man pressed forward eagerly, keen
to reach Kumasi and punish these miscreants, and then eager to return to
the coast again, for, despite quinine every morning, and the most rigid
adherence to special rules to ward off the fever, that enemy already had
a grip of the attacking force.

Dick and his little band, accompanied by Jack Emmett and Johnnie, and
with a naval officer in addition, marched in the very centre of the
road, wide awake, and keenly searching every bush and every likely bit
of cover. As they advanced and the days passed they joined with the
troops in many little skirmishes in which they drove the enemy back. At
last, at a place known as Amoaful, they gained information that the
Ashantis were in full force and sent back the news. Indeed, from
tidings which they and Lord Gifford had gathered, there were at least
twenty thousand Ashantis barring the path.

"We shall see fighting, chief," said one of the men whom Dick had
rescued. "These Ashantis have chosen well, for look at the bush. We
have been crossing land which is more or less open. But here it is very
dense, and though there are many paths through it they are hard to
follow. If we beat them now they are conquered altogether."

It was, as he had said, a most difficult piece of country, and on closer
inspection it was found that the paths to which the native had alluded
were tracks about eight feet wide, down which the rain rushed in
torrents in the wet season. As a consequence these paths had sunk
considerably, leaving a narrow channel with steep banks, and on either
side a dense and almost impenetrable barrier of forest. Yet, from
previous experience, it was known that the Ashantis could and would make
use of the forest, wriggling their way through it with great rapidity.

It was obvious to all that the critical hour had arrived, and very soon
the orders for the advance were issued.

"You will advance and get into touch directly in your front," said the
officer who came to Dick. "Fire steadily, and move on very slowly, as
otherwise you may get ahead of the other detachments and run the danger
of being cut off. Listen to the bugle calls, and never fire unless you
are sure that it is against the enemy. It is so easy to become confused
in the bush. Directly behind you will be the Highlanders, the Welsh
Fusiliers, some artillery, and a couple of small guns and
rocket-troughs. Be sure to notify your position to them. On the left
you wil