This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1892. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... chapter ix. final escape fkom abyssinia. In Ras Alula's clutches again--Forensic eloquence in Abyssinia--A chilling reception--Ras Alula loses his temper--Out of his clutches at last--Ghinda--Luncheon with a cliief--More difficulties and threats--Saved by dollars--The homeward march by night--Uncertainty at Sahati--Monkullu at length--The parting with the men--Back to Suez. At daybreak next morning, the 23rd, I sent Beech and Ghirghis (the interpreter) on ahead, with instructions to push on as fast as they could to Asmara, and to announce my approach to Eas Alula, while I followed at a more sober pace with the rest of the caravan. Two hours and a half later we arrived at Asmara, and were at once conducted by a party of soldiers to the hut in which we had spent ten such very unpleasant days on our outward journey. I then lost no time in arraying myself in all the finery, lion's skin, and robes of honour, given to me by the King, and thus attired I solemnly rode up to the foot of the huge mud pyramid on which stands the hnt of the great man. My object in thus adorning myself was to show clearly, not only to the Eas himself, but to all Ms people, that I had been received as a friend by the King, and had been treated with honour; and I fondly hoped that Eas Alula would not now dare to put any further impediments in my way. I found him sitting in judgment outside his hut, surrounded by a great crowd of people, while the plaintiff and defendant in the case which was at that moment being heard were standing in an open space in front of the Eas, both greatly excited, and both talking at once at the top of their voice...
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