THE EANSOM MONEY, 
153 
CHAPTER XX. 
PRINCE ansa's transactions ABOUT THE RANSOM MONEY. 
The close of the year 1871, found us in no small commo- 
tion, for though it was Sunday, yet Caesar, who had 
hitherto remained in Fomana, brought a letter from the 
prince, which informed us that he was already near — only 
three miles from the capital, where an extraordinarily 
grand Adae was to be celebrated, at which we must be 
present. 
One of the king's proclamations gave us real pleasure, 
for it seemed indicative of peace ; the sounding of a gong 
announced that the ruined Dampans were to be restored. 
We took courage from the fact that the king appeared to 
have discovered how the marks of decay were becoming 
apparent in the town ; we supposed that if it were to be 
again restored, we should have peace. 
We spent the evening with Palm, Joseph, and Robert, ; 
drinking coffee without milk or sugar, and eating our 
maize bread, and a little marmalade, the remains of former 
prosperity. We drew lots from our text books, and 
talked of the past, and of the future, until the year 1872 
opened upon us. 
On the evening of this New Year's day, we found our- 
selves in the reception place of Mogyawee, and by torch- 
light saw prince Ansa in uniform, with gold epaulets, his 
sword by his side, just as he was being joyfully welcomed 
by the king and the court. Our hearts did indeed beat, 
as we pressed the hand of our friend, and his face beamed 
