156 THEODORE II. AND THE NEW EMPIRE OF ABYSSINIA. 



battalions to assist the consuls, I am not a rajah of Hindostan to beyaughed at 

 in this way. I prefer dealing with battalions at once." After a series of curious 

 ■ and characteristic sceEes, Theodore answered what he regarded as a provocatiou 

 -on the part of France by an order for the expulsion of the agent (28th September, 

 1863). I hastened t« reach Massaoua before the news of my disgrace, spread 

 over the route, might expose me to annoyances from the local authorities. I was 

 henceforth reduced to the part of a disinterested, but not indifferent, witness of 

 the events which were passing in this country, from which a personal misfortune 

 had not withdrawn my sympathies. Not having formed any hopes, I had none to 

 lose. 



I had become very intimate with my English colleague, Captain Cameron. As 

 we were breakfasting on the day that the decree for my expulsion was issued, 

 Mr. Cameron said to me smiling ; " Well I colleague, are the irons of the Negus 

 heavy ?" " Would you like to try them !" I answered in the same tone. " Ah ! 

 who knows ?" Alas! the brave officer did not think he was speaking so truly. 



My expulsion left the field open to a new favorite of Theodore. He was the 

 French agent of Negus of whom I made mention before, a young man, active, very 

 intelligent and attentive, but destitute of tact and prudence. His self-possession, 

 and a respectful familiarity, which is not the most unskilful flatery, had captiva- 

 ted the Negus, who, as a soldier, liked these bold qualities very much, (soldier- 

 like, as the English say). Theodore found in him something more attractive ; he 

 was tired of the low and timid obsequiousness of the missionaries of Basle, who, 

 after having formed canons for him, made brandy for him ; and whilst he called 

 them officially his children, he gave them the name of hypocrites in his humorous 

 moments. 



