THE GOVERNOR OF GOXDAR 



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 

 INIenelik'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 hrst 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 onl)- wanted me to wait, because he could ensure 

 my comfort so much better if he was there himself. 

 Evidendy 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. 



