-,86 



A SPORTING TRIP THROUGH ABYSSINIA 



the proceeding. A priest, who accompanied them, pro- 

 tected himself with my field-glasses— on the principle 

 of devil fight devil, I suppose — while the other chief men 

 carefully covered their mouths and nostrils with their 

 shammas. 



In less than an hour we reached Mariam Izzeto, 



Group of Tigreans. 



where 1 was informed another guide would be found. 

 While waiting for the latter, I examined a small dome- 

 shaped sandstone hill, in which my men seemed to be 

 taking a great interest. They told me the tradition 

 was that the hill enclosed a magnificent church, to which 

 once upon a time a great lady came on a pilgrimage. 

 The people began to prepare a feast for her inside the 

 church, when St. Mary appeared and forbade them, as 

 it was not a feast day. Just then the great lady 

 arrived at the church door and ordered the feast to 

 be carried inside, she and all her retinue following ; 

 immediately St. Mary caused a great slab of stone to fall 

 and close the entrance, and thejre it is to this day. A 



