the lowest part of the mountain, from whose thickets they sally, upon every opportunity that presents itself, to attack the enemy whom they find marauding in the plains.
The king had often assembled his army at Ibaba only four days march from Zeegam. He had done more; he had paired below the country, and returned by the other side of it, in his attack upon Geesa and Wumbarea; but he had never committed any act of hostility, nor shewn himself discontented with them. To deceive them still farther, he ordered now his army to meet him at Este in Begemder; and sent to Kasmati Claudius, governor of Tigre, to join him with all his forces as soon as he should hear he was arrived at Lama, a large plain before we descend the steep mountain of Lamalmon, which stands not far from the banks of the river Tacazze. He privately gave orders also to Kasmati Claudius, Kasmati Dimmo Christos of Tigré, and to Adera and Quaquera Za Menfus Kedus to inform themselves where the water lay below, and whether there was enough for his army in Betcoom, for so they call the territory of the eastern branch of Shangalla adjoining to Sire and Tigré. By this manoeuvre the enemy was deceived, as the most intelligent thought he was to attack Lasta, and the others, that knew the secret of the water were sure his march was against the Shangalla.
The king began his march from Ibaba, and crossed the Nile at the second cataract below Dara, where there is a bridge; and, entering Begemder, he joined his army at Este which was going in a route directly from Agow and Damot towards. Lasta. But no sooner was he arrived at Este than, that very night, he suddenly turned back the way he
