KUMASI AUGUST 1873
Sergeant Wickham called his men to attention when Jack entered their house.
“We"re going back to the coast, lads,” Jack saw that Wickham"s lips were swollen and knew one of his blows had taken effect, “under an Ashanti escort, so don"t do anything to antagonise them.”
“What about our rifles, sir?” Private Daley asked.
“We"ll be lucky to get out with our heads,” Jack said. “I don"t think we"ll see our weapons again.” He nodded to Wickham. “I need to speak to you alone, Sergeant. You lads get yourselves ready.”
Jack took Wickham outside. “Explain, Sergeant?”
“Sir?” Wickham tried to look innocent.
“Don"t play the old soldier with me! Why did you attempt to murder Yaa Asantewaa?”
Sergeant Wickham opened his eyes wide as if surprised by the question. “I am a British s
