212 
MISSIONARY LIFE m ASHANTEE. 
roughly dragging us on board the boat which was to take 
us to Cape Coast. They stole all my jewellery except 
my bracelets, and sixteen peredwane in gold. I wonder 
what I shall get from these mulattos in return." Mr. 
Plange was next held up for disapproval. " A bad man 
that I He told them at Elmina they must adopt the 
English flag, for he was sure from what he had heard at 
Coomassie that the power of the Ashantees was declining. 
Although he had brought a mirror, he had obtained 
charge of it by subtlety. It was given to my care, but hav- 
ing no place for it, I asked the governor to take care of 
it, upon which Plange persuaded him to let Mm bring it 
here." 
Dawson then rose, saying, " I thank God that I see 
people before me who have ears." (The interpreter Apea 
interposed, pointedly, " We, too, thank God that we have 
ears"). " All accusations made by Akjampong are lies, 
or misrepresentations of facts." (The king, " nothing of 
the kind ; how about the sixteen peredwanas) ? Apea, 
you are a bad man, hold your tongue." " I am in the 
king's power," said Dawson, " who may behead me if he 
likes, but I will refute lies." 
Thereupon a diabolical noise ensued, and though both 
Dawson and Plange were invited to speak and defend their 
rights, not a word could be heard. All kinds of threats were 
uttered, and the king dismissed them, saying, " My people 
go to war against the Coast, and you are in my hands ; when 
they return, you will see ;" while the others added scorn- 
fully, " we will not eat any more with you." (An ironical 
phrase used towards those who are condemned to death.) 
Akjampong then swore that he would hasten to the 
help of Elmina, and the Elminians were ordered forward 
to state their political opinions. Those who had refused 
to adopt the British flag were ordered to the war, the 
rest detained in Coomassie. Amongst the former (there 
