In this battle two hundred and fifty of our force were wounded or
killed, the latter numbering, fortunately, only two. The loss of the
enemy was very great, though the actual number could not be ascertained,
owing to their custom of removing the bodies wherever possible. Still,
there were sufficient left in the forest and on the tracks to show that
their killed had been very numerous.

"And now for Kumasi," said Dick, as he and his men threw themselves on
the ground and prepared to sleep. "In four days we should be there if
the enemy do not stop us. My lads, you'd better pull your belts a
little tighter, for the baggage is not up yet, and we have no rations
left."

It was the same with the whole force who had been in the fight; and on
that night they lay down supperless, and slept just where they had
fought. Dick and his men, however, contrived to fare a little better,
for they had the wily Johnnie with them.

"Yo stay still like so," he said, as he strutted up to his leader.
"Johnnie see to food. Plenty in de forest. Soon fetch him."

He was as good as his word, for very soon he came back with a number of
plantains, and, splitting these, roasted them before the fire which had
been made at the foot of a cotton tree. The meal was a welcome one,
though not so nice as rations would have been on this night. However,
the soldier and the sailor alike have to take matters as they come when
on service, and the cheery spirits of the men of the navy were not
damped in the least.

On the following day the advance again commenced, and four days later,
having had one very serious meeting with the Ashantis, commanded by King
Koffee in person, the troops arrived within a mile of Kumasi.

"We halt here for half an hour," said an officer to Dick, as he lay in
the bush with his men. "We have had a flag in from King Koffee, and
have given him that time to surrender."

"Then I will creep forward and see that all is clear," was our hero's
answer. "I have permission to do so from the general."

"In that case you may advance. But be cautious, Stapleton. There are
thousands of the enemy everywhere, and it would be better to have the
Highlanders near at hand."

He left the little party marvelling at the dash of this civilian
soldier. But he knew what Dick's object was, and, with him, feared lest
on the arrival of the force, they should find the Europeans massacred.
Dick and his gallant little band, led by the natives