we will make for the edge higher up and see what we can do.
Double!"

A few minutes later the firing taking place on their left warned them
that they were now level with the lurking enemy, and at once they came
to a halt.

"Take post in the trees on this side," came the order. "Then you will
be able to see down into the bush and clear it. Smartly, lads, for
there will be people watching us."

He could not have set the sailors a more enjoyable task. They slung
their rifles, and at once set to work to swarm into the trees which grew
so plentifully close at hand. Then one gave a lusty shout.

"There they are, sir," he cried, "and I can see our own troops."

"Then take care that they don't see you, or you may be shot by mistake.
Now, make every bullet tell."

Perched in their trees the party could look down upon the bush, for it
happened that they had halted at a spot which was elevated well above
the surrounding country. To this the height to which they had climbed
gave them added advantage, so much so that they could distinguish the
figures of the enemy crawling and running amidst the creepers and
bracken. Every now and again the Ashantis would halt and fire, running
on at once, bent double, and busily engaged in putting another charge in
their guns. And all the while the Houssas and West Indians, who were
advancing into the bush, exposing themselves to this fire, could not see
a single enemy, and were suffering severely in consequence. However,
Dick and his bluejackets soon made a difference to their comfort. Their
rifle shots broke the silence in that spot, and brought an answering
shower of slugs from the enemy. Then, so telling was their fire, that
the Ashantis broke and fled to the forest.

"Bravo! Well done! Well done, indeed, bluejackets! Who is your
officer, please?"

An officer of some importance, who had been advancing with a small
escort along the side of the bush, suddenly rode up, mounted on a mule,
and halted beneath the trees occupied by the sailors. Dick glanced down
and recognised him as one of Sir Garnet's staff, an officer of great
distinction. He scrambled to the ground, rifle in hand, and advancing
took off his cap.

"Dick Stapleton, sir," he said. "Sir Garnet put me in command of a
small party, with orders to operate as well as I was able on the right
flank. We heard the firing and answered."

"Mr Stapleton. Yes; I know all about you," was the reply, as the
officer retu