We shall have other things to think about, however, when we get across the river; for you don't think of minor inconveniences when, at any moment, a volley may be poured into you from the bushes." "Yes, the idea is rather creepy; but they say that the Ashantis always shoot high--the effect of the enormous charges they put into their muskets--so that the harm done bears no proportion, whatever, to the noise.

I expect our Maxims will come in very useful for clearing out the bush; and I doubt if the Ashantis will be able to stand for a moment, against our bayonets, as they have no weapons of the sort." "No, but a good many of them are armed with spears, which are a deal longer than our muskets and bayonets.

They are not accustomed, however, to work together.

Each man fights for himself, and I feel convinced that they would not stand a determined charge," Hallett said.
"It is all very well to talk about a charge; but how are you going to charge through the bush, where every step has to be cut?
However, I suppose our fellows can get through as well as they can." "It would be horrid work, Bullen, for some of these creepers are a mass of spikes, which would pretty nearly tear a man to pieces, as he was forcing his way past them in a hurry." "Yes, that is not a pleasant idea; but I own that, if what they say about the stockades they have formed is true, they will be even more formidable than the bush; for our little guns will make no impression upon them.

They say that these are constructed with two rows of timber, eight feet apart; the intervening space being filled up with earth and stones so that, if they are well defended, they ought to cost us a lot of men before we carry them." "Well, tomorrow we shall be at Prahsu.