t in the rifled guns,
and complimented the British on possessing, as he called it, "so
inestimable a blessing."

Sir Robert returned the visit later in the day, and with his staff
crossed the stream to the Abyssinian camp. The uniform of the soldiers
of Tigre was picturesque, if not quite according to European notions.
Their heads were bare, except such covering as their plaited hair
afforded. They wore long white robes, embroidered with scarlet, and the
greater number possessed firearms, either matchlocks or double-barrelled
percussion guns, some even had double-barrelled rifles, many had
pistols, and all wore long, crooked swords on the right side. A
comparative few were armed with sword, spear, and shield. The cavalry,
to the number of about 400 men, were mounted on shaggy ponies or mules.
The discipline of the men was, however, very good, and they went through
a number of movements in a most creditable manner.

The general and his staff descended close to Kassai's tent; inside it
was a couch, covered with silk, on which the prince placed Sir Robert by
his side. Several richly and variously dressed officers also were
present, while the evening sun, shining through the red tent on the
group, produced a most picturesque and scenic effect. Girls soon
afterwards came in, bearing baskets with bread and curry. They were
followed by others carrying huge jugs, filled with tedj, a beverage
manufactured from fermented honey. Each guest was expected to drink
several flasks, but as it tasted somewhat like bad small beer, they had
no great satisfaction in performing the necessary ceremony. Shortly
afterwards a band of six musicians, playing on long pipes, performed a
wild piece of music; then a minstrel sang a war song, in which all the
Abyssinians joined.

The entertainment being now considered at an end, the chief insisted on
presenting Sir Robert with the gifts he had prepared. The first
consisted of a silver gilt armlet, the sign of a great warrior, which
was clasped round the general's arm. Then a lion's skin and mane, the
mark of a fierce fighter in battle, was thrown over his shoulder, a
sword was next girt on his side, and a spear and shield, intended for
his use, handed to one of the _aides-de-camp_, who acted for the nonce
as his armour bearer. In this guise the general had to ride back to his
own camp on a mule, but fortunately by this time the shades of evening
having closed in, he was prevented from ex