CAPE COAST CASTLE NOVEMBER DECEMBER 1873
“That"s all Sir Garnet, then," Hopringle said. “The chiefs of Essaman and Amperee have sworn allegiance to the queen. We"re turning the tide.”
Jack nodded. The phrase “all Sir Garnet” was entering slang, meaning that everything was perfect. “I heard as much. Might is right, and the chiefs do what they must to protect themselves. If the British seem to be the stronger, they"ll attach themselves to us. If the Ashantis are in the ascendancy, the chiefs will be cheering on the Asantahene.” Jack lit a cheroot as he stared over the wall. “We can"t blame them for seeking self-preservation.”
The defection of the two chiefs was not the only success of Wolseley"s raid, for Buller"s spies reported that Amanquatia had ordered a withdrawal to Ashantiland. Jac
