With Wolseley to Kumasi Part 32

"In that case you may advance. But be cautious, Stapleton. There are thousands of the enemy everywhere, and it would be better to have the Highlanders near at hand."

He left the little party marvelling at the dash of this civilian soldier. But he knew what d.i.c.k's object was, and, with him, feared lest on the arrival of the force, they should find the Europeans ma.s.sacred.

d.i.c.k and his gallant little band, led by the natives whom he had rescued from k.u.masi, at once took to the forest again, and carefully crept through it on hands and knees. No one ventured to speak a syllable, and whenever it was necessary to issue an order our hero raised his hand, gathered the men close to him, and signalled. And in this way, pa.s.sing between vast bodies of fleeing Ashantis, who were so intent on procuring their own safety, that they failed to detect the presence of the British, the party came at length to the verge of the pestilential swamp which borders the town on one side. Not till then, perhaps, did the bluejackets fully comprehend the force of the tale which d.i.c.k had told them. It was only when they came actually to this spot and saw the awful results of the frequent executions which took place at this loathsome town, that they realised the agony suffered there, and the need there was to put a summary end to it all. Their teeth closed tight, and they gripped their rifles nervously.

"If they'd only stand, the cruel-hearted brutes," whispered one of the men, "we'd jest give 'em sacrifice. This here place smells of the dead.

Pah! I shall be glad when we're quit of it."

"Silence! The half-hour is up now, and in a little while we shall hear the bugle for the advance. We will march into the town at once, and shoot down any who oppose us. These natives know where the European prisoners are, and will lead us to them. As each is found, bring him along with us till we come to the last. Ah! That's the bugle."

Over the summit of the dense forest the faint notes came, sounding the last advance movement of the troops, and the knell of the blood-stained town of k.u.masi. d.i.c.k and his men rose to their feet, skirted the marsh, and within ten minutes were in the town. The native guides led them at once to the quarter in which the prisoners were located. Nor were they too soon by any means. For k.u.masi was gone mad. Thousands of figures fled through the wide streets to the forest beyond, while a party, some two hundred strong, told off for the purpose, no doubt, by King Koffee, were even then dragging the European captives from the prisons with the intention of conveying them to the temple of sacrifice.

"Charge!" shouted d.i.c.k, as he came in sight of the force, and at once, with a mighty cheer, the band of sailors and young officers broke into a run. And as they went, at an order from their leader, they pulled their triggers without lifting their rifles to their shoulders, sending a shower of bullets into the enemy. The Ashantis broke immediately and ran for their lives. d.i.c.k and his men at once surrounded the prisoners.

"Good gracious! The last of the prisoners! How did you manage to get away?"

d.i.c.k turned to find the very European who had spoken to him when a prisoner in k.u.masi, and at once rushed forward to shake him by the hand.

"I cut my way out," he answered, "and--well, here I am, while the troops are just behind us. We have beaten the Ashantis handsomely, and they are in full flight."

"While we are safe, thanks to you," replied the other, gripping d.i.c.k's hand enthusiastically. "I heard the order given to those fellows who have just bolted. They were to take us to the execution hut and kill us. A pleasant prospect from which you have saved us! I thank you for all of my comrades and for myself."

"Then there are four of you in all?" said d.i.c.k, as he counted the prisoners off and shook each by the hand.

"Five," corrected the other. "The last is ill, poor chap. He lies over here in a hut set by itself. I will lead the way."

Still accompanied by the sailors, the party of rescued prisoners crossed the street to a hut close to the swamp. And there, a mere skeleton now, after weeks of the terrible African fever, and lying on a bed of palm leaves, was Meinheer Van Somering, hardly recognisable, too weak and ill to speak.

There is little more to tell of k.u.masi. Our troops marched in within the hour of d.i.c.k's arrival and occupied the town. On the following day, King Koffee still failing to send in his messengers of peace, the place was burned to the ground, only three houses escaping.

Then the troops turned their faces to the coast and commenced their long march back. And, as it proved, the return journey was not begun a moment too soon, for the rains commenced in earnest, and ere the coast was reached the men had to march along forest paths thick with mud, and perhaps covered by three feet of water. Where before had been smooth gra.s.s land was now a swamp, extending for considerable distances. Then, too, at the rivers, it was found that the bridges erected by the sappers with so much skill were already useless, or washed away. So the fine body of men, all more or less wounded, had to wade across, carrying their rifles above their heads. As for the sick, they were borne in hammocks, and in this manner Meinheer Van Somering reached the coast and was straightway put on board ship. d.i.c.k and Mr Pepson joined him there, with Johnnie to act as servant. Of the gallant troops and bluejackets who took part in the campaign, a large number were stricken down with fever, and of these a large proportion died.

Never before perhaps had a campaign been conducted where such difficulties had to be contended with; and when one comes to consider the distance k.u.masi lies from the coast, the extent and depth of the forests, and the extraordinary nature of the fighting, one is bound to admit that never before or since have our men showed more courage and persistence, while our officers and their gallant leader could not have displayed greater skill and foresight.

d.i.c.k returned no more to the white man's grave. His health had been considerably impaired by his residence there, and, besides, he found work awaiting him in England. For Mr Pepson was a wealthy man, and had need of a partner in his business.

"Not a word," he exclaimed when d.i.c.k attempted to thank him. "If I cannot do this for one who has fought my battles so well, I should indeed be ungrateful. You deserve all that I offer, and I am sure that you will make an excellent partner."

And this seemed to be the opinion also of Mr Pepson's niece, a very charming girl some two years d.i.c.k's junior.

"Go to Africa again, d.i.c.k!" she exclaimed, when he broached the subject.

"That I forbid, because uncle tells me that the climate would kill you.

And he says that he needs you here in his business. Surely that is reason enough for your remaining."

There was a pretty little smile about the corners of her mouth as she said the words, and curiously enough, d.i.c.k, the stubborn, who had made up his mind to a thing out in Ashanti and had carried it out, whatever the danger and difficulty, gave way with the best of grace and with an answering smile which spoke volumes. Need the reader feel surprise when he hears that d.i.c.k first made his position strong in Mr Pepson's business, proving without a doubt that he was of the greatest value, and that then he asked his fair friend a little question?

He has been married for many years now, and rents a fine place an hour's run from London. But once in each year our hero is wont to run up to the capital, there to meet a select party of friends, all of whom had been engaged in that fierce campaign in Ashanti. Familiar faces are there, and many of the b.r.e.a.s.t.s which in that day boasted but a single decoration, now gleam with miniature medals. d.i.c.k wears a single badge, the medal presented to civilian fighters. But he and his deeds are not forgotten. There are always the heartiest greetings awaiting him, and, indeed, such is his popularity, and so well are his brave deeds remembered, that when his erect and well-known figure enters the room in which the gathering takes place, there is a general turning of heads, eager conversations are suddenly arrested, and all advance to grip his hand. There is no need for the butler at the door to announce him, for to every one this tall and una.s.suming gentleman is known. They smile a real welcome to him, and then the buzz of their voices breaks out again: "It's Stapleton--gallant d.i.c.k Stapleton."

The End.