156 
MISSION TO ASHANTEE. 
entirely deserted, and marched until we found ourselves at sun set 
on the banks of the Aniabirrim. The people were all behind, and 
the Ashantees coming up about an hour afterwards, informed us 
they had settled themselves for the night about two hours walk 
distant. Unfortunately we had no flint, and after fasting all day, 
we had the mortification of losing our supper merely for want of a 
lire ; the wood was all so wet that friction had no effect on it, we 
could find no shelter, and a heavy rain set in as it grew dark ; 
fatigue luckily beguiled us of cold and hunger, and of our appre- 
hensions of a visit from the beasts, who were hovvling about the 
banks of their watering place. I wrapped myself up in the Inta 
cloth Apokoo had given me, and wet as the ground was, I never 
slept better. Hence the forest visibly declined in height towards 
the coast. We pressed on by day light, found some excellent 
guavas to allay our hunger, and reaching Mansue, made a good 
soup of our fowls, peppers growing luxuriantly all around us. We 
waited until we heard of the people behind us, and then proceeded; 
about five in the evening I reached Cottacoomacasa, with the 
Dwabin messenger only. The place w^as deserted, and a body of 
Ashantee traders had occupied the remaining shed. I would not 
disturb them, but waiting until sun set for Mr. Tedlie, I left him a 
supply of guavas, and proceeded to Payntree. There was a charm 
in the name of that place, being but one journey from the sea, 
superior to the recollection of the former night's adventure. It 
was a brilliant night, and the dark gloom and hollow echos of the 
long vistas of the forest, formed a fine contrast to the extensive 
areas (sites of large Fan tee crooms destroyed by the Ashantees) 
into which we frequently emerged. The wild music and cheerful 
revelry of the inhabitants of Payntree stole upon my ear, and raised 
the tone of my spirits in proportion as the sounds strengthened. 
A loud and continued shout warned me that I was announced i 
