276 MISSIONARY LIFE IN ASHANTEE. 
After eight o'clock, Boakje sent for Dawson and 
ourselves ; we found him in a secluded court, and beside 
him an old lady, whom he introduced as the sister of 
the queen mother, who was sent to represent her, she 
being unable to come out. When every attendant had 
retired, Mr. Dawson thus began : 
" Before everything else we entreat the favour of the 
queen mother, and beg her to listen to the serious words 
which we are about to speak, and to make intercession 
to the king for us." 
It is one of the redeeming features of Ashantee custom, 
that when anyone seeks for protection, or intercession 
from a high chief, the latter is bound to use all his 
influence for the petitioner. 
Mr. D. continued : — " as we appear before you to- 
day, to plead for the welfare of Ashantee, we are not 
moved to make our requests from fear, but because, 
as missionaries, we wish, as far as lies in our power, to 
prevent the shedding of blood. We love Ashantee, and 
therefore wish to impress on her her present position. 
There is yet a moment left to try to save her, but if she 
will not listen, she must soon face her ruin. One step is 
necessary to prove her sincerity to the governor — all the 
prisoners must be set at liberty. Perhaps the king does 
not believe the governor, but we can assure him that the 
white men do not lie, and that it he yield, and send away 
the captives, we will make intercession with the governor 
for the king. If the king obey, the general wiU keep 
his word." 
Dawson further declared that " vexation and mistrust 
on the part of the colonial government was justifiable; 
it had entreated long, and waited patiently for, the 
release of the prisoners, till it finally saw the Protectorate 
suddenly invaded. 
" Ashantee should reflect on her situation ; not alone 
