dust and
bathed in perspiration, came up to their camp, and throwing himself on
the ground before Mr. Goodenough poured out a stream of words.

"What does he say, Ostik?"

"Me not know, sar. P'r'aps Ugly Tom know. He been down near Volta
country."

Ugly Tom was called, and after a conversation with the native, told Mr.
Goodenough that he was a messenger from Abeokuta, that the people there
were threatened by an attack by the King of Dahomey, and that they
implored the white men, who they heard were in the neighborhood, to come
to their aid.

"What do you say, Frank?" Mr. Goodenough asked.

"I don't know anything about it, sir," Frank said. "I have heard of
Dahomey, of course, and its horrible customs, but I don't know anything
about Abeokuta."

"Abeokuta is a very singular town," Mr. Goodenough said. "Its people
were christianized many years ago, and have faithfully retained the
religion. The town lies not very far from Dahomey, and this power, which
has conquered and enslaved all its other neighbors, has been unable to
conquer Abeokuta, although it has several times besieged it. The Dahomey
people have every advantage, being supplied with firearms, and even
cannon, by the rascally white traders at Whydah, the port of Dahomey.
Nevertheless, the Abeokuta people have opposed an heroic resistance, and
so far successfully. Of course they know that every soul would be put to
death did they fall into the hands of the King of Dahomey; but negroes
do not always fight well, even under such circumstances, and every
credit must be given to the people of Abeokuta. What do you say? It
will be a perilous business, mind, for if Abeokuta is taken we shall
assuredly be put to death with the rest of the defenders."

"I think we ought to help them, sir," Frank said. "They must be a noble
people, and with our guns and the four Houssas we might really be of
material assistance. Of course there is a risk in it, but we have risked
our lives from fever, and in other ways, every day since we've been in
the country."

"Very well, my lad. I am glad that is your decision. Tell him, Ugly Tom,
that we will at once move towards Abeokuta with all speed, and that they
had better send out a party of carriers to meet us, as you may be sure
that these men will not go far when they hear that the Dahomey people
are on the warpath. Learn from him exactly the road we must move by, as
if our carriers desert us we shall be detained till his people com