any other
Arab would have."

Charley sided with Ned; but the majority of those present thought Rhymer
was not far wrong in the opinion he expressed.

The "Ione" having replenished her stores, again sailed on a cruise to
the southward. Week after week, however, went by and not a prize was
taken. It was very tantalising. Dhows were frequently seen and chased,
but those which were overhauled proved to be legal traders. It was the
old story over again. The Arabs were evidently too cunning to be
caught; only those who had no cause to dread the British cruisers got in
her way, and the rest kept out of it. That thousands of slaves were
being embarked and carried northward there could be no doubt, but how to
catch the dhows with slaves on board was the question. The commander
resolved to try and outwit the Arabs. He had heard at Zanzibar that
many of their vessels kept close in-shore, both to avoid the British
cruisers and to fill up their cargoes with any negroes they might
entrap. He accordingly determined to send the boats in with strong
crews well-armed and provisioned to lie in wait among the small islands
off the shore, that should any dhows appear in sight, they might pounce
down on them and effect their capture before they had time to make their
escape. As the commander had no reason for keeping his plans secret
they were soon known about the ship, and every one in the midshipmen's
berth hoped to be employed in the service. Boat expeditions are always
popular among men-of-war's men, notwithstanding the privations they
entail, as a change from the regular routine of life on board ship. As
yet it was not known who was to go; Ned and Charley thought that they
should have but little chance.

"If we ask Mr Hanson he will advise the commander to send us," said
Ned.

"There's nothing like trying," replied Charley; "but I am afraid it will
be of little use."

"I'll speak to him," said Ned. "It will show our zeal, and we can but
be refused. I do not suppose that either you or I are likely to obtain
command of a boat, but we may be sent with some one else, and the
commander may be willing to give us an opportunity of gaining
experience."

Ned carried out his intention.

"I will see about it," answered Mr Hanson. "I suppose you and Meadows
wish to go together to keep each other out of mischief."

"Thank you, sir," said Ned, "we'll look after each other at all events;
it won't be our fault if we don't tak