The officers had difficulty in restraining their men, who implored them to press on in pursuit; but a general permission to do so could not be given.

No one knew whether the main column had followed them; and it was possible, too, that the Ashantis might rally and return.

Half the company, however, were permitted to continue the pursuit, and to keep the Ashantis on the run.
With shouts of delight, the men darted off in the darkness.

In a short time they were recalled, and the company then marched back to the centre of the town.

Here they found that the main body had come in.