But the whites do not believe in fetishes.

They laugh at them, and then the fetishes cannot hurt them." The general said no more, but turned thoughtfully and retired to his camp.

It was tantalizing to Frank to see the Union Jack waving within sight, and to know that friends were so near and yet to be unable to stretch out his hand to them.
He was now dressed in all respects like a native, the king having, soon after his arrival at Coomassie, sent a present of clothes such as were worn by his nobles, saying that the people would not notice them so much if they were dressed like themselves.

Consequently, had the party been seen from the castle walls the appearance of an Englishman among them would have been unobserved.
Three days later the general with a similar party crossed the Sweet river at night, and proceeded along the sea coast to within a few hundred yards of Cape Coast Castle, whose appearance pleased him no more than that of Elmina had done.
The Ashantis were now better supplied with food, as they were able to depend upon the Elmina tribes who cultivated a considerable extent of ground, and to add to the stock, the Ashanti soldiers were set to work to aid in planting a larger extent of ground than usual, a proof in Frank's mind that the general contemplated making a long stay, and blockading Elmina and Cape Coast into surrender if he could not carry them by assault.
The natives of Africa are capable of great exertion for a time, but their habitual attitude is that of extreme laziness.

One week's work in the year suffices to plant a sufficient amount of ground to supply the wants of a family.