Then they entered the clearing, and came upon the results of
their impetuous charge. It was not pleasant work to look upon, and they
hurried away, and very soon were at the river. A loud halloo brought
the launch in close to the bank and all embarked, those who had been
left aboard muttering deeply and bitterly against the cruel fate which
had caused them to miss such an opportunity and such distinction.

Meanwhile our troops had advanced still farther parallel to the beach,
and had fired two other villages. They came upon numerous signs that
the Ashantis had been there in force, and in one spot sure evidence of
the ferocity of these people. For they discovered the body of an
unhappy Fanti captive, suspended feet in air, and with the head slashed
from the trunk. It was a horrible sight, and caused many of the
Ashantis to lose their lives, for our men were roused to fury, and the
musketry fire was so searching, and the rockets so well directed, that
numbers of the enemy fell. Finally, fully satisfied with their day's
work against the enemy, the troops returned to their quarters, Sir
Garnet steaming back to Cape Coast Castle.

Late that night an officer came to Mr Pepson's in search of Dick
Stapleton. For the report of his conduct had come to headquarters, and
he was required to be thanked for his fine services.

"A dashing young fellow, and a valuable officer," said the Chief of the
Staff, with enthusiasm. "I am empowered to offer him a commission in
the regular service. A gallant fellow, indeed!"

But there was no trace of our hero. Indeed, he and his men had not
returned. No sooner had the battle ended, as far as they were
concerned, than they steamed down the river and along the coast. When
night fell they were lying within the mouth of the river leading to the
Pra, and as the sun came up on the following morning he looked down upon
the rakish little launch surging up the river at full steam, in search
of more information and also of a little more adventure. Nor was it
long before one of these came to them, for late on the following morning
a shout came echoing down the river, while the eyes of all aboard the
launch flew to an object moving swiftly towards them.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

NEWS FROM ASHANTI.

"A boat! a native boat!" shouted Jack, who was keenly alert. "And with
only one occupant in it. Look how he's paddling!"

"For his life, I should say," chimed in Dick. "Ah, there goes a gun;