"Halt!" Dick Stapleton lifted his hand above his head, and crouched low
in the jungle, while the sailors who followed him in single file,
slashing a path through the dense undergrowth, copied his example.
"H-h-hush! Did you hear? There it is again!"
Dick whispered in Jack Emmett's ear, and Jack, to whom bush work was a
novelty, stared back at his friend in amazement. For he had seen
nothing, and there had been no sound to arouse his suspicion. Indeed,
all about the little party looked quiet and peaceful. Overhead towered
enormous cotton trees, running to the height of two hundred and fifty
feet, while beneath their overspreading branches were yams and plantain
trees, huge ferns and every variety of forest growth, many of these
latter being giants in themselves, but dwarfed by the ponderous girth
and height of the cotton trees. At the feet of these wonders of the
African forest clustered vines and trailing creepers. Orchids and
lovely lichens clung to the boughs, while huge masses of buff, violet,
pink and brilliant yellow convolvuli hung suspended in festoons,
brightening the gloom which pervaded this underworld of the jungle. Not
a native could be seen. Indeed, the bush was so dense that Dick and his
party could not see beyond a few feet, and every yard they advanced had
to be won by diligent cutting with sword or cutlass. Yet our hero was
suspicious.
"There, listen!" he said again, in a low whisper. "Listen to the
birds."
"I hear them. But what of that? There are heaps in these woods, no
doubt," was Jack's reply. "That does not say that the enemy are near.
Wait, though. That was a cheer. Our men must be somewhere in the
neighbourhood."
At that moment a distant cheer had come to their ears through the
barrier of boughs, and at the sound both sat up suddenly and listened.
Then Dick began to crawl forward again.
"We can go on," he said quietly. "The calls of the birds were not real,
of that I feel sure. They were made by the enemy, purposely to let each
man know that he was near his fellows. It's a good idea. Halt again!"
This time he beckoned the bluejackets to come close up to him, and for a
little while they were clustered together at the foot of a cotton tree.
"We are getting near the enemy," said Dick, "and if we are rushed it
will be very easy to get separated. We will keep in couples, and no man
is to be more than three or four feet from his comrade. Once we are in
touch with the enemy we will whistle, so as to tell each other where we
are. Then there will be no getting lost, and we shall not run the
danger of firing at one another. Remember, before pulling a trigger,
give a whistle and wait a moment."
Once more he turned his face to the interior of the jungle and crept on,
and presently the call of birds was again heard. Then he redoubled his
caution, cutting creepers from his path as silently as possible, and
removing all broken twigs from the ground. Half an hour later he and
his men came to a sudden halt, for the darkness which had surrounded
them up to this suddenly lightened, while as if to increase their
difficulties there came the sound of more cheers, the answering yell of
hundreds of natives, and then a succession of sharp explosions which
shook the leaves. A minute later a volley of slugs screeched overhead,
stripping the boughs, and covering the little party with the debris.
"Forward!" shouted Dick, "and let the men come up on either side of me.
We will get to this clearing and turn the enemy out."
There was no time to be lost, for it was now evident that the approach
of his party had been heard by the enemy, while the sudden lifting of
the gloom showed that there was a clear space in the forest some little
way ahead, and from this no doubt the enemy were firing. Dick lost no
time therefore in pushing forward. Bent double he ran between the
creepers, jumping over fallen boughs, and slashing at every obstruction
which threatened to arrest his progress. Very soon he came to the edge
of the forest. Meanwhile the sailors were not behindhand. They gave
vent to a cheer, just to show their spirit, and then, spreading by
couples to either side, they scrambled forward, wriggling their way
through the bush.
"Lie flat!" shouted Dick, as they got into position, and a second volley
of slugs flew overhead. "Now, you can see where they are. Pick them
off, my lads. Fire about a foot below the flashes and about the same or
a little less to the right. That should get them."
At his order the men threw themselves on their faces, and wriggling
forward a few inches till they could obtain a clear glimpse of the open
space ahead, opened a heavy and well-directed fire at the flashes and
puffs of smoke which burst from a hundred points on the opposite side of
the clearing. There the jungle again commenced, though it was not so
dense, and many paths could be seen cutting their way through it.
Beyond, some distance away, the glare of a big fire could be detected,
while the smoke hung over the summit of the forest trees.
"Our men at work," Dick shouted to his companion, "and these fellows who
are firing at us are between us and our friends. We must try to drive
them away and effect a junction."
But if that was his object, it was not so easy to accomplish, for the
enemy were in full force on the far side of the narrow clearing, and had
he and his party but known it, the path taken by the British troops led
rather far to the left of the river, while so deceptive was the forest
that the glare and the smoke were actually much more distant than they
appeared. Sir Garnet had with him a few bluejackets, with a
seven-pounder gun and a rocket trough, twenty Royal Marine Artillery,
129 Royal Marines, 205 of the West India Regiment, 126 Houssas, a force
enlisted in Central Africa, a few natives and many bearers enlisted on
the coast. It was this force which Dick and his comrades heard. They
had come upon the village of Essaman, and finding it vacant had set it
on fire, exploding some kegs of powder which the enemy had left, and
finding a number of muskets and war-drums, all evidence of the truth of
the report which had been brought by our hero to headquarters. Indeed,
there was little doubt that the enemy were in force in the
neighbourhood, though so far none on our side had seen a single man.
All that Dick could perceive was the flash of guns, and the falling of
numerous leaves and twigs cut down by the slugs which hailed overhead.
Suddenly another sound attracted his attention, and his expression
changed to one of concern.
"Our fellows are going still farther away, and the enemy are closing in
on us," he said hastily. "There is a man, and, look, others are
appearing. They are going to try a rush. We will warn the men.
Listen, my lads," he shouted, "the Ashantis look as if they would try a
charge, and we must stop it. If they reach this side of the clearing
they will creep into the jungle and shoot us down easily. Keep on
firing till I shout, then charge them as they come."
Kneeling behind a tree he kept a keen watch upon the opposite side, and
now that the enemy were exposing themselves, his bullets seldom failed
to tell. As for the Jack Tars, they seemed to enjoy the work, for they
lay on their faces, calmly ignoring the hail of slugs overhead, and
returned the fire of the enemy with wonderful steadiness. At Dick's
words, too, each eased his cutlass in its sheath, and just glanced ahead
to make sure that there was nothing to keep him from reaching the open.
Nor was it long before the necessity for action on their part was called
for. The firing from the opposite side became even fiercer, and by now
Dick and the majority of his men had been hit; though, thanks to the
wide interval existing between the combatants, few of the missiles
penetrated. Then there came the beat of a war-drum, a dull,
reverberating sound which seemed to echo through the forest, while Dick
caught fleeting glimpses of a group of the enemy, passing amidst the
trees, and exhorting their comrades.
"Get ready, my lads," he sang out, "and don't forget, give them a couple
of volleys and more as they run. When I shout, form up outside and
charge. Jack, just watch those beggars and when they cross one of the
paths let us fire together."
They lay behind two plantain trees which happened to be close together,
and followed the movements of the group of Ashanti officers whom they
had seen on the opposite side of the clearing. Within a few seconds
they saw them emerge into one of the numerous roads cut through the
forest. Both fired together, and gave a shout as they saw one of the
enemy, a big man, gaudily dressed and feathered, fall to the ground. A
moment later they were throwing cartridges into their rifles as rapidly
as was possible, and were emptying their weapons at a speed which showed
what need there was for action. For hardly had the tall leader on the
far side given a shriek and fallen, when the deep boom of the war-drum
became deafening, as if the man who wielded the stick were beating out
his indignation and hatred. Shouts of fury filled the air, and as if
the drum were the signal, some two hundred of the dusky enemy started
from the trees and commenced to rush across the clearing. Very fierce
and forbidding they looked as they came, for they had discarded their
muskets, or had slung them behind their shoulders, and now they were
armed with Ashanti swords, or with formidable-looking knives.
"Steady, men!" shouted Dick, at once. "We have plenty of time to knock
a few over. Fire as fast as you can and wait for the signal."
The forest resounded to the crack of the rifles, and to the shouts of
the natives. Not a sound came from the bluejackets save that given out
from their weapons. They maintained a grim silence, and stretched there
on their faces, kept up a withering fire, directing their shots with
marvellous coolness. But there was a stern, ugly glint in their eyes,
and the hands that wielded the rifles gripped very tightly. Then Dick
gave a shout, and in a moment all were on their feet.
"Drop your rifles," he commanded. "Now line up. My men, we are not to
be frightened by a lot of bellowing natives."
"Afraid. Not us!" came the reply from one of the salts. "Jest fancy
hooking it because of these fellers. We'll get aboard and sink 'em,
boys."
There was a roar as the men heard the words, while the swish of
cutlasses being drawn from their scabbards could be heard. Then Dick
gave another shout, and placing himself beside Jack Emmett at the head
of the little party he started forward, his teeth clenched, and his mind
made up to beat back this attack and conquer.
"Charge!" he bellowed. "Charge into the middle of them."
There was now no longer need for silence, and the cheer which the men
gave showed that their spirit was not lacking. Closely following their
young leaders they raced forward in a compact body, heading for the very
centre of the enemy. And it was clear at once that their sudden
appearance and their warlike intentions gave food for thought to the
enemy. The mad rush of the Ashantis came to a sudden end, the mass
halting to stare at these few enemies. A few turned tail immediately
and fled, while some of the natives hung in the background, uncertain
how to act. Then one of their number gave a shout and they came on
again, but this time with less determination. A few seconds later the
combatants met, the sailors throwing themselves upon the Ashantis with
deafening cheers, cutting and slashing at them fiercely, while one of
them, happening to miss his aim, and to strike the ground with his
weapon, whereby it was jerked from his hand, took to his fists in true
nautical style, and struck right and left amongst the enemy. Still, it
was a critical moment for Dick and his party, and only their dash and
bravery saved them. The contest hung in the balance for a minute or
more, while the natives stabbed desperately at the sailors, some of them
doubling up and attempting to dash in below the cutlass. But the result
was always the same. There was a thud, and the weapon fell with
unerring aim, stretching the man on the ground. Or if that was not the
case, Jack's knee would rise of a sudden, and the native would receive a
blow on the head which stunned him instantly. Amidst all the clamour
came the sharp crack of the revolvers held by the two young leaders.
"Forward!" shouted Dick. "Give a cheer, and drive them back."
Grandly did the men support him. Though they had been fighting their
hardest before, striving to arrest the rush of the enemy, now they
charged into their broken ranks, belabouring them with their cutlasses,
striking out with their fists, and making up for their smallness in
numbers by sheer bravery and dash. And in a minute they had gained
their object. Many of the enemy had already fallen, and now, of a
sudden, the remainder turned tail and fled, leaving the British masters
of the situation.
"Back for the rifles, some of you," cried Dick. "The remainder run
forward and occupy the enemy's position. Quick, or they will bowl us
over with their slugs."
The warning came only just in time, for those of the enemy who had fled
at the first sight of the sailors had taken cover on the fringe of the
forest, in the position which they had occupied a few minutes before;
and no sooner had their comrades turned and commenced to retreat than
these men opened a scattered fire, regardless of the risk they ran of
hitting their friends. But Dick and his men never paused. While four
of them ran back to gather the rifles, the remainder followed close on
the heels of the enemy, and hardly had the firing opened, and the
war-drum commenced its boom again, when they were at the edge of the
forest and close upon the Ashantis who lurked there. For some two
minutes there was another hand-to-hand contest, for these men were
caught in their lairs, and, hindered from gaining one of the numerous
paths by the denseness of the forest, were forced to turn and fight.
However, the sailors made short work of them, and very soon were lying
amidst the trees again, breathing heavily after their exertions.
Meanwhile the troops in other quarters had been engaged with the enemy,
and had driven them before them. No sooner had Essaman been given to
the flames than the whole line advanced over more or less open country.
On our left was a grassy plateau, with a thick forest about three
hundred yards away, while directly in front the ground fell and was
covered with bush growing breast high. Towards this the Houssas and
West Indian regiment advanced, the men shouting and filling the air with
discordant yells, while they blazed away at the bush, at the sky,
anywhere in fact, and without any definite object. They were entirely
out of hand, as some native troops are apt to get, and at this moment
they were as dangerous to their own side as to the enemy. However, by
dint of much energy and shouting the officers managed to get them in
hand again and enforce some fire discipline. Then, as they advanced
through the bush, the bluejackets and the Marine Artillery took the wood
on the left in hand, and the steel gun opened upon the lurking enemy.
The rockets were also brought to bear upon them, and very soon the place
was clear, a few wounded Ashantis being discovered as we advanced. But
still our men were far from Dick and his little force, and he had yet
much difficulty to contend with.
"First, let us see to the wounded," he said, as they lay breathing
heavily in the forest. "Then we will follow hard upon the tracks of the
enemy, in the hope of joining our comrades. Now, who is badly hit?"
There was no response from the tars, though he looked at each one in
turn.
"Then who is hit at all?" he asked.
"One here, sir," was the reply from one of the lusty fellows. "One of
those rascals struck me in the leg with his knife. He's back there,
sir, for it hurt and I give 'im what for right away. It's a bit of a
scratch and the surgeon will fix it up when we get back. Plenty of
time, sir."
"And I've a slug somewheres about me shoulder," sang out another; three
more acknowledging the same sort of wound, and all making light of it.
"Then we are lucky, my lads," said Dick, gaily. "A slug is nothing. I
have one somewhere about my ribs, and it gave me quite a nasty knock.
But I am sure it has not penetrated. Then no one needs to be carried,
and none are bleeding to death. Good! We will advance. Now, we will
go by one of these paths, and we will keep a careful watch in front and
rear as well as to either side. Jack, take the advance, please. I will
go to the right, for I am more used to the forests. Keep a bright
look-out, as these fellows are fond of an ambush."
Once more they sprang to their feet and went into the forest, but on
this occasion they were able to follow a native path. Still, their
progress was slow, for the men who scrambled through the underwood,
seeking for the enemy, could, naturally, not get along as rapidly as
those in the open. At length, however, the party emerged from the
forest, and came upon the breast-high bush which the Houssas and West
Indians were attacking, and from the sounds proceeding from it made sure
that the enemy were then rapidly retreating.
"Then we will help them," said Dick. "Can you men run a little
farther?"
There was an emphatic nod from all as he asked the question.
"Then we will make for the edge higher up and see what we can do.
Double!"
A few minutes later the firing taking place on their left warned them
that they were now level with the lurking enemy, and at once they came
to a halt.
"Take post in the trees on this side," came the order. "Then you will
be able to see down into the bush and clear it. Smartly, lads, for
there will be people watching us."
He could not have set the sailors a more enjoyable task. They slung
their rifles, and at once set to work to swarm into the trees which grew
so plentifully close at hand. Then one gave a lusty shout.
"There they are, sir," he cried, "and I can see our own troops."
"Then take care that they don't see you, or you may be shot by mistake.
Now, make every bullet tell."
Perched in their trees the party could look down upon the bush, for it
happened that they had halted at a spot which was elevated well above
the surrounding country. To this the height to which they had climbed
gave them added advantage, so much so that they could distinguish the
figures of the enemy crawling and running amidst the creepers and
bracken. Every now and again the Ashantis would halt and fire, running
on at once, bent double, and busily engaged in putting another charge in
their guns. And all the while the Houssas and West Indians, who were
advancing into the bush, exposing themselves to this fire, could not see
a single enemy, and were suffering severely in consequence. However,
Dick and his bluejackets soon made a difference to their comfort. Their
rifle shots broke the silence in that spot, and brought an answering
shower of slugs from the enemy. Then, so telling was their fire, that
the Ashantis broke and fled to the forest.
"Bravo! Well done! Well done, indeed, bluejackets! Who is your
officer, please?"
An officer of some importance, who had been advancing with a small
escort along the side of the bush, suddenly rode up, mounted on a mule,
and halted beneath the trees occupied by the sailors. Dick glanced down
and recognised him as one of Sir Garnet's staff, an officer of great
distinction. He scrambled to the ground, rifle in hand, and advancing
took off his cap.
"Dick Stapleton, sir," he said. "Sir Garnet put me in command of a
small party, with orders to operate as well as I was able on the right
flank. We heard the firing and answered."
"Mr Stapleton. Yes; I know all about you," was the reply, as the
officer returned the salute. "I congratulate you on the fruits of your
discovery. You have given us an excellent chance of punishing the
enemy. Whose idea was it to take to the trees?"
"Mine, sir," admitted Dick. "I am in command."
"Exactly so, my lad, and it was a smart movement. It is not every
commander who would have thought of it. May I ask if you have been
operating in the clearing on our right? I have just passed through it."
Dick again admitted the fact, and described in a few words what had
happened.
"Not all quite so simple as you imagine, or as you have stated," was the
hearty answer. "You give all the credit to your men. Quite right, sir.
Every good officer who has good men to command does that. It is only
right and fair. Allow me to say that something is also due to the one
in command, upon whom all the responsibility of every movement depends.
Do you know the result of that little action? No. Then I will tell
you. The enemy were practising a favourite manoeuvre: they were
attempting to close in on our flanks. On the left the sailors and
marines put a stop to the movement, while here on the right they would
have succeeded had it not been for you. Gallantly done, men; a very
fine piece of work. You accounted for thirty-seven of the enemy, and
beat back their flank attack. I shall take good care to mention the
matter at headquarters. Now we will advance along this flank, and see
if we cannot induce some of the enemy to halt and give us a fight."
Dick and his men were delighted and glowing with pride. They had worked
hard, and fought hard, too, all knew that. But, though they were aware
that the force opposed to them was a large one, they did not imagine
that _such_ an important movement had been in progress, and that they
had been the means of putting a summary stop to it. It was therefore
with light hearts and spirits raised to the highest point that they
continued the advance. Then as the troops swept the enemy before them,
and turned along the beach, where they encountered another of the
hostile villages and burned it, Dick and his party received an order to
halt, and the same officer addressed them.
"We shall be moving well away from the river now," he said, "and it will
hardly be safe for you to advance with us. Return to your launch now,
for otherwise you might have to fight every inch of the way."
Turning about the party retraced their steps past the bush and into the
forest. Then they entered the clearing, and came upon the results of
their impetuous charge. It was not pleasant work to look upon, and they
hurried away, and very soon were at the river. A loud halloo brought
the launch in close to the bank and all embarked, those who had been
left aboard muttering deeply and bitterly against the cruel fate which
had caused them to miss such an opportunity and such distinction.
Meanwhile our troops had advanced still farther parallel to the beach,
and had fired two other villages. They came upon numerous signs that
the Ashantis had been there in force, and in one spot sure evidence of
the ferocity of these people. For they discovered the body of an
unhappy Fanti captive, suspended feet in air, and with the head slashed
from the trunk. It was a horrible sight, and caused many of the
Ashantis to lose their lives, for our men were roused to fury, and the
musketry fire was so searching, and the rockets so well directed, that
numbers of the enemy fell. Finally, fully satisfied with their day's
work against the enemy, the troops returned to their quarters, Sir
Garnet steaming back to Cape Coast Castle.
Late that night an officer came to Mr Pepson's in search of Dick
Stapleton. For the report of his conduct had come to headquarters, and
he was required to be thanked for his fine services.
"A dashing young fellow, and a valuable officer," said the Chief of the
Staff, with enthusiasm. "I am empowered to offer him a commission in
the regular service. A gallant fellow, indeed!"
But there was no trace of our hero. Indeed, he and his men had not
returned. No sooner had the battle ended, as far as they were
concerned, than they steamed down the river and along the coast. When
night fell they were lying within the mouth of the river leading to the
Pra, and as the sun came up on the following morning he looked down upon
the rakish little launch surging up the river at full steam, in search
of more information and also of a little more adventure. Nor was it
long before one of these came to them, for late on the following morning
a shout came echoing down the river, while the eyes of all aboard the
launch flew to an object moving swiftly towards them.