Instantly a dozen hands seized him, and,
in obedience to the general's order, fastened a bandage tightly
across his mouth, and then bound him, standing against a tree, where
he could observe what was going on. The incident had occupied but
a minute, and Frank heard the pant of the steam launch coming nearer
and nearer. Presently through the bushes he caught a glimpse of
it, and then, as it came along, of the boats towing behind. The
Elminas and Ashantis were lying upon the ground with their guns in
front of them.
The boats were but fifteen yards from the bank. When they were
abreast Ammon Quatia shouted the word of command, and a stream
of fire shot out from the bushes. In the boats all was confusion.
Several were killed and many wounded by the deadly volley, among
the latter Commodore Commerell himself, and two or three of his
officers. The launch now attempted to turn round, and the marines
in the boats opened fire upon their invisible foes, who replied
steadily. In five minutes from the first shot being fired all was
over, the launch was steaming down with the boats in tow towards
the mouth of the river, the exulting shouts of the natives ringing
in the ears of those on board.
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