up a fire with my rifle till all are clear. Then I will take
steps to prevent these robbers from carrying off even a stick of
firewood, and will rejoin you on the hill. Afterwards we will fight our
way to the boats."

He could see their eyes gleaming there in the moonlight as only the eyes
of a dark-skinned man can gleam. The plan pleased them, that was clear,
for when Dick had explained it to them to the best of his ability, all
in turn gave expression to their approval with grunts, the meaning of
which was undoubted. All seemed to think that they were in a very
dangerous position, and that if this plan would not help them then
nothing would.

"Better to die sword in hand than at the stroke of a vile executioner,"
said the chief. "We could sally out and surrender. But would that help
us? We should be well received and well fed. The march to Kumasi would
be by easy stages, and then the trouble would commence. Better to die
as brave men, than to be slain as cravens, with our arms bound to our
backs."

There was undoubted truth in the statement, and the knowledge of it
heartened them all. They would behave as brave men, and would meet this
danger with daring. If they prospered, well and good; if not, then they
would not live long to mourn the misfortune.

"And at any rate, I shall have made sure that that robber, James
Langdon, does not reap any advantage," said Dick. "The men will take
every ounce of gold, and if hard pressed will open the sacks and scatter
the dust. As for the place itself, the half-caste shall not find a home
ready built for him should he elect to take up the work of gold-mining.
He shall find the land as it was, clear of all houses."

There was a look of determination on his face. He rose, gripped each of
the chiefs by the hand, and went forward to speak to the men, for time
was pressing. In an hour the moon would wane, and in two it would be
time to set out. Better make the attempt at the earliest moment, and so
have ample time for escape.

CHAPTER NINE.

DECEIVING THE ENEMY.

"You have been the round of the men and have told them our plan?" asked
Dick, some minutes later, as the chiefs came to his side again. "Is
there one who does not understand?"

"Not one, white chief. Two are to go to the crest behind when you shall
say that the time for that movement has come. Those two will be myself
and my brother here. If there are men up there they shall die. Those
who