20 MISSIONARY LIFE IN ASHANTEE. 
make it last the longer ; our fingers had to do the duty of 
spoons and forks. During these four days our comfort 
was not increased by hearing, as we did on two occasions^ 
the peculiar beat of a drum and the report of shots, which 
were answered by a terrible scream from the multitude. 
It was evident that fresh prisoners were being executed,, 
and that even Anums were not spared. 
On the evening of the 18th of June our attention was 
arrested by unusual sounds ; we listened and heard the 
report of distant shouting, of drums, and of cries of alarm. 
The principal men around us hastily seized some ammuni- 
tion and marched off. It was evident that Dompre had 
made one of his daring sallies, for a sound of continuous 
firing seemed approaching, and we were desired to come 
forward. As we did so, Adu Bofo, advancing, commanded 
us to enter the nearest shed. Here we beheld the booty 
they had taken ; leather trunks, coverings, kitchen utensils, 
and children's clothing, heaped together in fearful con- 
fusion. To attempt to sit was useless, to lie down im- 
possible, for new faces surrounded us and exultingly 
fastened on our chains afresh. 
It was a pale, clear, moonlight night, enabling us to- 
distinguish a crowd of soldiers gathering within the fence 
of the majestic bamboo house inhabited by Adu. Out of 
it he emerged, attired in a dirty yellow jacket, hung 
round with charms to protect him from danger ; this was^ 
his warrior's dress ! From his seat or throne he gave his 
commands, during which the distant firing made it evident 
the camp had been attacked. Rising, with his long pipe 
still in his mouth, and attended by his guards, he marched 
with a triumphant step to the scene of conflict, his guard 
following. Thus left comparatively alone we had leisure 
to observe our surroundings, and noticed among the other 
guards one who, with a consequential air, paced up and 
down before us^ occasionally uttering a few words. He 
