XXVI THE GOVERNOR OF GONDAR 293 



was going to Gondar and heard he was leaving the 

 place. The reply I got was : " He was sleeping and 

 therefore could not come," Next morning, just after I 

 had left camp, he rode up and, without dismounting, 

 asked where we were going ; so I simply stared at him 

 in reply, till he got off his mule and came forward, 

 holding out his hand, saying, " Salaam," I gave him 

 Menelik's letter to read, over which he bowed and then 

 said he was going to see the Dedjatch, that on his return 

 he would see about a guide for me, and that meanwhile 

 I had better remain camped where I was. I replied 

 that I had no time to waste, and that all I required was 

 a man to acquaint whomsoever he had left in charge that 

 I was to be allowed to see the ruins of Gondar and go 

 where I liked. He then said he had no one to send 

 with me, and that if I went unaccompanied by one of his 

 men I should not be permitted to enter the place, much 

 less be shown anything. This was a novel experience 

 for me, and the first time an official had dared to be 

 insolent to my face. So I turned short round, left him 

 standing, and ordered my men to proceed towards Gon- 

 dar. After a minute or two he sent two men after me, 

 of whom I took no notice ; he then galloped up, and, 

 dismounting behind me, ran up and apologised, saying 

 he only wanted me to wait, because he could ensure 

 my comfort so much better if he was there himself.. 

 Evidently he had fancied it a good opportunity to show 

 off his importance at my expense. Now he gave me a 

 guide, with orders to his subordinate to assist me in any 

 way I required, and promised to return himself on the 

 morrow. 



