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Two of the wealthiest merchants of the place claimed us as their guests, in the name of their royal master, and, mounted on beautiful mules, we ascended the hill on which Kourata is built; the privilege of riding through the sacred streets having been conferred on, the honoured guests of the sovereign of the land.
Until we consult as to what we shall do, seize them; but do not make them uncomfortable or afraid, and do not hurt them." In the evening they were chained two by two, their servants were watched, and but two allowed to each individual to prepare his food; the following morning they were taken to Kourata. There they heard of our arrest, and even reports to the effect that we had been killed.
Rassam had not mentioned to him the objects he had so dear at heart, viz.: the artisans and instruments, and that on our applying to be allowed to return to Kourata, his Majesty looked very black at first, and refused, and that they had had great fears that he might have forcibly detained us. On our return to Kourata the correspondence between Theodore and Mr. Rassam began afresh.
Flad left, his wife accompanied the workmen, who were ordered back to Kourata; with them we had much less intercourse than before, as they were at all times timid, and very careful not to have many dealings with doubtful friends of the King.
This he repeated on several similar occasions; and the messengers he sent with these letters were very cordially treated by his Majesty. Theodore also wrote to Mr. Rassam on one or two occasions; and we had a ludicrous repetition of the courteous and edifying correspondence that had passed formerly between the two in the sunny days of Kourata.
He had ordered, he said, some tokens of his regard to be made for us, as he had nothing with him fit to offer us; he had been pleased to see us, and considered us as "three brothers." The interview was long; when at last his Majesty dismissed us, he informed us that the following day he would send us to Kourata to await there the arrival of our countrymen from Magdala.
Leave the Emperor's Camp for Kourata The Tana Sea The Abyssinian Navy The Island of Dek Arrival at Kourata The Gaffat People and former Captives join us Charges preferred against the latter First Visit to the Emperor's Camp at Zage Flattery before Coercion. On the 6th of February his Majesty sent us word to depart.
Theodore's Proceedings during our Stay at Magdala His Treatment of Begemder A Rebellion breaks out Forced March on Gondar The Churches are Plundered and Burnt Theodore's Cruelties The Insurgents increase in Strength The Designs of the Emperor on Kourata Frustrated Mr. Bardel Betrays the New Workmen Theodore's Ingratitude towards the "Gaffat People" His Raid on Foggara Unsuccessful.
In March, 1867, Theodore started for Kourata, the third town in importance in Abyssinia, and the greatest commercial centre after Gondar and Adowa.
Aquatic birds, ducks, geese, &c., were in abundance, and so tame that the survivors did not move away, but remained bathing, feeding, and cleaning their bright feathers around the dead bodies of their mates and companions. On the morning of the 16th we started for Dek, the largest and most important island of the Tana Lake; it is situated about half-way from our starting-place and Kourata.
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