The missionaries attempted to carry on their work at Ava in the same way as they had previously done at Rangoon, but the public mind was in too excited a state just then to permit of much progress being made.  The Emperor had for some time treated the English Government with open disdain, and had collected an army together for the avowed purpose of invading Bengal.  He even caused a pair of golden fetters to be made, to bind the Governor-General of India when he should be led as captive to Ava.  But before the Emperor could carry out his plan, the English took the initiative and invaded his country.  He was confident of victory, but information was soon brought to him that the English had captured Rangoon, and this was followed by news of various other English victories.

The foreign residents at Ava naturally felt that their position there was somewhat precarious.  At first the Emperor assured them that “as they had nothing to do with the war, they should not be molested;” but when tidings of English triumphs followed one another in rapid succession, the attitude of the natives grew more and more menacing.

Some Englishmen formerly in the employ of the Court were seized, and their belongings examined.  In the account book of one of them were items recording certain sums having been paid to Mr. Judson.  This money had been given to him in exchange for circular bankers’ orders, sent from America; but the Emperor did not understand this.  He concluded that Judson had been paid to be an English spy, and at once gave orders for the arrest of both the missionaries.

The scene can best be described in Mrs. Judson’s own words.  “On the 8th of June, just as we were preparing for dinner, in rushed an officer holding a black book, with a dozen Burmans, accompanied by one whom, from his spotted face, we knew to be an executioner, and a ’son of the prison.’  ‘Where is the teacher?’ was the first inquiry.  Mr. Judson presented himself.  ‘You are called by the King,’ said the officer—­a form of speech always used when about to arrest a criminal.  The spotted man instantly seized Mr. Judson, threw him on the floor, and produced the small cord, the instrument of torture.  I caught hold of his arm.  ‘Stay,’ said I, ‘I will give you money.’  ‘Take her too,’ said the officer, ‘she also is a foreigner.’  Mr. Judson, with an imploring look, begged they would let me remain till further orders.  The hardened executioner drew tight the cords, bound Mr. Judson fast, and dragged him off I knew not whither.  In vain I entreated the spotted face to take the silver, and loosen the ropes; but he spurned my offers and immediately departed.”

Mr. Judson was hurried away to the death prison, and his wife found herself a captive in her own house.  She was exposed to many insults from the guard of soldiers set over her, and for three days she was unable to go out.  Then, by a judicious bribe, she obtained a certain measure of liberty.  She at once went to the governor of the city and sought to obtain the release of her husband.  This could not be gained, but she purchased permission to see him.  He crawled to the door of the prison, as fast as his trebly-bound limbs would allow, and spoke for a minute to her; but before they could exchange many words Mrs. Judson was peremptorily ordered away by the jailer.