TIMES OF SICKNESS, &c. 
125 
beings sacrificed at a funeral, but had even beheaded one 
of the poor creatures himself! According to a horrible 
custom of this horrible country, the sons of the departed 
kill many of their villagers in the streets, until the king 
sends a message to stop the shedding of blood. 
Mr, Forson still indulged hope of soon taking us away, 
and we had even begun quietly to make preparations ; 
but the long desired interview with the king, damped 
our spirits. " As the affair about Akem and Elmina was 
not settled, and Adu Bofo could not be questioned as to 
whether and why he had plundered the Anum station, 
and under what circumstances we had been taken 
prisoners — nothing could be done until his return. All 
entreaties were vain, not even Mrs. K. could be set free." 
After thus using every available means to gain his point, 
Mr. Forson had to return alone, depressed and disap- 
pointed. Another present from the king soon followed ; 
it consisted of gold dust, a coat, and five slaves. Among 
the latter was a man, valued at £7 15s. Od., and two 
women with a young infant. * 
Mr. Forson obtained a parting interview with the king, 
in which his majesty spoke very fairly. Adu Bofo had 
now received orders to return immediately, and if he did 
not obey instantly, he had better shoot himself " Both 
the kings of Akem," continued he, " are acting equivocal 
parts ; they are under your protection, but they let me 
know how gladly they would ally themselves to me, and 
surrender the heads of all those who shoot at the Ashan- 
tees." 
Mr. Forson listened patiently, and then expressed his 
* In reply to tlie request that my wife at least might be permitted to 
accompany Mr. Forson, the king said that it was impossible ; but that 
in order to soften the disappointment, he intended to send her a musical 
box to enliven her spirits, and what more could we desire ? In bitter 
vexation Mrs. R. exclaimed, ** I am not a baby." 
