SPORT IN ABYSSINIA. 47 



for the night. At least here was a fire and a chance 

 of some food — better than the wet jungle in any 

 case. 



The old Arab seemed to understand I was going 

 to make myself comfortable for the night, and he went 

 and fetched two others, younger ones, and by signs 

 and saying the word Gindar, I made them understand 

 that I was lost. They said they would show me 

 the way home if I gave backsheesh. I showed them 

 the empty lining of- my pockets ; one does not gene- 

 rally take out small change when going shooting in 

 Africa, but this only shows how useful it is. At last 

 they agreed to show me the way for a dollar, and 

 the Galla boy and myself started for home ; about 

 half-way we met a Greek that Kirkham had sent 

 out to look for me, carrying a lantern, accompanied 

 by some native servants. I soon reached home, and 

 Kirkham congratulated me that my first adventure 

 in Abyssinia had not ended worse. 



Our little dinner was a pleasant one, as it was in- 

 creased in number by the presence of an ex-French 

 navy captain who had joined the Commune and now 

 was an exile in Abyssinia. He was a wild -looking 

 old fellow, but a wonderful talker ; and he and I 

 chatted away gaily. He had come from Adowa, and, 

 having very little money, was nearly starved on the 

 road. He looked very pinched, and certainly disposed 



