THE RELEASE OF THE REST, 
281 
effect that the king really meant to keep his word, and 
we lifted up our hearts in thankful praise, although we 
knew that a change of mind might yet occur. Owusu 
Kokoo told us that liis majesty would send for us again 
before our departure. We begged him to allow us six- 
teen Fantees as carriers. He promised to try, but 
thought it would not be possible to obtain so many. 
Evening drew in by the time we had done packing, 
and we all sat round in the open court with the black 
prisoners ; several of these expressing decided hopes that 
our surrender might lead to a suspension of hostilities, and 
restore liberty to all the other captives. Palm and his 
wife (our nurse) alone remained deeply depressed. 
It was past nine o'clock when the messenger appeared 
who was to accompany us, and after another season of weary 
waiting, we were led through eight courts of the palace 
into a smaller one, where the king sat in his undress by 
the fire, with two chiefs. His majesty looked troubled 
and gloomy, as if our liberation had cost him a severe 
struggle. On entering the court, we had put on the new 
dresses ; remarking this, he looked down at us and said 
gravely, "well Susse, so you know how to wear the 
national dress."' Feeling sorry to see him so miserable, M. 
Bonnat and I again assured him that we would do every- 
thing to bring about peace with the general ; the result 
would shew whether we kept our word. He smiled and 
dismissed us with the words " yes ; it is all right, go, and 
do as you say." 
While we were stiil in the yard, Owusu Kokoo told us 
that we might have ten Fantees, but not Mrs. Palm, 
as she must wait until her husband was set at liberty. 
Thus the king had really given us up : We could not fully 
believe it, however, until we fairly reached the English 
camp. We now saw Mr. Dawson again, and took charge 
of his letters and messages. I obtained one more bearer 
