Winwood Reade
Published: 2013-09
Total Pages: 68
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1874 edition. Excerpt: ...belonged to Abrakrampa. He said that when Amanquatia was on his way to the coast he had passed near that village, and had left it alone; but as its inhabitants (who belonged to the Arbra tribe) had troubled him much in his march, and killed many of his men, he had sworn a great oath that he would attack it on his return. I determined to get into the village if I could, but had no right to ask for an escort: and therefore thought it best to make my attempt under cover of the night. Besides, no time was to be lost. As my men knew the village and its secret paths, I took it for granted they would get me safe in, somehow or other; and when I told them to get ready by 10 P.m. to go to Abrakrampa, they did not make any objection. At 9.30 I went over to Government House to ask the General whether I could take anything for him to Abrakrampa, for I supposed that the regular communications were closed. The Head-Quarters' mess were at dessert, and Charteris came out into the passage. When I told him my intention, he said, 'I wouldn't go if I were you, ' and then asked me in. The dining-room presented a splendid appearance. It was always 'guest-night' at Government House. All the officers were in full dress, and almost all wore a different uniform. There were the Guards, the Artillery, the Engineers, the Rifles, and other regiments. Then the table itself was rich in colour, with golden bananas, deep green melons, the wax-lights shining through the decanters and casting rosy reflections on the shining mahogany; for that abomination of modern desserts, the table-cloth, had been removed. I sat down for a few moments, received two bottles of champagne for Major Russell's mess at Abrakrampa, and then rose to go. As I went down the stone steps outside, I..