This important functionary, in addition to his office of state-gaoler, is the hereditary Abogaz of the Mohammadan population of Argobba on the east of Shoa, and the nature of his government exalts him in the eyes of all to the importance of a king. With the title of Wulasma--a word of uncertain derivation, known to Ludolf, the great historian of Abyssinia, who styles the dignitary "Pro rex of Efat"--he possesses unbounded influence over the frontier, his immediate duties being to preserve amicable relations with the Adaiel occupying the plain of the Hawash, and to protect kafilahs and merchants arriving from the independent principality of Hurrur, or from the coast of Tajura. His functions as keeper of the state prison secure for him the respect of all. Christians as well as Islams, who have the fear of a dungeon before their eyes; and although numerous Abogasoch or Wulasmoch, governors of small detached provinces, share his power, the name and influence of all are dim under the light that glares from his loop-holed residence at Goncho. It is the invariable policy of the haughty Abogaz to assume the great man to all travellers, since it is generally understood that through him alone foreigners can be received and forwarded, or if necessary presented to the Negoos. This arrangement involves not only trouble, but considerable expense. His despotic Majesty claiming the prerogative of franking every visitor through his territories, and a portion of the attendant outlay falling upon the functionary who may be honoured with the royal commands. Openly opposed to European innovation, Mohammad particularly disliked the advent of the British Embassy, and was obviously doing his utmost to thwart the more liberal views of the crown, by treating the strangers with disrespect. The imperial order that an escort of matchlock-men should for the first time cross the hill frontier, and proceed into the plain of the Hawash, to do honour to the Christian guests, not only rankled in his Moslem breast, but was calculated to interfere with his resolution to preserve inviolate the avenues to the sea-coast. His intrigues had rendered abortive all attempts to communicate with the Court; and whilst the approach of the Embassy was not reported until its actual arrival at Dathara, his non-compliance with the order given had resulted most prejudicially, the Danakil guides being now more than ever unwilling to persuade themselves that the party would be welcome.