under arms. The commander-in-chief, mounted on an elephant, and
followed by his staff, rode forward. The appearance of the elephant
undoubtedly greatly impressed the Abyssinians, it being supposed that
their own African elephants are untameable. On getting near the stream
Sir Robert descended from his elephant, and mounted a horse, on which
the Abyssinian line opened; and Kassai, surrounded by his chiefs and
mounted on a white mule, with a crimson umbrella borne over his head,
came forward, and at once fording the river approached Sir Robert. The
Abyssinian chief wore a white robe embroidered with crimson round his
body, and a flowered silk shirt; his black hair, carefully plaited, was
drawn back from his forehead, and tied behind his neck with a ribbon.
He was still in the prime of manhood. His complexion was of a dark
olive hue, his countenance intellectual; but he looked careworn and
anxious.

After the usual civilities had been gone through, Sir Robert conducted
his guest to the tent, where a guard of honour drawn up fired a salute,
evidently causing no small alarm in the chiefs mind and in that of his
followers, who probably expected that the strangers would set upon them
and shoot them down. On dismounting Sir Robert led the chief into the
tent, when their respective officers arranged themselves on either side,
the Abyssinians squatting down on the ground.

The conversation was for some time commonplace. Then the presents which
had been brought were offered, among which was a fine Arab horse, the
gift of Sir Robert himself. Port wine was then served out, greatly to
the satisfaction of the chiefs, when all, with the exception of two of
the principal officers of both parties, having retired, serious matters
were entered into between Sir Robert and Kassai, who was assured that if
he showed a friendly disposition and would send grain to the army, he
would be handsomely rewarded.

After the prince had rested, a review of the forces took place. The
regiments, whose uniforms were very picturesque, among them being seen
the light blue and silver of the Bombay cavalry, the scarlet of the
King's Own, the dark blue and red facings of the artillery, and the
scarlet coats and white turbans of the Tenth Native Infantry, went
through various manoeuvres. Now they skirmished, now formed square for
receiving cavalry, and then the cavalry charged furiously at a supposed
foe. The prince appeared to take especial interes