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The spot we pitched our camp upon was not far from Kanoa, a pretty village in the district of Wandige, Kourata being almost opposite to us, bearing N.N.E. We had to wait several days while boats were constructed for ourselves, escort, and luggage. These boats of the most primitive kind of construction still in existence are made of bulrushes, the papyrus of the ancients.
Informed of the approach of cholera, his Majesty wisely decided upon moving his camp to the highlands of Begemder. Mrs. Rosenthal was at the time very unwell, and could not stand the journey by land; she was therefore allowed to proceed by water to Kourata, accompanied by her husband, myself, and Captain Cameron, also in delicate health.
The soldiers deserted en masse; few, very few would remain with him, he was told, if he destroyed Kourata. The sacred town, houses, streets, trees, had all been dedicated to God's service; such a sacrilege was beyond the rascality of even the Abyssinian soldier. Theodore had to return to Debra Tabor.
Second visit to Zage Arrest of Mr. Rassam and the English Officers Charges brought against Mr. Rassam The former Captives are brought in Chains to Zage Public Trial Reconciliation Mr. Flad's Departure The Imprisonment at Zage Departure for Kourata. On the 13th of April we made our third experiment of the bulrush boats, as the Emperor desired once more to see his dear friends before they left.
Second Residence in Kourata Cholera and Typhus break out in the Camp The Emperor resolves to march to Debra Tabor Arrival at Gaffat The Foundry transformed into a Palace Political Trial at Debra Tabor The Black Tent Dr. Blanc and Mr. Rosenthal seized at Gaffat Another Public Trial The Black Hole March with the Emperor to Aibankab Sent to Magdala, and Arrival at the Amba.
At Kourata he found no one, and hardly any plunder; the rich merchants, priests, every one had embarked with all their goods in the small native boats, and, out of range of Theodore's rifles, quietly awaited his departure to return to their homes. Theodore was greatly disappointed; he expected to reap a rich harvest and found nothing. He must revenge himself; but here, again, he was frustrated.
He had suffered from a severe attack of dysentery during our stay at Kourata. I attended him carefully, and he always felt grateful for my attentions towards him. When we separated and lived in different houses, he did not allow the guards to sleep inside our hut.
Cholera had been making havoc in Tigre; we were not surprised, therefore, to hear that it had spread over other provinces, and that several cases had already broken out at Kourata. The King's camp was pitched in a very unhealthy situation, on a low, swampy ground; fevers, diarrhoea, and dysentery had prevailed to a great extent.
A few days after our arrival at Kourata we were joined by the "Gaffat people." The Emperor had written to them to come and remain with us during our stay, as he feared that we might feel lonely and unhappy in his country, separated from our own people.
As soon as he returned with the bearers, Theodore led the way up the hill to Gaffat, and with his own hands spread the carpets, and placed the throne in the house selected for Mr. Rassam. Other houses were distributed to the other Europeans, after which his Majesty left. On the 17th June the European workmen, who had remained behind at Kourata, arrived at Debra Tabor.
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