e ordered the release of the captives, who immediately
took advantage of his permission to get out of his power." During the
day a herd of cattle arrived at the outpost, sent by the savage king as
a peace offering, but the animals were returned by Sir Robert, who saw
the importance of exhibiting no signs of wavering. Not only was it
necessary to vindicate the honour of England, but, in justice to those
tribes who had assisted the British on their march, it was absolutely
necessary to remove Theodore from the country, for, had he escaped, he
would not have failed to have revenged himself on those who had sided
with his foes.

Some of his troops had now again gathered round him, and, his spirits
reviving, he led them into Magdala. The larger portion, however,
deserted him, and thousands were flying from the fortress.

Sir Robert had meantime so posted his forces that, with the aid of the
Gallas, no outlet for escape was left for Theodore. The second brigade
occupied the heights of Selassie, when the king's troops who had not
entered Magdala were ordered to lay down their arms. This they
immediately did, to the number of about 10,000 men, besides whom there
were 15,000 or 20,000 women and children, who had fled with their
husbands and fathers from the fortress. They now hurried as fast as the
narrow path would allow to the plain below, where they remained to watch
the issue of the contest.

A curious scene was enacted on the Islamgi Saddle, which was occupied by
a detachment of cavalry as well as by a company of infantry. Between it
and Magdala, Theodore had posted his six guns. A party from the
fortress issued out and dragged off two of these, but before the other
four could be removed, they were completely under the fire of the
British rifles. Theodore himself appeared mounted on a handsome
charger, when, riding towards his foes, he began careering about,
boasting of his mighty deeds, and occasionally firing off his rifle,
shouting in a loud voice to any of the British officers who would come
forth and meet him. He took good care, however, not to have his retreat
to the fortress cut off, and all that could be done was to prevent him
and his followers from making their escape down the other side of the
Saddle.

Tom, with a party of his men, had joined the infantry thus engaged. As
they were moving along the top of the cliff, their noses were assailed
by a most fearful odour. Looking down, what was their ho