SPORT IN ABYSSINIA. 



preparations for the journey to, and for travelling in, 

 Abyssinia. 



We all went and paid our respects to the Khedive, 

 being introduced by Her Majesty's Consul, Major- 

 General Staunton. His Highness the Khedive was 

 very civil and courteous, and said he would give us 

 letters to the different Governors of the Egyptian 

 Provinces through which we were likely to pass. He 

 also provided all of us with firmans. 



A day or two afterwards we received invitations 

 to a soiree thedtrale, given at the Palace of Kasr- 

 el-Nil. This lordly "palace" is simply a large wooden 

 structure on the banks of the Nile, close to the great 

 barracks in which most of the troops of Cairo are 

 quartered. 



The entertainment was particularly dull, and the 

 only thing that enlivened us at all was the excessive 

 crush of the company going up the wooden stairs, 

 which made the whole place shake. Just as we were 

 entering the room the floor creaked loudly, and the 

 company parted as if a shell had burst in the midst 

 of them ; I thought the whole place was coming 

 down. Luckily, there was no panic, or I do not 

 know what would have happened, as we were at the 

 top of the house, having gone up about six flights of 

 stairs, and the room was full. There was an elaborate 

 supper afterwards, for which I did not stop. I was 



