Description of Magdala—Climate and Water Supply—The Emperor's Houses—His Harem and Magazines—The Church—Prison-house—Guards and Gaol—Discipline—A previous Visit of Theodore to Magdala—Slaughter of the Gullas—Character and Antecedents of Samuel—Our friends, Zenab the Astronomer, and Meshisha the Lute-player—Day Guards—We build new Huts—Abyssinian and Portuguese Servants—Our Inclosure is enlarged
CHAPTER XIII.
Theodore writes to Mr. Rassam about Mr. Flad and the Artisans—His
two Letters contrasted—General Merewether arrives at Massowah—Danger
of sending Letters to the Coast—Ras Engeddah brings us a few
Stores—Our Garden—Successful Results of Vaccination at Magdala—Our
Day Guard again—Second Rainy Season—The Chiefs are Jealous—The
Ras and his Council—Damash, Hailo, Daily Life during Rainy Season—Two
Prisoners attempt to Escape—The Knout in Abyssinia—A Dying Man's
Prophecy
CHAPTER XIV.
Second Rainy Season ends—Scarcity and dearness of Provisions—Meshisha and Comfou plot their Escape—They succeed—Theodore is robbed—Damash pursues the Fugitives—The Night Attack—The Galla War-cry, and the "Sauve qui peut"—The Wounded left on the Field—Hospitality of the Gallas—Theodore's Letter on the Subject—Mastiate's Troubles—Wakshum Gabra Medhin—Sketch of Gobaz's Career—He invites the Co-operation of the Bishop in seizing Magdala—The Bishop's plan—All the rival Chiefs intrigue for the Amba—Mr. Rassam's Influence overrated
CHAPTER XV.
Death of Abouna Salama—Sketch of his Life and Career—Grievances of Theodore against him—His Imprisonment at Magdala—The Wallo Gallas—Their Habits and Customs—Menilek appears with an Army in the Galla Country—His Policy—Advice sent to him by Mr. Rassam—He invests Magdala, and fires a feu-de-joie—The Queen's behavior —Steps taken by the Chiefs—Our Position not improved—The Effects of Smoke on Menilek—Our Disappointment followed by great Joy—We receive news of the Landing of British Troops
CHAPTER XVI.
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