we shall march to
Kumasi and burn the wasp out. That's it precisely, Mr Stapleton. This
king thinks that he can dictate terms to the white men. He has a few
captives, and thinks that because he beat a white force years ago, he
can repeat the process. He wants a lesson, and we're here to give it to
him. Have you finished? Please do not let me hurry you, but if you
only knew the anxiety of our Commodore, I think you would forgive any
undue haste on our part. Our Commodore has been fretting at the
unavoidable delay. Of course you could not help that. Any one could
see that you were dog tired. Yes, this way, now up the ladder and along
the deck. Sentry, my compliments to the Commodore, and say that I have
brought Mr Stapleton."

A few seconds later the two were ushered into the wardroom of the
_Rattlesnake_, and Dick found himself bowing before the Commodore, J.E.
Commerell, V.C., C.B., who came forward to shake him by the hand. There
were two other officers present, and it was evident by the expression on
their faces that they were eagerly awaiting news from the interior.

"This is a serious business, Mr Stapleton," said the Commodore,
motioning Dick to a seat at the wardroom table. "I heard that you have
encountered an Ashanti army, and I have information that they were on
their way to attack the Assims, a tribe friendly to ourselves. Tell me
all about this meeting, please, and also what other frays you may have
had with the enemy; for I have also had mentioned to me the fact that
you have had more than one skirmish."

"I'll do my best, sir," answered Dick. "I went up-country some weeks
ago with my employers and some Fanti boatmen. Also we took a native
stoker, Johnnie, who is here now, and has proved a splendid fellow. We
were attacked by Ashanti robbers on the way up, and our Fantis were in
league with them. We beat them off and went on to the mine for which we
were making. There was a stockade there, and as soon as we had settled
matters I was left in charge of the place and of the miners. A few days
ago, I cannot exactly remember how many, for after being awake so long
and then sleeping the clock round I am rather confused--still, it is
only a few days ago that the same leader who had previously attacked our
boats, made an attempt to take the stockade, and failed owing to the
pluck of the miners and to the watchfulness of Johnnie. But they hemmed
us in, and we knew that they expected two hundre