An air of neatness and order pervaded everything, and it was clear that they were greatly superior to the people around.
Mr.Goodenough expressed to the king the willingness with which his friend and himself took part in the struggle of a brave people against a cruel and bloodthirsty foe, and he said, that as the four Houssas were also armed with fast firing guns he hoped that their assistance would be of avail.

He said that he would at once examine the defences of the town and see if anything could be done to strengthen them.
Accompanied by the king, Mr.Goodenough and Frank made a detour of the walls.

These were about a mile in circumference, were built of clay, and were of considerable height and thickness, but they were not calculated to resist an attack by artillery.

As, however, it was not probable that the Dahomey people possessed much skill in the management of their cannon, Mr.Goodenough had hopes that they should succeed in repelling the assault.

They learnt that a large store of provisions had been brought into the town, and that many of the women and children had been sent far away.
The spies presently came in and reported that there was no movement on the part of the enemy, and that it was improbable that they would advance before the next day.