In Afric’s Forest and Jungle 
weapons in their hands. Along the narrow 
paths across the extended plain, couriers were 
riding at full speed calling in the farmers from 
the fields. I could see no Dahomians and ob¬ 
serving that everything was being done that 
could be done, I returned to the mission house 
greatly encouraged. Here 1 was further strength¬ 
ened by learning that the city was under the mil¬ 
itary command of Shokanoo, one of the most 
efficient and warlike chiefs of the nation, and 
that he would still have at his command a very 
large proportion of those capable of bearing arms 
if he could get them all in before the attack. 
Besides these, the old men and the boys were all 
rushing to the wall, sword in hand. 
It was nearly dark when I got back. I found 
that all the females and the smaller boys had 
packed up to flee, but I urged them to remain 
where they were until God in His providence 
should show them which way to go, for we did 
not know from what point the attack would 
come. To this they finally assented and on their 
knees awaited the coming assault. My wife re¬ 
mained on her knees most of the night. With so 
many of God’s people praying through the town, 
1 felt fully assured of God’s protection. 
After leaving instructions that I should be 
232 
