60 
ANTALOW, 
positively denied having told the Ras that he had been induced to 
absent himself for fear of his life. 
*' I sent to the Ras in the evening, to remind him of my intended 
journey to Axum. He informed me in return, that he had fixed 
Monday next for our departure, on which day he intended to ac^ 
company me as far as Muccullah, where a celebrated church stands, 
at which solemn prayers were to be put up for the success of the 
ensuing campaign. I told him that I had not before so understood 
him, but that it was the more agreeable to me, as I was anxious to 
see the chief from Bure before I left Antalow, which I should now 
probably have an opportunity of doing. 
" I this day prepared a letter for Lord Valentia, to be sent by 
Mr, Carter, and finished some more of my sketches. Much rain 
fell, which made the air cold. The thermometer at noon was 
only 61°. 
" September 6. — -It being fast-day with the inhabitants, we re- 
ceived a citron and a quantity of wheaten bread from the Ras. I 
dispatched a message this morning, requesting that the priest might 
be sent for, from whom I was anxious to procure information con- 
cerning the history of this country. The Ras replied, that he was 
at present much engaged, but that he w^ould send for the priest, 
and as soon as the hall was cleared, would give me an audience. 
After some time I took the liberty of sending in another message ; 
but notwithstanding all my requests and remonstrances, 1 was un- 
able to get a sight either of the Ras, or the priest, during the whole 
day. 
** At five o'clock Hadjee Hamed again visited me, and after a 
preamble, in which he denied having before refused to accompany 
