staken a shadow, perhaps a portion of
the palm-leaf bed, for the prisoner, and been satisfied. He emerged
from the hut, and once more sauntered up to the door of the one in which
James Langdon lay. As he did so, a sound within told that the sleeper
had awakened. He stirred, came to the door and threw it open, staring
out at the man suspiciously.

"You knocked?" he exclaimed. "It roused me, but I was heavy with sleep
and did not rise at once. What is wrong? You have let the prisoner
escape! Dog! You have let him go at the very last moment!"

He sprang from the doorway and gripped the man by the throat, digging
his fingers in till the native choked and dropped his musket. His eyes
dilated; he struggled with all his might, striking fiercely at the
half-caste, and then suddenly became limp. Indeed, when James Langdon
released his hold, the man fell helpless to the ground. But it seemed
that he was more frightened than hurt, for Dick had long since
discovered that all in Kumasi treated the rascal who had decoyed him
into captivity with unusual deference, owing perhaps to his friendship
with the King, though of late his power had been declining as that of
the British rose. The native gasped, held up an arm, and endeavoured to
speak, while the half-caste stood over him with the musket as if he
would club his brains out with the butt.

"Say he is gone and I will kill you on the spot," growled the ruffian.
"If he is safe, well and good. You shall be uninjured. But why, then,
did you knock?"

"Knock! I was lying at the fire keeping watch on the prison when I
heard a sound and came to see what it was. Doubtless, some one moved in
a neighbouring hut and disturbed me and you also. Then I went to the
prison, and found the dog there, fast asleep in his corner."

"But some one knocked. I swear that. It roused me, I tell you!"

The native rose feebly to his feet and glanced askance at the
half-caste.

"It must be as I say," he ventured. "The sound came from some other
hut. In any case, the prisoner is safe."

He went off to his fire again, muttering beneath his breath, for of late
the ruffian who had taken up the cause of the Ashantis had been somewhat
curious in his manner. Gathering troubles, perhaps an uneasy
conscience, and the ever-present dread of impending punishment, which
seemed to come closer and closer in spite of all his efforts, were
having their effect. His temper was harsh and easily arouse