100 
MISSIONARY LIFE IN ASHANTEE. 
making repair impossible, the roof was in holes, the floors 
rotten, and the whole place scarcely habitable. The 
lower storey, being the best part, was used for a chapel 
and store-house ; our rooms were in the right wing, where 
were also those of the catechist and some workmen. 
The kindness of our host was extreme, the prince him- 
self made arrangements for our table, and we enjoyed 
better food than we had thought procurable in Ashantee. 
We slept again on bedsteads, though without bedding ; 
my wife's spirits revived, and we were almost tempted to 
think ourselves stationary. Most earnestly did we pray 
that we might shine as lights in the surrounding darkness. 
But though the prince exerted himself in every way for 
our comfort, we were obliged to remind the king how 
much we were inconvenienced for want of money, 
especially as we were told that the prince and Mr. Watts 
were soon to leave us to be present at an exchange of 
prisoners on the Prah, December 20th. We wondered 
how this could take place, while we still remained cap- 
tives. The whole proceeding was involved in mystery, 
and we daily needed the grace of patience to sustain our 
fainting spirits. We took care to obey to the letter the 
king's orders, so on our first Sabbath in the mission- 
house we contented ourselves with reading together in 
our own rooms, much as we longed to enjoy the little 
service conducted by our kind friends. 
The next day, Monday, was fixed for our public recep- 
tion by the king. Bosommuru came to announce this, 
telHng us at the same time to keep up our courage, as 
we should probably hear rough words from the unman- 
nerly town's people. Mr. Watts too seemed anxious 
about us, and considerately had the door guarded to 
prevent any of the savage Ashantees from entering, 
knowing their customs and their fearful cruelties. 
Often did they blunt their knives to increa.^e the suffer- 
