n two reefs, and the boat close-hauled stood
towards the shore with the prospect of having a dirty night of it. The
sea, too, got up and sent the spray flying over her. About the middle
watch rain began to fall heavily. Though provided with an awning,
blowing as fresh as it did, it was impossible to rig it, and all hands
were soon wet through. As to sleeping, that was out of the question.
Rhymer passed the night grumbling and abusing the wild fowl, the Arabs
and the dhows, lamenting his own hard fate in being engaged in such
abominable service. By morning, when the boat had got in again with the
land, the wind fell, and the sun rising, quickly dried their wet
clothes. After this heavy showers frequently fell, detracting from the
pleasure of the cruise. Ned and Charley made themselves as happy as
they could, caring very little for Rhymer's grumbling. The worst part
of the business was that day after day went by and no dhows were seen.
Their destination, however, was at length reached. It was an island
with a snug little harbour, in which the boat was perfectly concealed.
Here they were able to land and erect a tent, hidden from the sea by a
grove of casuarina bushes. A couple of hands were kept on board the
boat, while the rest lived on shore and enjoyed the advantage of being
able to stretch their legs, but they were ordered to keep within hail,
in case of being required to shove off in chase of a dhow. On the
highest tree a look-out place was made, reached by a rope ladder; and
Rhymer ordered Charley and Ned to occupy it by turns. Either the one or
the other had to sit, telescope in hand, from sunrise to sunset,
sweeping the horizon in search of a sail. Several were seen, but they
were too far off to make it of any use to go in chase. At length one
appeared, which, by the course she was steering, would inevitably pass
close to the island. Officers and crew hurried on board the boat, and
away she pulled to cut off the stranger.

"We shall catch yonder craft this time, at all events," exclaimed
Rhymer. "I only hope she will be full of slaves. As she stands on
boldly, it is pretty clear that we are not seen."

The men gave way, in spite of the hot sun striking down on their heads.
Still the dhow stood on, and in a short time the boat was up to her. A
shot fired across her forefoot made the Arabs lower their sail, and the
boat was pulled alongside. The crew jumped on board. About twenty
fierce-looking