210 
MISSIONARY LIFE IN A8HANTEE. 
were too uncertain for travelling, and it would be highly 
improper to allow an ambassador to go through a crowd 
of excited people. Mr. Flange's threats had brought on 
the war, while the king had only to do with Asen, and 
not with Fantee or the governor, but if these latter inter- 
fered, his majesty would himself go to the field." Mr. 
Dawson replied that " the governor would hardly under- 
stand the crossing of the Prah in that sense, but if Fantee- 
land were really unconcerned in the war, why were so 
many Fantees lying in chains ? " His majesty was dumb. 
He then added, that if he had to remain longer in Coom- 
assie, he and his people could not subsist on the nine 
dollars which the king gave him at the Adae. Kari-Kari 
quieted him on this point, seeming himself full of care, 
and gave him thirty-six dollars, with nine more for his 
bearers, and nine for the servants. 
On the little Adae, February 5th, Mr. Dawson was asked 
to stay away, as he did not wish to give him anything again 
so soon. We received our nine dollars, Mr. Flange only 
half the usual sum. As the purse became lighter, confidence 
also decreased. Of the Krepe people who were serving in 
the camp, some deserted to the enemy daily, as was to be 
expected, and Asamoa Kwanta, the real commander, was 
said to have told the king that they would never conquer 
unless he sent all the prisoners to the Coast. 
Monday, February 10th (Kidjo), was counted one of 
the luckiest days of the year, so the king commanded a 
victory ! but it transpired later that there was no fighting 
on that day, though the women made a dreadful noise, 
running about with guns, or sticks as a substitute, and 
.some with green papaw fruit run through with knives, in 
imitation of Fantees' heads, thus seeking to insure a 
victory for their husbands. The king having sent to a 
mohammedan in the interior to consult an oracle, re- 
ceived as answer, " this war will not end to your advan- 
