CHAPTER XIII 



How the Queen's present of horses and hounds travelled to Adis Ababa — 

 Hounds die — The first coursing-meeting attended by the Emperor — 

 " Gucks " the national game — Menelik entertained at the British 

 Agency — A dog's escort. 



When Captain Harrington returned to Adis Ababa in 

 the autumn of 1899, ^^ the conclusion of his leave in 

 England, Her Majesty the late Queen sent with him, 

 in addition to a hackney stallion and mare, two leash 

 of greyhounds, a couple of fox-hounds, and two fox- 

 terriers, as a present to the Emperor. The horses began 

 their adventures off Zeila, where it was found impossible 

 for the native sailing-boat, into which they had been 

 transferred from the steamer, to approach the pier. As 

 the tide sank the boat heeled over, and, although a 

 gangway was built, the horses became frightened and 

 refused to move. Slinijinp; them was found to be im- 

 possible, and to avoid any further delay and risk, Captain 

 Harrington ordered the side of the boat to be sawn 

 down, when the animals were induced to walk ashore. 

 From that point their journey up country, though not 

 unattended with difficulties, was successfully accom- 

 plished, and their condition on arrival spoke well for 



