na. Then matters had
settled for a time, and little was heard of the armies of the potentate
of Kumasi, till our hero rushed down upon them on the Prahsu. But for
that chance meeting and the outrageous ambush laid for the sailors,
those in authority at Cape Coast Castle would have still gone on with
the comfortable thought that King Koffee meant no great harm to the
white men. True, he had joined with the Elminas, and there had been an
incursion of his armies to that place, necessitating an attack by the
guns of the fleet. But he had since disappeared, and though complaints
came from the Fantis and others that they were still suffering, there
was no evidence of that fact at the coast. It seemed, indeed, as if the
trouble were subsiding, and as if King Koffee realised the hopelessness
of the struggle. It was thought that he would treat with the Government
again, and would hand over the captives; then a treaty could be made
with him, and trade be revived. Meanwhile it was risky to ascend the
Pra, or enter the country of Ashanti. Think, then, of the astonishment
of the officials on the coast when Dick returned with his news, when,
added to the treacherous attack made upon the Navy, resulting in such
severe losses, came definite news of a large Ashanti army on the Prahsu.
And very soon the advance of this same army was reported by friendly
natives, so that there could no longer be any doubt that serious trouble
was impending. The eyes of those in authority opened very wide indeed.
Already it had been decided that troops were wanted; but now that need
was undoubtedly urgent.

When a month had passed, therefore, and Dick was again out of his
hammock, the aspect at the coast had changed. Where before had been
peace and repose, was now the utmost bustle. The _Rattlesnake_ had
gone, and other ships had taken her place. Dick himself was aboard a
hospital ship which had been sent to the coast, while in the roads,
lying a mile from the shore, with swarms of surf-boats manned by
laughing kroomen about them, were transports discharging men and
supplies.

One in particular drew the attention of all eyes, for she was the
_Ambriz_, African mail steamer, and she had just brought Sir Garnet,
together with his staff. Dick looked eagerly at her, wondering whether
he would be given an opportunity to meet this famous General, who at
this moment had the honours of the Red River Expedition fresh upon him.
He wondered, too, whethe