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Henty, G. A. (George Alfred), 1832-1902

"By Sheer Pluck, a Tale of the Ashanti War"

Some of the big ships have gone to the mouth of the
Prah, and we believe that they are going to land in boats. You will
see. The Elmina tribes are going to attack, but I shall take some
of my men to help."
Taking fifty picked warriors Ammon Quatia started at once. They
marched all night towards the west, and at daybreak joined the
Elminas. These took post in the brushwood lining the river. The
general with a dozen men, taking Frank, went down near the mouth
of the river to reconnoiter. The ships lay more than a mile off
the shore. Presently a half dozen boats were lowered, filled with
men, and taken in tow by a steam launch. It was seen that they were
making for the mouth of the river.
"Now let us go back," Ammon Quatia said. "You will see what we
shall do."
Frank felt full of excitement. He saw the English running into an
ambuscade, and he determined, even if it should cost him his life,
to warn them. Presently they heard the sharp puffs of the steam
launch. The boats were within three hundred yards.
Frank stepped forward and was about to give a warning shout when
Ammon Quatia's eye fell upon him. The expression of his face revealed
his intention to the Ashanti, who in an instant sprang upon him and
hurled him to the ground.


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