482 OBTAIN PERMISSION 



narrow, well-wooded belt, beyond which, on the 

 rising slopes of the hills, could be seen fields of 

 cotton-bushes, and of the high Jawaree maize, 

 cultivated nearly to the summits ; where a few green 

 trees overhung conical straw-thatched roofs, resting 

 upon low wattled walls, which is the general cha- 

 racter, differing only in size, of all Abyssinian 

 houses. 



The Kahlah did not make its appearance till 

 almost sunset, and I got still more tired and 

 vexed at such a compulsatory stay, for nothing 

 would induce the principal of the party who 

 received us to allow our proceeding farther until 

 the messenger had returned from Guancho, the 

 seat of the Wallasmah Mahomed, some six or 

 seven miles off to the west. After the sun had 

 set, the man returned bearing commands for all 

 parties; but that which interested me most, was 

 the order given to take me to Farree, and provide 

 me with a house, and my escort with a dinner of 

 bread and ale at Dinnomalee. He also announced 

 the coming of the Wallasmah the next day to 

 examine the salt and other merchandise of the 

 several Kafilahs. Ohmed Medina and Ohmed 

 Mahomed were to remain with the escort, and not 

 to be allowed to accompany me to Farree, but as I 

 looked with some suspicion upon such peremp- 

 tory orders, I did not like being separated from 

 those I could trust ; especially as, from several hints 

 given me by Ohmed Medina, I was led to suspect 



