" They then left, and accompanied
by Dejatch Alame, the Emperor's son-in-law, proceeded to the British
camp at Arogie, where they arrived after a two hours' ride, and were
warmly cheered and greeted by all. After a short stay in the camp,
they returned to his Majesty bearing a letter from Sir Robert Napier,
couched in firm but conciliatory terms, and assuring Theodore that,
provided he submitted to the Queen of England and brought all the
prisoners and other Europeans to the British camp, honourable
treatment would be accorded to himself and his family.
Sir Robert Napier received Dejatch Alame with great courtesy
(a fact that was immediately reported to Theodore by a special
messenger), invited him into his tent, and spoke plainly to him.
He told him that not only all the Europeans must at once be sent
to the camp, but the Emperor himself must come in also and submit
to the Queen of England. He told him that if he complied he would
be honourably treated, but that if any one of the Europeans in his
hands were injured, he could expect no pity; and that had he (Sir
Robert Napier) to remain for five years in the country, he would
not leave until the last murderer was punished, had he even to buy
him from his mother. He then showed Alame some of the "toys" he
had brought with him, and explained to him their effects.
On the return of Prideaux and his companions to Theodore's camp,
they found him sitting on the brow of Selassie, overlooking the
British camp, and in anything but a pleasant humour.
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