A LONG CALAHM. 481 



canopy of a flat topped mimosa which, threw, some 

 distance from the trunk, a circular shade, where we 

 squatted down ; and an animated conversation was 

 carried on between my Tajourah friends and the 

 representatives, as our new acquaintances turned 

 out to be, of the Wallasmah, or Governor of the 

 province of Efat, named Mahomed, who is also 

 chief of the customs upon this frontier. A large 

 bag of dollars, was also produced from somewhere 

 on our side, and with a splendid affectation of 

 disregard, was slapped down with a loud ring upon 

 the ground, between Ohmed Mahomed and Ohmed 

 Medina. The jingling music had its effect upon 

 our Abyssinian friends, lighting up their coun- 

 tenances, as their dark faces assumed a smiling 

 expression, that said out plainly, "Oh! how glad 

 we are to see you." 



Two or three hours passed away, and I began to 

 tire of such a long calahm, in which I could take 

 no part, so I asked Ohmed Medina if the town of 

 Farree was in this neighbourhood, that I might go 

 and take up my residence there at once. He asked 

 me not to go until the Kafilah came up, which 

 would not now be long ; so I reseated myself and 

 commenced again my examination of the surround- 

 ing country. Numerous towns and villages were in 

 sight, all occupying the tops of small hills, which 

 formed the limits of observation, at the distance of 

 not more than three miles. The little savannah 

 where we were seated appeared surrounded by a 



VOL. I. II 



