If, however, we find that the Ashantis have gone, we shall be sure that they crossed at some ford, and will be swarming round our men; in which case it will be impossible for us to join them, and we must make our way as best we can." They kept close to the edge of the forest, the soldier occasionally using his bayonet to cut away the thorny creepers that blocked their course.

After an hour's walking, Lisle said: "That is the spot where the troops were, last night.

I can see no signs of them now.
"Now for the Ashantis." They took the greatest pains to avoid making a noise, until they stepped out opposite the point from which they had started, the evening before.

They saw no signs of the enemy.
"This is bad," Lisle said.

"I can have no doubt that they have crossed the river, somewhere, and are swarming in the forest opposite.