The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1917-03-09

which doomed like muff1ed drum unI
der the terrific impact. Jabbering and
gesticulating horribly they would glare
upon the weary plodders, appearing
themselves through the tangled
growths, or swinging wildly through
the trees. Monkeys were numerous
and, at one point, the company narrow
ly escaped destruction before a wild
stampede of frenzied monkeys and
balloons.
Stampede of Balloons and Monkeys.
"The caravan was proceeding quiet
ly along on a trail banked on one side
by a sloping knoll. From affair in the
distance a faint murmur suddenly
arose. The noise increased rapidly IN.
til it seemed almost like the frenzied
shouting of terror stricken persons
The Americans, not knowing what to
expect, dismounted. This move had
scarcely been accomplished when over
the crest of the hill appeared tum-
bling, writhing mass of balloons and
monkeys, charging in wild disorder d.
T0CLly LOWdIu Tie PAL ~. AhC pAoh6AA6
herd numbered thousands in strength.
the creatures all in seemingly insane
state of agitation. Volley after volley
was fired into the animal army, which.
alarmed at the fusillade, suddenly
swerved sharply to the right, and
passed the caravan at close range.
Throughout the route the territory
of dozens of tribes were traversed, but
many of these were under the rulership
of King Menelik and the reception
given the travellers was Of the most
bountiful the country could offer. They
were feted and dined on the fat Of the
land, and in many places were given
one of the palaces of the village In
which to pass the night. At times,
long before settlement was reached
they would be met by thousands of the
natives. In their naked state they
danced about them jubilantly, and with
weird music and shouting escorted the
party into the precincts Of the city.
"The habits of King Menelik's sub
jects are most peculiar, and their va
rious customs as displayed to US would
fill book. Many of them were Of tall,
sturdy physique, their height enhanced
by their thick mop Of coarse hair, Of.
times half foot in length, which stood
perpendicular on their heads. Fol
every person killed by them the men
wear a feather in their hair, and en
tremely proud are those who faunt
goodly number Of this insignia.
"In the journey over the arid wastes
many sand storms were encountered
These tempests sweep up with appaF
ling suddenness, and the tiny particles
make travel impossible. The approach
of such a blast is always presaged
hours, and even days, before the gale
bursts, by the action of the camels, who
become restless, and snort repeatedly
Long before sweeping sand clouds ap.
pear on the horizon these intelligent
creatures throw themselves upon the
ground and bury their noses in the soft
soil.
ARRIVING at the capital, the recep+
ton of King Menelik's subjects was
most vociferous. Throngs of the popu!
lace swooped down upon the cavalcade
and so intermingled with them as to
make any semblance Of order impos-
sible. AS the American detachment
entered the city a crude band Of Afri.
can instruments struck up '"The Star
Spangled Banner" King Menelik him-
self received the wanderers and every
possible hospitality was lavished upon
them, and they were given the freedom
of the city and lodged in close prox,
unity to the palace-a structure much
like barn in this country.
1.-TWO weeks were spent at the mon
arch's stronghold before the return trip
was commenced. Prior to the depar-
ture, King Menelik shook hands with
oil members of the expedition and pre-
scented each with gold medal as q
souvenir. On one side of the ornament
was his own profile and on the other
two lions, under which were inscribed
the words, Lion Among Lions, King
Among Kings Besides concluding
successful treaty with the king, the e0.
petition brought out many relics and
curios for the Smithsonian institution