sland indeed, and although so close under the line, it is
considered an extremely healthy one.

The slaves were landed, some of them being hired by the planters, while
others set up for themselves on ground allotted to them by the
government. Before leaving the Seychelles, Commander Curtis had the
satisfaction of seeing the larger number of emancipated negroes
comfortably settled, and several having agreed to keep house together
were legally married. In most respects, after all their troubles, they
were far better off than they would have been in their own country, as
they were free from the attacks of hostile tribes or wild animals, and
ran no risk of again being carried off by Arab slave dealers.

Once more the "Ione" was at sea, and steering so as to cross the track
of the slavers. Several dhows were seen, but being to leeward, effected
their escape. Others which came in sight to the southward were
compelled to heave to, and were boarded, but these turned out to be
legal traders. Though many had blacks on board, it could not be proved
that they were slaves. At length two were caught having full cargoes of
slaves, and with these the "Ione" returned to Zanzibar. Sayd had by
this time learned so much English, that, as Ned had hoped, the office of
interpreter was offered to him by Commander Curtis. Sayd replied that
he had friends on shore whom he would consult on the subject. The
following day he returned.

"Are you going to remain with us?" asked Ned.

"After some time perhaps, not now," answered Sayd, without giving any
further reason for not accepting the situation. He was as friendly as
ever, and expressed his gratitude for the kindness he had received; he
had, however, made up his mind to remain on shore, and having bade
farewell to Ned and his other friends on board, he took his departure.

"I for one am glad to be rid of the fellow," observed Rhymer, as he was
seated at the head of the table in the midshipmen's berth. "Like all
Arabs, I have no doubt that he is a great rascal, though he is so soft
and insinuating in his manners."

"I hope that he is an exception to the rule," answered Ned, not liking
to have his friend run down.

"How dare you oppose your opinion to mine, youngster?" exclaimed Rhymer.
"As you claim the credit of saving his life, you think it necessary to
praise him; but if any of us fall into his power, he'd show his
gratitude by cutting our throats with as little compunction as