War 163 



flashes of lightning it would have been impossible to have 

 found our way, as the bush, through which we slashed a 

 path as we went, was full of fallen trees in addition to the 

 usual thick growth. It took a long time to get the 

 sentries posted, but the lightning was very frequent, and 

 at each flash we gained a few yards, and then halted for 

 the next, ever keeping a sharp look-out for the tall tree 

 which was our goal. At length I had the satisfaction of 

 hearing the challenge of the West Indian sentry, and the 

 task was complete. Twice during the night I had to visit 

 the sentries, on one occasion being accompanied by Colonel 

 Warren, and this time, thinking that my clothes might be 

 less soaking, if I left them under shelter, I rolled them 

 up, and placed the bundle under a tree I was shelter- 

 ing under, and proceeded only in my flannel shirt. When 

 I returned, however, it was to find that the downpour 

 had at length got through the almost impenetrable 

 leaves of my tree, making a large pool of water at the 

 foot, and floating in the middle of which was my bundle 

 of clothes ! 



"A cask of rum arrived at 3 A.M., which was at 

 once distributed." Never was anything more welcome ! 

 We had had no food since breakfast the previous 

 morning, and soaked as we were to the skin, that tot 

 of rum was most vivifying. It was strictly impartially 

 distributed amongst the officers and men, and it was 

 only a tiny drop that fell to the lot of each, but how 

 welcome ! 



At the same time when I received the orders to place 

 the sentries, the staff-officer also handed over to me an 

 Ashanti prisoner who had just been captured, with orders 

 that I was responsible for his safe keeping. I am afraid 



