“We shall be moving well away from the river now,” he said, “and it will hardly be safe for you to advance with us. Return to your launch now, for otherwise you might have to fight every inch of the way.”
Turning about the party retraced their steps past the bush and into the forest. Then they entered the clearing, and came upon the results of their impetuous charge. It was not pleasant work to look upon, and they hurried away, and very soon were at the river. A loud halloo brought the launch in close to the bank and all embarked, those who had been left aboard muttering deeply and bitterly against the cruel fate which had caused them to miss such an opportunity and such distinction.
Meanwhile our troops had advanced still farther parallel to the beach, and had fired two other villages. They came upon numerous signs that the Ashantis had been there in force, and in one spot sure evidence of the ferocity of these people. For they discovered the body of an unhappy Fanti captive, suspended feet in air, and with the head slashed from the trunk. It was a horrible sight, and caused many of the Ashantis to lose their lives, for our men were roused to fury, and the musketry fire was so searching, and the rockets so well directed, that numbers of the enemy fell. Finally, fully satisfied with their day’s work against the enemy, the troops returned to their quarters, Sir Garnet steaming back to Cape Coast Castle.
Late that night an officer came to Mr Pepson’s in search of Dick Stapleton. For the report of his conduct had come to headquarters, and he was required to be thanked for his fine services.
“A dashing young fellow, and a valuable officer,” said the Chief of the Staff, with enthusiasm. “I am empowered to offer him a commission in the regular service. A gallant fellow, indeed!”
But there was no trace of our hero. Indeed, he and his men had not returned. No sooner had the battle ended, as far as they were concerned, than they steamed down the river and along the coast. When night fell they were lying within the mouth of the river leading to the Pra, and as the sun came up on the following morning he looked down upon the rakish little launch surging up the river at full steam, in search of more information and also of a little more adventure. Nor was it long before one of these came to them, for late on the following morning a shout came echoing down the river, while the eyes of all aboard the launch flew to an object moving swiftly towards them.