IN COOMASSIE WITH PRINCE ANSA, 99 
prince expressed extreme surprise, and I broke forth in 
determined remonstrance. 
" The king," said I, " has declared we should get ill if 
we remained in the wood ; if he send us back it is like 
saying, should you be ill that does not matter. My poor 
wife has just found comfort again: if we return, our position 
will be worse than before. Tell his Majesty that it is not 
because we will not, but because we cannot eat,"^ we are 
too deeply grieved; our trouble is too great, yet our 
innocence is well known. The king must have pity on 
us and allow us to remain here," 
While high words were going on between the bystanders, 
Bosommuru consented to take our messao^e to the kins:, 
and he had no sooner left us than we once more fell on 
our knees, entreating the Lord, in whose power are the 
hearts of all men, to show Himself strong in our behalf 
in this our extremity ; yet we sought grace to say, " His 
will be done." Our minds were calmed ; we took a little 
refreshment, and patiently waited the effect of our appeal. 
In due time Bosommuru returned; "His Majesty," said 
he, " permits you to remain, but will be unable to give you 
a public reception for the present. You are not there- 
fore to go beyond the yard, and the prince must have all 
the doors locked, that no one may come in." We were 
filled with joy ; a new life opened before us ; and a third 
time we knelt in thanksgiving to Him who had thus put 
honour on our v/eak faith. 
Mr. Watts had been nine years in Coomassie, labouring 
in the service of the Wesley an Missionary Society, and 
for the last four had been prevented from communicating 
with the Coast, and had lived on the little money given 
him by the king at the feasts. The mission-house was 
fast falling into decay, the blocked up state of the roads 
* To refuse food is the only way in which you can make an Ashantt^ 
feel you are really in earnest. 
