THE SOURCE OF THE NILE. AS! 
muddy landing-place, fell back into the ftream, and were 
carried away and drowned. Of the horfe belonging to the 
king’s houfehold, one hundred and eighty in number, feven 
only were miffing ; with them Ayto Aylo, vice-chamberlain 
to the queen, and Tecla Mariam the king’s uncle, a great 
friend of Ras Michael’s, both old men. 
Tue ground on the weft fide was quite of another con- 
fiftence than was that upon the eaft, it was firm, covered 
with fhort grafs, and rofe in {mall hills like the downs in 
England, all floping into little.valleys which carried off the 
water, the declivity being always towards the Nile. There 
was no baggage (the tent of the Ras and that of the king 
excepted) which had as yet come over, and thefe were wet, 
being drenched in the river. The Fit-Auraris had left, ready 
made, two rafts for Ozoro Efther, and the other two la- 
dies, with which fhe might have eafily been conducted 
over, and without much danger; but the Ras had made 
Ozoro Efther pafs over in the fame manner he had crof- 
fed himfelf, many fwimming on each fide of her mule, 
She would have fain ftaid on the eaft fide, but it was 
in vain to remonftrate. She was with child, and had 
fainted feveral times; but yet nothing could prevail with 
the Ras to truft her on the other bank till morning. She 
croffed, however, fafely, though almoft dead with fright. It 
was faid he had determined to put her to death if fhe did 
not pats, from jealoufy of her falling into the hands of Fa- 
fil; but this I will by no means vouch, nor do I believe it. 
The night was cold and clear, and a {trong wind at north- 
weft had blown all the afternoon. Guebra Mafcal, and fe- 
veral of Ras Michael’s officers, had purpofely tarried behind 
for gathering in the flragglers. The river had abated to- 
acit 3L2 wards 
