Fortunately, the Ashantis will not be able to cross the river to harass them in their retreat; unless, indeed, they know of some ford by which they can get over." As soon as daylight began, the Sikh went down into the water and washed the mud from himself, and Lisle cleaned and loaded his pistol.

Then they waited until it was broad daylight and, as they heard no sounds to indicate that any Ashantis were near, Lisle climbed up as noiselessly as he could to the bushes, and looked cautiously round.

There were none of the enemy in sight.

He therefore called to the Sikh to join him and, together, they made their way into the forest behind.
"The first thing to ascertain," Lisle said, "is whether the enemy are still here, and to find out for certain whether our friends have left.

If they stay where they were, we can swim the river and join them; if they have retreated, and the Ashantis are still here, we shall know that there is no ford.