ADOWA 
^01 
the Byzantine historians. At all events, I think it is clearly demon- 
strated that there were two inscriptions. The second point does 
not admit of equal proof, but the evidence I have adduced is, I 
trust, sufficient to render it an object worthy the consideration of 
those better qualified than I am to decide upon the question. 
" We returned to breakfast, and then set out on our way, deter- 
mining once more to visit Calam Negus, which I conceive to be the 
catacombs belonging to the ancient city. We took lights with us, 
and went down into both the excavations. I have nothing, how- 
ever, to add concerning them. Hence we travelled straight to 
Adowa by the old road. 
" I received a message in the evening from the Ras, by a soldier 
in his service, enquiring after our health, &:c. This man declared 
that the Ras expected five mules back ; but this being contrary to 
what the Ras himself told me, I sent to Basha Abdallah, to declare, 
that if such were the case, I should not accept one from him, as I 
preferred to walk, rather than be thus imposed upon. 
" October ^0. — We were engaged during day in making prepa- 
rations for our journey. In the morning Basha Abdallah paid us a 
visit, and brought us four mules that were offered for sale, from 
which 1 chose two. Thirty dollars was the sum at first demanded ; 
but I bought them for twenty each, to be paid at Massowah. We 
also engaged forty bearers for two dollars per man, to be paid at 
the same place. In this Basha Abdallah much assisted us ; but no 
money was to be procured ; a circumstance which, I had reason to 
fear, would subject us to most serious inconvenience before we could 
reach Massowah. It was settled this morning on my strong remon- 
strances, that only four mules should be returned to the Ras, accom- 
