148 
MISSIONARY LIFE IN ASHANTEE. 
stepped across with some moliammedans, who were 
awaiting him in the market place, dressed in new bright 
attire. They held an ox, the throat of which was now cut 
by the king. 
On the evening of the 14th, Bosommuru brought a 
letter from Mr Ferguson, the governor of Elmina, written 
in German, and addressed to Kiihne. It was intended for 
the king, thanking him for tlie satisfactory answer 
brought by Mr. Plange, but begging him to conclude a 
peace witli the Fantees. It urged him to set the four 
innocent white prisoners free at once, and thus give the 
Dutch governor a proof of his friendship. It stated that 
Akjampong was already released, and it was hoped that 
the king would act on the same prompt plan towards his 
prisoners that all might see how warmly his heart beat 
for his " friends." K. translated this letter for the palace. 
On the envelope was written, in prince Ansa's hand, " I 
am coming." 
Meanwhile the feast took place. On the 16th, the 
chiefs and warriors streamed into the town more noisily 
than usual, and the king's wives, decked with gold, their 
bodies besmeared with yellow green powder, passed 
through the streets, without the men withdrawing. The 
gigantic prince of Mampong, sworn enemy of all formality, 
shook hands with us heartily, while the "brafo" and 
adumfo " (executioners), coloured red, danced with long 
chains of jawbones round their necks, which rattled like 
castinettes, drank something which looked like blood, and 
ate their feast together out of a monstrous dish, in the 
middle of the reception place. On the next day all laws 
were abrogated, and every one drinking freely was per- 
mitted to do that which seemed good in his own eyes. 
Even funerals were celebrated for those who had suffered 
capital punishment. 
The great day was, of course, consecrated by a festival 
