CHAPTER XIV 



Journey to Tadechamalca — We despatch our trophies to the coast — I 

 return alone to the capital — My farewell interview with the Negus — 

 His concern for Captain Harrington — His interest and knowledge of 

 shooting and travel — Native troops in India — The Transvaal war. 



As soon as the Emperor and his suite had left the 

 British Agency, we sat down to dejeuner, and then 

 packed our belongings for the journey back to our base- 

 camp at Tadechamalca. Then began the usual dispute 

 with the nagadis (literally, merchants) or carriers. 

 Every load was either too heavy, too bulky, too long, 

 not equally divided, or something that made it impossible 

 for it to be carried. However, after several hours' 

 talking and explanation by three interpreters and several 

 headmen, a start was effected at 3 p.iM. That night 

 Captain Harrington gave us a shake-down, and early on 

 Wednesday, loth January, we set out. Mr. Baird being 

 one of the party, as he was to accompany H. and the 

 others to Zoquala, in the hopes of getting some shooting. 

 At the ford at Akaki we passed a young Frenchman 

 dressed in a sort of uniform and mounted on a white 

 horse. Our attention was especially drawn to him by 

 the number of weapons hung about his person. These 



