his own sword; the third was a young child; though it arrested his

hand, it did not save the poor creature's life, and he was hurled alive over

the precipice by Theodore's order. He seems to have been somewhat calmer

after the two first murders, and something like order prevailed during the

remainder of the executions. As every prisoner was brought out he inquired

his name, his country, and his crime . The greater part were found guilty,

hurled over the precipice, and shot below by musketeers sent there to

despatch any one who still showed signs of animation, as many had escaped

with life from the awful fall. Some 307 were put to death, and 91 reserved

for another day. These last, strange to say, were all chiefs of note; many of

whom had fought against the Emperor, and all, he knew, were his deadly

enemies.

What our feelings were all this time can easily be surmised: we could see

the deep line of soldiers standing behind the Emperor, and counted up to

two hundred discharges of fire-arms, when we left off the agonizing

calculation of how many victims were being slaughtered. A friendly chief

came to us, and implored us to remain very quiet in our tents, as it would be

very dangerous if Theodore remembered us in his present mood. At dusk he

returned, followed by an admiring crowd. He, however, took no notice of

us; and, after a while, seeing all quiet, we felt pretty confident that we were

safe for that day at least.

There is no doubt that when Theodore sent for us and all the prisoners, he

had made up his mind to kill every one. His apparent clemency was merely

used as a blind to mask his intent and inspire hopes of freedom in the hearts

of those whose death he had already determined upon.

Early on the morning of the 10th his Majesty sent us word to get ready to

return to Magdala. Shortly afterwards one of his servants brought us the

following message:—"Who is that woman who sends her soldiers to fight

against a king? Send no more messengers to your people: if a single servant

of yours is missing, the covenant of friendship between you and myself is

broken." A few minutes afterwards a boy whom I had some days previously

sent to General Merewether, with a request that a letter should be sent to

Theodore, who had on several occasions manifested great astonishment at

not receiving any communication from the army, returned with a letter from

his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief for the Emperor. The letter was

perfect; just what we had wished for—firm, courteous; it contained no

threats, no promises, except that Theodore would be honourably treated if

he delivered the prisoners uninjured into his hands. We at once sent Samuel

to inform the Emperor that a letter from Sir R. Napier had arrived for him.

His Majesty declined to receive it. "It is of no use," he said; "I know what I

have to do." However, shortly afterwards he sent for Samuel privately, and

asked him its contents, and as Samuel had translated it, he informed him of

the principal points. His Majesty listened attentively, but made no remarks.

A mule from the Imperial stables was sent for Mr. Rassam's use to ride;

Lieutenant Prideaux, Captain Cameron, and myself were told that we might

ride our own mules; but this favour was denied to the other captives. On our

return to Magdala we were hailed by our servants, and the few friends we

had on the mountain, as men who had returned from the grave. We sent for

our tents, bedding, &c., and awaited with anxiety the next move of the

fickle despot.

About noon the whole of the garrison of the Amba were told to arm and

proceed to the King's camp; a few old men only and the ordinary prisoners'

guard remaining on the mountain. Between 3 and 4 P.M. a violent thunderstorm burst over the Amba. We thought now and then that we could

distinguish amidst the peals of thunder distant guns, and some close at

hand. At other times we were almost certain that the sound we had just

heard was a volley; but we only laughed at the idea, and wondered how the

echoes of the almost constant thunder could to our excited imagination bear

such close resemblance to the welcome music of an attack by the army of

rescue. Shortly after 4 P.M. the storm subsided, and then no mistake was

possible; the deep, dull sound of guns, and the sharp reports of small arms,

now reached us plainly and distinctly. But what was it? No one would or

could say. Twice during the next hour the joyous elelta resounded from

Islamgee to the Amba above, where it was responded to by the soldiers'

families. Then all doubts vanished: evidently the King was only "fakering;"

no fight could have taken place, as no elelta would be heard if Theodore

had ventured to encounter the British troops.

We were fast asleep, quite unaware of the glorious battle that had taken

place a few miles from our prison, when we were aroused by a servant, who

told us to dress quickly, and come over to Mr. Rassam's house, as

messengers had just arrived from his Majesty. We found on entering Mr.

Rassam's room Messrs. Waldmeier and Flad, and several of the Emperor's

chiefs, who had come up to deliver the Imperial message. Then for the first

time we heard of the battle of Fahla; heard, indeed, that we were now safe;

that the humbled despot had acknowledged the greatness of the power he

had for years despised. The Imperial message was as follows:—"I thought

that the people that are now coming were women; I now find that they are

men. I have been conquered by the advance guard alone. All my musketeers

are dead. Reconcile me with your people."

Mr. Rassam sent him back word that he had come to his country to make

peace, and now, as well as formerly, he only wished to see that happy result

obtained; he proposed, he said, sending Lieutenant Prideaux for himself,

and that his Majesty should send Mr. Flad, or any other European whom he

trusted, together with one of his noblemen, to the British camp to make

terms; but that unless he was willing to deliver over to the Commander-in-

Chief all the prisoners, the proposed steps would be quite useless. The two

Europeans and the other messenger remained some time with us to rest and

refresh themselves: they told us that his Majesty had mistaken a battery of

artillery for Baggage, and seeing only a few men at Arogié, he had given in

to the importunities of his chiefs, and allowed them to have their own way.

On a cannon being fired, the Abyssinians, excited by the prospect of a large

booty, rushed down the hill. His Majesty commanded the artillery, which

was served by Abyssinian workmen, under the direction of a Copt, the

former servant of the Bishop, and of Lij Engeddah Wark, the son of a

converted Bengal Jew. At the first discharge the largest piece of ordnance,

"Theodoros," burst, the Abyssinians by mistake having rammed in two

cannon balls. Towards dusk he had sent to recall his troops, but messenger

after messenger was despatched to no purpose: at last the broken-down

remnants of his army were seen slowly climbing the steep ascent, and he

heard for the first time the dismal tale of their disaster. Fitaurari [Footnote:

Fitaurari , the commander of the advanced guard.] Gabrié, his longattached friend, the bravest of the brave, lay dead on the battle-field; he

inquired for others, but the answer was Dead, dead, dead!! Cast down,

conquered at last, Theodore, without saying a word, walked back to his tent

with no other thought but an appeal to the friendship of his captives and to

the generosity of his foe.

Returning to the Emperor's tent Messrs. Flad and Waldmeier informed him

of their arrival by one of the eunuchs who had accompanied them for that

purpose. It appears that in the meanwhile Theodore had been drinking hard;

he came out of his tent very much excited, and asked the Europeans, "What

do you want?" They told him that as he had commanded them, they had

spoken on his behalf to Mr. Rassam, and that that gentleman had proposed

sending Mr. Prideaux, &c. &c. The Emperor interrupted them, and in an

angry tone exclaimed, "Mind your own business: go to your tents!" The two

Europeans stood still, in the hope that his Majesty might change his mind;

but seeing that they did not depart, he got into a rage, and in a high tone of

voice ordered them to retire at once.

At about 4 A.M. a messenger was sent by his Majesty to call Messrs. Flad

and Waldmeier before him. As soon as they arrived he asked, "Do you hear

this wailing? There is not a soldier who has not lost a friend or a brother.

What will it be when the whole English army comes? What shall I do?

counsel me." Mr. Waldmeier told him: "Your Majesty, peace is the best."

"And you, Flad, what do you say?" "Your Majesty," replied Mr. Flad,

"ought to accept Mr. Rassam's proposal." Theodore remained a few minutes

silent, his head between his hands, apparently in deep thought, and then

said, "Well, go back to Magdala, and tell Mr. Rassam that I trust in his

friendship to reconcile me with his people. I will do what he thinks best."

Mr. Flad brought us this message, Mr. Waldmeier remaining with the

Emperor.

On Lieutenant Prideaux and Mr. Flad reaching Islamgee they were

conducted to the Emperor, whom they found sitting outside on a stone and

dressed in his ordinary manner. He received them very graciously, and

immediately ordered one of his best mules to be saddled for Prideaux's use.

Noticing that he was rather exhausted from the rapid walk, he gave him a

horn of tej to refresh himself with on the road. He then dismissed them with

the following message:—"I had thought before this that I was a strong man,

but I have now discovered that they are stronger; now reconcile me." They

then left, and accompanied by Dejatch Alamé, the Emperor's son-in-law,

proceeded to the British camp at Arogié, where they arrived after a two

hours' ride, and were warmly cheered and greeted by all. After a short stay

in the camp, they returned to his Majesty bearing a letter from Sir Robert

Napier, couched in firm but conciliatory terms, and assuring Theodore that,

provided he submitted to the Queen of England and brought all the

prisoners and other Europeans to the British camp, honourable treatment

would be accorded to himself and his family.

Sir Robert Napier received Dejatch Alamé with great courtesy (a fact that

was immediately reported to Theodore by a special messenger), invited him

into his tent, and spoke plainly to him. He told him that not only all the

Europeans must at once be sent to the camp, but the Emperor himself must

come in also and submit to the Queen of England. He told him that if he

complied he would be honourably treated, but that if any one of the

Europeans in his hands were injured, he could expect no pity; and that had

he (Sir Robert Napier) to remain for five years in the country, he would not

leave until the last murderer was punished, had he even to buy him from his

mother. He then showed Alamé some of the "toys" he had brought with

him, and explained to him their effects.

On the return of Prideaux and his companions to Theodore's camp, they

found him sitting on the brow of Selassié, overlooking the British camp,

and in anything but a pleasant humour. They had been joined on their

arrival by Mr. Waldmeier, and together they presented themselves before

him, and delivered the letter into his hands. It was twice translated, and at

the conclusion of the second reading he asked, in a deliberate manner,

"What does honourable treatment mean? Does it mean that the English will

help me to subdue my enemies, or does, it mean honourable treatment as a

prisoner?" Prideaux replied, that on the first point the Commander-in-Chief

had said nothing; that all his wishes were contained in his letter; and that

the English army had simply come into the country to rescue their fellowcountrymen, and that object effected they would then return. This answer

did not please him at all. Evidently his worst passions were aroused; but,

controlling himself, he motioned them to stand a little distance from him,

while he dictated a letter to his secretary,—a letter begun before the arrival

of Prideaux, an incoherent epistle, not sealed, stating, amongst other things,

that he had hitherto surrendered to no man, and was not prepared to do so

now. He inclosed with his letter the one he had just received from Sir

Robert Napier, handed it over to Prideaux, and bade them be off at once;

not allowing Prideaux even to wait for a glass of water, telling him that

there was no time to lose.

Another couple of hours' ride brought Prideaux and Flad again to the British

camp. Sir Robert Napier, however reluctant he must have felt, after

allowing them time to rest, despatched them back to Theodore. It was,

indeed, the proper way to deal with him: firmness alone could save our

lives; as we had but too ample proofs that the kind of adoration for so long

bestowed upon him resulted in nothing but a nonsensical correspondence,

and no real advantage had ever been gained. No answer could possibly be

given to the mad production Theodore had sent; a verbal message to the

same purport as the first communication from the Commander-in-Chief was

all that was required.

We were still in the power of Theodore; had not, as yet, tasted liberty;

whatever, before long, would be our fate, we were passive, and ready to

submit with as much good grace as possible to the sentence we every

minute expected. Mr. Flad had left his wife and children on Islamgee, and

could not well decline to go back; but for Prideaux the case was quite

different: he returned, like a brave, gallant man, ready to sacrifice his own

life in endeavouring to save ours, and going willingly to almost certain

death in obedience to his duty. None of the brave soldiers who gallantly

wear the Victoria Cross ever did a nobler deed. Fortunately, however, as

they were nearing Selassié, they met Mr. Meyer, one of the European

workmen, who communicated to them the welcome intelligence that we

were all liberated and on our way to the camp. They gladly turned round the

heads of their tired mules, and, together with Mr. Meyer, brought back the

good news to our anxious countrymen.

But we must return to ourselves, still shut up in Magdala. We remained all

day in great suspense, not knowing at any moment what course Theodore

would adopt. I dressed several of the wounded and saw many of the soldiers

who had taken part in the fight of the previous day. All were much cast

down, and declared that they would not fight again. "Of what use is it," they

said, "fighting against your people? When we fight with our countrymen

each side has its turn; with you it is always your turn. See how many dead

and wounded we have! We did not see any of your men fall: and then you

never run away." The rockets terrified them greatly, and if their description

of the shells is correct they must indeed be terrible weapons.

Shortly after receiving an answer from Sir Robert Napier, and despatching

Prideaux and Flad for the second time, Theodore called his principal chiefs

and some of his European workmen before him and held a kind of council;

but he soon became so excited, so mad, that it was with difficulty he was

restrained from committing suicide. The chiefs reproved him for his

weakness, and proposed that we should all be killed, or kept in a hut in the

camp and burnt alive on the approach of our soldiers. His Majesty took no

notice of these suggestions, dismissed his chiefs, and told Messrs. Meyer

and Saalmüller, two of his European workmen, to get ready to accompany

us to the English camp. At the same time he sent two of his high officers,

Bitwaddad Hassanié and Ras Bissawur, to us with the following message:

—"Go at once to your people: you will send for your property to-morrow."

We did not like that message at all. The two chiefs were sullen and

downcast, and Samuel was so excited that he would give us no explanation

of this sudden decision. We called our servants to pack up a few things, and

many of them bade us good-by with tears in their eyes. The best disposed of

the guards looked sad and sorrowful: no doubt the general impression was

the same as ours, that we were sent for, not to go to the English camp, but to

certain death. There was no use in remonstrating or in complaining, so we

dressed; glad that at all events the end of our captivity had arrived,

whatever it might be; we bade good-by to our servants, and under a strong

escort left the Amba. Whilst we had been dressing, Samuel had consulted

with the two chiefs; they told him that Theodore was quite mad, and that

anything which might delay our meeting should not be neglected, as time to

allow him to cool down a little was of the utmost importance. They decided

on sending a soldier in advance with a supposed message from us, to ask

from his Majesty the favour of a last interview, as we could not depart

without first bidding him good-by.

Arrived at the foot of the Amba, we found that the Emperor had sent no

mules, as was his custom, and we had to have ours saddled, or borrow some

from the European workmen. The place seemed almost deserted, and on our

way to the Imperial tent we met only a few soldiers; but as we advanced we

perceived that the heights of Selassié and Fahla were crowded with the

remnants of the Imperial host.

At about a hundred yards from the King's tent we met the messenger whom

Samuel and the chiefs had sent to request a last interview, coming back

towards us. He said that the King was not in his tent, but between Fahla and

Selassié, and that he would only see his beloved friend Rassam. Orders

were then given by the chiefs who escorted us to conduct Mr. Rassam by

one road, and the remainder of the captives by another. We had to follow a

small pathway on the side of Selassié, and Mr. Rassam was conducted by a

road some fifty yards above. We advanced in that manner for a couple of

hundred yards, when we were ordered to stop. The soldiers told us that the

Emperor was coming towards Mr. Rassam, and that we must wait until their

interview was over.

After a while we were told to advance, as Mr. Rassam had left the

King and was moving on.

I was walking in front of our party, and great was my surprise, after a few

steps, on arriving at a sudden turn in the road, to find myself face to face

with Theodore. I at once perceived that he was in a fearful passion. Behind

him stood about twenty men in a line, all armed with muskets. The spot on

which he was standing is a small platform, so narrow that I would have

almost to touch him on my way onwards. Below the platform the precipice

was abrupt and deep; above, the rocks rose like a huge wall: evidently he

could not have chosen a better place if he had any evil intentions against us.

He could not have seen me at first, as his face was half turned; he

whispered something to the soldier nearest to him, and stretched out his

hand to take the man's musket. I was quite prepared for the worst, and, at

the moment, had no doubt in my mind that our last hour had come.

Theodore, his hand still on his musket, turned round; he then perceived me,

looked at me for a second or two, dropped his hand, and in a low sad voice

asked me how I was, and bade me good-by.

The chief on the following day told me that, at the time, Theodore was

undecided as to whether he would kill us all or not; only allowing Mr.

Rassam to go on account of his personal friendship for him, and that we

owed our lives to the mere accident that his eye first fell upon me, against

whom he had no animosity; but that the result would have been quite

different had his anger been roused by the sight of those he hated.

A few minutes later we rejoined Mr. Rassam, and moved on as fast as our

mules could amble. Mr. Rassam told me that Theodore had said to him, "It

is getting dark; it is perhaps better if you remained here until to-morrow."

Mr. Rassam said, "Just as your Majesty likes." Theodore then said, "Never

mind; go." He shook hands with Mr. Rassam, both crying at the idea of

parting, and Mr. Rassam promising to return early the next morning.

We had nearly reached the outposts of the Imperial camp when some

soldiers shouted for us to stop. Had Theodore again changed his mind? So

near liberty, were we again doomed to captivity or death? Such thoughts

immediately crossed our minds; but our suspense was short, as we

perceived running towards us one of the Emperor's servants, carrying

Prideaux's sword, as well as my own, which his Majesty had seized at

Debra Tabor some twenty-one months before. We sent back our thanks to

his Majesty by the servant, and resumed our march.

Little did we know at the time the narrow escape we had just had. It appears

that, after our departure, Theodore sat down on a stone, and, putting his

head between his hands, began to cry. Ras Engeddah said to him, "Are you

a woman, to cry? Let us bring back these white men, kill them, and run

away; or fight and die." Theodore rebuked him in these words:—"You

donkey! have I not killed enough these two last days? Do you want me to

kill these white men, and cover Abyssinia with blood?"

Though now fairly out of the Imperial camp, and in sight almost of our

pickets, we could hardly credit that we were not the victims of some

delusion. Involuntarily, we would look back, fearful that, regretting his

clemency, Theodore might follow and overtake us before we reached our

camp. But God, who had almost by a miracle delivered us that day, still

protected us; and shortly afterwards, with grateful and joyful hearts, we

entered the British lines; and heard the gladdening sound of English voices,

the hearty cheers of our countrymen, and shook hands with the dear friends

who had laboured so zealously for our release.

CONCLUSION.

On the morning of the 12th, the day following our deliverance, Theodore

sent a letter of apology, expressing his regret for having written the

impertinent missive of the day before. He at the same time requested the

Commander-in-Chief to accept a present of 1,000 cows; this, according to

Abyssinian custom, implying a peace-offering, which once accepted,

removed all apprehension of hostilities.

The five captives who had joined us in January, 1868 (Mr. Staiger and his

party), Mrs. Flad and her children, several of the Europeans, and the

families of all of them, were still in Theodore's power. The Europeans who

had accompanied us the evening before, and who had spent the night at the

camp, were early that morning sent back to Theodore; and Samuel, who

was one of the party, was instructed to demand that the whole of the

Europeans and their families should be allowed to depart at once. A dhoolee

and bearers were also sent at the same time for Mrs. Flad, whose state of

health did not allow her to ride. Before starting, Samuel was told by Mr.

Rassam that the Commander-in-Chief had accepted the cows: an

unfortunate mistake, as it misled and deceived Theodore, but so far

opportune, that it probably saved the lives of the Europeans still in his

power.

When the Europeans who had returned to Selassi to bring down their

families, and Samuel, approached the Emperor, his first question was,

"Have the cows been accepted?" Samuel, bowing respectfully before him,

said: "The English Ras says to you, 'I have accepted your present: may God

give it back to you.'" On that Theodore drew a long breath, as if relieved of

a deep anxiety, and told the Europeans, "Take your families and go." To Mr.

Waldmeier he said, "You also want to leave me; well, go: now that I have

friendship with the English, if I want ten Waldmeiers I have only to ask for

them." In the afternoon the European workmen and their families, Mr.

Staiger and his party, Mrs. Flad and children, Samuel, and our servants, all

came into the British camp. They had been allowed to take away their

property, and on their departure Theodore, in good spirits, bade them goodby.

On Saturday, the 11th, Sir Robert Napier had clearly pointed out to Dejatch

Alamé, the course he had adopted, and that not only the captives, but

Theodore also, must come into the British camp before twenty-four hours,

otherwise hostilities would begin anew; but at the urgent request of Dejatch

Alamé, who knew how difficult it would be for Theodore to comply with

that part of the order which referred to himself, he promised to extend to

forty-eight hours the term he had fixed upon for his ultimatum to be

acceded to.

On the morning of the 18th, the Emperor having not as yet made his

submission, it became necessary to compel him to obey, and steps were

being taken to complete the work so ably begun, when several of the

greatest chiefs of Theodore's army made their appearance, stating that they

came in their own name and in that of the soldiers of the garrison, to lay

down their arms and surrender the fortress; they added that, Theodore,

accompanied by about fifty followers, had made his escape during the

night.

It appears that the evening before, Theodore, on hearing that the cows had

not been accepted, but were still outside the English pickets, believed that

he had been deceived, and that, if he fell into the hands of the English, he

would either be doomed to chains or to a cruel death. All night he walked

about Selassié anxious and cast down, and towards early morn called upon

his people to follow him. But instead of obeying they retired to another part

of the plain. Theodore shot the two nearest to him; but this daring act did

not quell the mutinous disposition of the soldiery: on the contrary, they only

retreated further back.

With the few men who followed him, he passed through the Kafir Ber, but

had not gone far before he saw the Gallas advancing from all sides in order

to surround him and his party. He then said to his few faithful followers,

"Leave me: I will die alone." They refused; on that he said to them, "You

are right; but let us return to the mountain: it is better to die by the hands of

Christians."

The surrender of the army, the storming of Magdala, the self-inflicted death

of Theodore, are too well-known facts for me to enlarge upon them I

entered the place shortly after it had been occupied by our troops. One of

the first objects that attracted my attention was the dead body of Theodore.

There was a smile on his lip—that happy smile he so seldom wore of late: it

gave an air of calm grandeur to the features of one whose career had been

so remarkable, whose cruelties are almost unparalleled in history; but who

at the last hour seemed to have recalled the days of his youth, fought like a

brave man, and killed himself rather than surrender.

I remained that night in Magdala. It seemed passing strange to spend a night

as a free man in the same hut where I had been so long confined a prisoner.

English soldiers now guarded our former gaolers, the queen was our guest,

the dead body of Theodore lay in one of our huts: in the short span of fortyeight hours our position had so completely changed that it was difficult to

realize it: at times I was apprehensive of being the victim of a delusion. I

was too excited to sleep.

General Wilby, his aide-de-camp Captain Cappel, and his brigade-major

Major Hicks, shared my hut; hungry and tired they enjoyed quite as much

as I did, the simple Abyssinian dish of teps, the peppery sauce, and some

tej, which we ourselves went to fetch from the cellars in the royal buildings.

The next day we returned to Arogié, and during my stay there I received the

kind hospitality of General Merewether. On the 16th, some of the released

captives and myself started for Dalanta, where we waited a few days until

all had joined; and on the 21st, after Sir Robert Napier had presented us to

our deliverers, we proceeded on our way to the coast, and reached Zulla on

the 28th of May.

Looking back now, a free man in a free country, the past appears to me like

a horrible dream, a kind of missing link in my life; and when I remember

that our deliverance was followed so shortly afterwards by the selfdestruction of the passionate despot who held us in his power, I can find no

truer solution to this difficult problem, than the words inscribed by the

warm-hearted countrymen of Kerans, on the banner that floated at

Ahascragh to welcome his return, "God is good, who set you free."

ERRATUM.

Page 33, line 13,—For "Samuel, the Georgis balderaba" Read "Samuel

Georgis, the ba