SERVANTS STRIKE 



347 



their decision than concern for their comrades ; however, 

 I answered that, if the men were unable to travel, I 

 would see what could be done. Later on the Shum, for 

 whom I had sent, made his appearance ; he said, in 

 answer to my questions, that he could give me no guide 



A Reredos from Gondar. 



to Simien, but that if I waited till Sunday — it was then 

 Thursday — the new governor of the town would have 

 arrived, and no doubt would do all that I required. 

 Next day, when I was ready to march, the Abyssinians 

 refused to stir ; and, after a heated debate, I had to give 

 in, as without help from the authorities I could get no 

 other men. On Saturday the new governor arrived, but 

 did not visit me ; and I had to send to him three times 

 before I got the promise of a guide for next day. 



