GENERAL WAL-DA-GUBBRA AND HIS FAMILY. 7 
5 
swords, seated cross-legged, in Eastern fashion, while in the 
centre was the old governor, reclining on a lounge placed 
upon a raised platform. This apology for a throne was 
covered with many Persian rugs and very gaudy silk 
coverlets. 
The old man held out a long, thin hand, concealing his 
face at the same time by a red-silk handkerchief, so that I 
GENERAL WAL-DA-GUBBRA AND ABYSSINIAN ATTENDANTS. 
Photograph by F. Gillett. 
could only see his eyes. The first interview was short and 
formal, and only amounted to the interchange of a few 
civilities; but later in the day we paid the regent a long 
visit in his house, where he received us quite informally, 
and introduced us to the ladies of his household. The 
main dwelling, in which he spent the day, was a large, 
circular building, composed of a series of upright logs, 
with a high peaked roof. The entrance was high and well 
made, and was furnished with a door made of planks slung 
