192 
MISSIONARY LIFE IN ASHANTEE. 
of bearers and hammocks, we turned our backs on 
Coomassie, followed by a crowd of insolent and abusive 
beggars, who snatched all they could from us to the very 
end. We saw with great pleasure that our scholars 
remained true to us, for they followed us to the river, 
and there took an affectionate farewell. 
The next morning we found the river in Dasu so 
swollen that it was hazardous to cross the crazy bridge, 
which consisted of the trunk of a tree. I was too ill to 
venture that night or the next day, but on the 14th we 
made the perilous attempt, and crept tremblingly over, 
holding on by a long trailing plant, while a bearer carried 
my wife on his shoulders, and another took Rosie. 
For many days afterwards I was prostrated by fever, and 
it was only by almost superhuman efforts, urged on by the 
merciless royal messengers, that we on the evening of the 
loth, reached Fomana. How gladly would we have 
then rested, but this was not permitted. Exhausted 
though we were, we had to undergo a formal reception by 
the chief, who however treated us very kindly. Our 
dear child's state continued so critical that we still 
despaired of her life, but our prayers were graciously 
answered, and she was spared to us. 
From Fomana the messengers were sent forward to 
inform the governor at Cape Coast of our arrival thus far, 
and to receive the £1000, with which we were told 
they were to make purchases. We at once saw our posi- 
tion, and how problematic it was that we should cross 
the Prah. Afirifa arrived on the 19th, professedly as our 
escort to the Coast, there to conclude a formal treaty of 
peace. Haughty as his usual bearing was, he was now 
civil and even respectful towards us. Several of Mr. 
Flange's people, who had remained behind to finish their 
preparations, soon joined us, and brought news that in 
Coomassie all were preparing for a campaign. We 
