154 
MISSIONARY LIFE IN ASIIANTEE, 
as we returned the pressure. Then at our simple supper^ 
he rejoiced us with letters, a photograph of our lost 
darling, returned to us from Switzerland, and the news of 
ten boxes, which he had brought for us from the coast, 
thus putting a temporary end to our poverty. No sugar 
had come, and only six ounces of money, but there was 
that which we valued far more, the whole Tschi bible in 
one volume. What grace had God given to our dear 
Christaller, in permitting him to complete this work I 
The prince too rejoiced greatly, for he could now read 
the word of God in his mother-tongue. 
But our return seemed as far off as ever, though the 
governor urged it, and hinted at unpleasant consequences 
in case of a refusal. The way to the Coast being already 
blocked, the king manifests little concern, or he would 
surely not have left such an important matter in the 
hands of his councillors. He did not perceive that he 
was exposing his weak point to the English Govern- 
ment, and that he might live to regret it. But there was 
no time for reflection just then, for we had to finish the 
celebration of the festivity of the protecting deity of 
the dynasty. Bosommuru addressed the people through- 
out an entire day ; when the whole aristocracy sprinkled 
themselves with fetish water, and danced in white in 
honour of the god, who is represented by a pretty little 
chest about one and a quarter feet square, with rich silver 
clasps, and a lid of leather in the form ol bellows. The 
feast lasted three weeks, and closed on FrLday, January 
13th, which was specially kept as a day of purification in 
honour of the " king's souls," he having been born on a 
a Friday, hence his name (Kofi ; Friday *). 
Whoever wished to honour him appeared on that day 
* The names of boys were according to the days of the week, as 
follows : — 1 Kwasi, 2 Quadwo (or Kwadjo), 3 Kwabena, 4 Kwaku, 
5 Yaw (Kwaw), 6 Kofi, 7 Kwame. 
