Some time afterwards a messenger brought back Theodore's answer. Lij Barié was first to have his hands and feet cut off, before all the Abyssinian prisoners, and afterwards to be thrown over the precipice. The chiefs made quite a holiday of that execution; and even sent a polite message to Samuel requesting him to "come and see the fun." Lij Barié was brought out, a dozen of the bravest fell upon him at once; and, with their ungainly blunt swords, hacked away at his hands and feet with all the delight an Abyssinian has for spilling blood. Whilst submitting to this agonizing torture, Lij Barié never lost his courage or presence of mind, and it is very remarkable that whilst they were so unmercifully murdering him, he prophesied, almost to a letter, the fate that before long awaited them. "You cowards," he shouted out, "fit servants of the robber your master! He can seize no man but by treachery; and you can kill them only when they are unarmed and in your power. But before long the English will come to release their people; they will avenge in your blood the ill treatment you have inflicted upon their countrymen, and punish, you and your master for all your cowardice, cruelties, and murders." The wretches took little notice of the dying words of the brave lad; they hurled him over the precipice, and, in a body, walked over to our place to finish the day, so well begun, by partaking of Mr. Rassam's generous hospitality. CHAPTER XIV. Second Rainy Season ends--Scarcity and Dearness of Provisions--Meshisha and Comfou plot their Escape--They succeed--Theodore is robbed--Damash pursues the Fugitives--The Night Attack--The Galla War-cry and the "Sauve qui peut"--The wounded left on the Field--Hospitality of the Gallas --Theodore's Letter on the Subject--Mastiate's Troubles--Wakshum Gabra Medhin--Sketch of Gobazé's Career--He invites the Co-operation of the Bishop in seizing Magdala--The Bishop's Plan--All the rival Chiefs intrigue for the Amba--Mr. Rassam's Influence overrated.