ely stated. Three
companies of its army were attacked by the Abyssinians, and nearly the
whole of them were massacred; but the Italians did not avenge this
assault."

The ship continued on her course along the coast of Yemen ninety miles
to Aden, which the commander had before given out as his first
stopping-place. Steam had been reduced so that the arrival should not be
in the night. The passage had been made in about four days. The pilot
came on board at six o'clock in the morning, and the passengers were
already on the promenade. Two large steamers were at anchor in the
roads, and were engaged in coaling and watering. A boat came off as soon
as the ship anchored, containing an agent of the great Parsee merchants,
who do most of the business of the town. He wished to see the captain,
who was in his cabin.

"Good-morning, Captain," said the man, speaking very good English. "I
have taken the liberty to bring off some newspapers."

"I am greatly obliged to you, for we are getting hungry for newspapers,"
replied Captain Ringgold as he took the package. "Excuse me for a moment
and I will send them to the passengers, for I have not time to look at
them now."

He tossed the bundle of papers up to Dr. Hawkes, and returned to his
cabin.

"I shall be happy to take your orders for whatever you may need at this
port, including coal and water, as well as provisions and other
supplies," continued the agent.

The commander ordered both coal and water; for he knew about the Parsee
merchants, and referred Mr. Gaskill, as he gave his name, to Mr.
Melancthon Sage, the chief steward.

"What sort of goods do you furnish here, Mr. Gaskill?" asked the
commander.

"Every sort, Captain Ringgold. This steamer does not belong to any
regular line, I think," said the agent.

"It does not to any line, regular or irregular; and yet she is not a
tramp," replied the commander with a smile.

"Is she a man-of-war?" inquired the visitor, opening wide his big eyes.

"She is not; she is a yacht, with a pleasure party on board who are
making a voyage around the world."

"Ah, yes, Captain; I understand. There is another steam-yacht in the
roads, over beyond the P. & O. steamer nearest to you. Perhaps you have
seen her; she is painted white all over."

"I did not notice her. What flag does she carry?"

"She sails under the British flag. But you suggested that you might need
other supplies. We can furnish your party with all the English goo