ACROSS THE ORDAH FEBRUARY 1874
The Wests moved an hour before dawn, thundering across the bridge as the rain eased to a reluctant stop. Water dripped from the overhanging leaves, the only sound in the ominous hush as if the country was shocked at this foreign army invading the empire that had caused so much fear.
“Orders from the general!” Lieutenant Wood shouted. “The advance party is not to fire first! King Kofi might want to negotiate.”
Jack watched the young officer run back, all his dignity gone as he passed on what he must have considered a critical order.
“Bugger that,” one of the Riflemen said.
“Did you hear that boys?” Jack said to his men. “If you see an Ashanti pointing his musket at you, don"t fire. Greet him nicely and say how do ye do?”
When only Sergeant Mathews smiled
