232 
FOOT OF TARANTA. 
and so provoked one of the Abyssinians, a youth about nineteen 
years of age, by his conduct, that he imprudently lifted up his 
hand to strike ; a violent scuffle in consequence ensued between 
them, and they both fell struggling to the ground. Mr. Pearce 
instantly rushed forwards and rescued the Abyssinian, and the 
Hazorta drew back their companion. 
Never did I see savage fury so strongly depicted as in the 
whole frame of the latter : every limb trembled with passion ; 
his teeth were locked, and his eyes appeared ready to start out 
of their sockets. We were all anxious to put the dispute to arbi- 
tration, but, while this was arranging, the infuriated madman 
broke loose from those who held him, seized a shield and a spear, 
sprang forwards like a tiger and struck a desperate blow at his 
unarmed antagonist. Most luckily it did not take effect, and 
with the violence of the plunge the assailant fell forwards. The 
whole of the Abyssinians in an instant flew to arms ; Omar was 
seized^ and it was with some difficulty we could prevent his being 
torn to pieces. The dread of our fire-arms at last restored order ; 
and the cry for arbitration, " Waaz, waaz,'^ once again re-echoed 
throughout the camp. Mr. Pearce, became on this occasion, surety 
for the Christian, and one of the Hazorta for his countryman; 
arid Baharnegash Isge, Guebra Michael, and Shum Ummar were 
chosen arbitrators. 
We immediately proceeded to trial ; the judges took their seat 
on a projecting rock, silence was proclaimed, and the parties 
pleaded their respective causes; when, after many long harangues, 
it was at last finally arranged, that, as there had been provocation 
©n both sides, and no blood spilt, the past should be forgiven^ 
