THE SOURCE OF THE NILE. 253 



was CO leave, both in fa(5l and appearance, a pauper. Mules 

 are the only bcafts for carriage commonly ufed in Abyflinia, 

 though bulls and cows, of a particular kind, are bought for 

 the purpofe by carriers, merchants, and fuch like, in that 

 country, efpecially near the mines or quarries of fait ; they 

 are very flow, however, and capable of no great burden, 

 though very eafily maintained. I had abundance of mules 

 of my own for carrying my inftruments and baggage, and 

 the king and Iteghe furnifhed me with others for my own 

 riding. I had, befides, two favourite horfes, which I intend- 

 ed to attempt to carry home, fooliihly enough ; for though I 

 thought in my own mind thr.t I was fufficiently informed 

 of, and prepared for all forts of hardfliips, I had not forefeeu 

 the hundredth part of the difficulties and dangers that were 

 then awaiting me. 



On the 6th of Auguft meflengers came from Fafil, and the 

 day after from PowufTen, Begemder, Gojam, Damot, and 

 Maitflia, which provinces, by their deputies, defired that Gu- 

 Hio might be fet at liberty. This the king agreed to, but 

 upon condition that the Ras fliould inftantly pay him 1000 

 ounces of gold, and 500 mufquets, which, on the other lide; 

 was as pofitively refufed. Upon this Guflio was' put into 

 clofe confinement, and heavier irons than before : and, 

 what was the molt unjuft, his two fons, who had left their 

 own country to affift their father in diftrefs, were confined 

 in chains with him. All thefc violent mcafures were attribu- 

 ted toAyabdar, Billetana Gueta Tecla, Gucbra Mafcal, and 

 Bafl:ia Hezekias, officers conneded with Ras Michael, whom 

 the king had permitted to return from Tigre, and very much 

 confided in their councils. 



O]^ 



