The officer of the guard, however, explained to them through Bacon, who spoke the Ashanti language, that his instructions were, that they were to go straight through to Coomassie.

In vain Mr.Goodenough protested that this would entirely defeat the object of his journey.

The officer was firm.

His orders were that they were to travel straight to Coomassie, and if he failed in carrying these out, his head would assuredly be forfeited.
"This is serious, Frank," Mr.Goodenough said.

"If this fellow has not blundered about his orders, it is clear that we are prisoners.