CHAPTER XXIII 



News at last — My messenger's adventures— Robbed and beaten — A friend 

 in need — Escape by night — Forced marches — His mule dies — Tramps 

 to Adis Ababa — Reception by Menelik — The Emperor chastises his 

 secretary— Triumphant return — The Emperor's orders — I determine 

 to start — More obstruction and an insolent message — How to travel 

 in comfort— Two oribi in one shot — We descend to the Soudan — 

 My escort assembling— The first day's shooting — Natives hunting. 



On 15th April the first rumour, since he started, reached 

 me regarding my messenger to Menelik. It was re- 

 ported the mule had died on the journey, that Ledj 

 Desster had gone to Debra Markos and not to the 

 jungle to shoot, as he had told me ; that the Emperor's 

 uncle, Ras Dargee, was dead, and consequently there 

 might be great delay in the answer to my letter 

 reaching me. This was cheerful news, after waiting 

 here for eighteen days! However, next morning, just 

 as I was superintending the packing of some skins, 

 Beyener rode in safe and sound, this being the nine- 

 teenth day since he left us. As soon as he was sighted, 

 there were shouts of "Beyener"! "Beyener"! and 

 every one in camp rushed up, embracing or shaking him 

 by the hand ; then he was led up to me, and we all 

 sat down, he and the interpreters in front, and the men 



