198 MISSIONARY LIFE IN ASHANTEE. 
ing, when the chief, " Obeng," had a few of his clothes re- 
stored. Mrs. P. had received no personal injury, but was 
of course deeply distressed. 
We were then commanded to open our boxes, "to 
ascertain," so they said, "if anything was missing." I 
told them I understood their manoeuvre, they only 
wanted our money, and if they would treat us gently, I 
would show it them to the last coin. Some seemed con- 
fused, but Yaw Agjie said, " Yes, it is so, we want to see 
the money." They believed me when I said it was need- 
less to open the provision boxes, for they only contained 
eatables, though one of these, being very heavy, was 
questioned. I showed them the money in a little bottle, 
and the dollars wrapped in rag. They were very much 
interested ; " this must be weighed," said they, " that all 
may be safely restored to you." I knew the people too 
well to believe this, and I replied, " that would be quite 
unnecessary, for the weight was known." 
Afirifa caught sight of some candles, and attempted to 
take them, which we resisted stoutly, threatening to com- 
plain of him to the king, when he desisted ; but to pacify 
the covetous creature I gave him six bottles of wine, and 
thereby succeeded in getting leave to take part of our 
property back to Coomassie. Six chests were left behind 
with the keys, which we only relinquished after long 
resistance. 
On the 11th, our return was arranged. I demanded at 
least for my wife that bearers should be found, and in- 
quired for those who had been sent by the governor from 
Cape Coast. After much altercation, some men of Akra 
appeared with ropes round their necks to carry the heavy 
luggage, and what remained was brought by men of the 
place. It was with a feeling of relief that we left these 
unfriendly people, and again set forth, hoping to find rest 
in our more familiar prison house. 
