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Title: Ned Garth
       Made Prisoner in Africa. A Tale of the Slave Trade

Author: W. H. G. Kingston

Release Date: May 15, 2007 [EBook #21472]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

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Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England




Ned Garth; Made Prisoner in Africa. A Tale of the Slave Trade, by W H G
Kingston.

________________________________________________________________________

NED GARTH; MADE PRISONER IN AFRICA. A TALE OF THE SLAVE TRADE, BY W H G
KINGSTON.



CHAPTER ONE.

"Can you make her out, Ned?  My eyes are not so sharp as they used to
be, and I lost sight of the craft when came on."

"She has tacked, uncle; I see her masts in one, and she's standing to
the westward."

"I was afraid so; she must be a stranger, or she would have kept her
course.  She'll not weather the head as she's now standing, and if it
doesn't clear and show her the land, she'll be on shore, as sure as my
name is John Pack."

The speaker was a strongly built man, dressed in a thick pea-coat
buttoned closely over his breast, the collar turned up to protect his
neck.  A white, low-crowned, weather-beaten, broadish-brimmed hat
covered his head, and he held in his hand a thick stick, which he
pressed firmly on the ground as he walked, for he had been deprived of
one of his legs, its place being supplied by a wooden substitute
resembling a mop handle in shape.  His appearance was decidedly
nautical, and though habited in plain clothes, he might have been known
at a glance to be a naval officer.

His companion, a boy of about fourteen years of age, though from his
height and breadth of shoulders he might have been supposed to be older,
wore a thick monkey jacket, a necessary protection against the strong
wind and dense masses of rain and mist which swept up from the ocean.

They stood on the top of a cliff on the southern coast of England,
which, circling round from the north-west to the south-east, formed a
broad deep bay, terminated on the further side by a bluff headland, and
on the other by a rocky point, a ledge partly under water extending
beyond it.

The bay was indeed a dangerous place to enter with so heavy a gale from
the south-west as was now blowing.

Lieutenant Pack and his young nephew Edward Garth were returning home
from an errand of mercy to an old fisherman who had been severely
injured by the upsetting of his boat, in a vain endeavour to go off to a
coaster in distress, which foundered in sight of land, when he was
washed on shore amid the fragments of his boat, narrowly escaping with
his life.  Although the fisherman's cottage was upwards of two miles
off, the old lieutenant trudged daily over to see him, and on this
occasion had been accompanied by his nephew, carrying a basket
containing certain delicacies prepared by the kind hands of Miss Sarah
Pack, or sister Sally, as he was wont to call her.  He and his nephew
had started later than usual, and the gloom of an autumn evening had
overtaken them when they were still some distance from home.  He had
caught sight of the vessel, apparently a large brig, and had at once
perceived her dangerous position.

For some time he and his nephew stood watching the stranger from the
cliff.

"Here she comes again!" cried Ned.

"She made out the land sooner than I expected she would," observed the
lieutenant; "but she'll scarcely weather the point even now, unless the
wind shifts.  She can't do it--she can't do it!" he cried, striking the
ground in his eagerness with his stick.  "Run on, Ned, to the
coast-guard station.  If you meet one of the men, tell him, in case he
hasn't seen her, that I think the vessel will be on shore before long.
But if you fall in with no one, go and let Lieutenant Hanson know what I
say, and he'll get his rockets ready, so as to be prepared to assist the
crew whenever the vessel may strike.  Take care, Ned, though, not to
fall over the cliff--keep well away from it.  On a dark night you cannot
see the path clearly, and in many spots, remember, it ends abruptly in
places where it wouldn't do to tumble down.  I cannot spare you, my
boy."

While the lieutenant was shouting out these latter sentences, Edward,
eager to obey his uncle's directions, had got to a considerable
distance; he, however, very soon came back.

"I met one of the men, uncle," he said, "and he went on to the station
faster than I could in the dark, as he knows the short cuts."

"Come along then, we'll keep an eye on the brig as we walk homeward,"
said the lieutenant.  "I pray that after all she may claw off the land,
although she will have a hard job to do it."

The old officer and the boy proceeded on the way they had previously
been pursuing.  They had gone some distance when they saw a light
approaching them.

"Now, if my sister Sally hasn't sent Tom to look for us, or I am much
mistaken," he exclaimed to himself rather than to his companion.  "Poor
soul! she's been in a precious quandary at our not returning sooner, and
has been fancying that we shall be melted by the rain, or carried off
the cliffs by the wind, though it blows directly on them."

The lieutenant was right in his conjectures; in another minute a voice
was heard shouting, "Dat you, Massa Pack an' Massa Ned?"

"Aye, aye," answered the lieutenant; "keep your lantern shaded from the
sea, or it may be mistaken for a signal."

Directly afterwards a tall figure could be discerned coming towards him.
"Missie Sarah in drea'ful way, cos you an' Massa Ned not come back when
de wind an' rain kick up such a hulabaloo," said the same voice which
had before spoken.

The lieutenant explained the cause of their delay, and bade Tom hasten
back and tell his mistress that they would soon be at home, but were
anxious to ascertain the fate of a vessel they had discovered closer
in-shore than she should be.  "Beg her not to be alarmed; and, Tom, you
come back with a coil of rope and a couple of oars from the boat-house.
We may not want them, for I hope the coast-guard men will be up to the
spot in time to help, should the craft unfortunately come ashore, but it
is just as well to be prepared to render assistance in case of need."

Tom, handing the lantern to the boy, hurried back to execute the orders
he had received, the lieutenant and his young companion following at a
slower pace.  The fast increasing darkness had now completely shut out
the brig from sight.  When last perceived, however, her head was pointed
in a direction which, could she maintain, she might weather the rocks
under her lee.  Presently the loud report of a gun was heard sounding
high above the roar of the seas which broke on the shore.

"That was fearfully near," observed Edward.

"It was indeed," said the lieutenant.  "I hope that it will hurry Hanson
and his men.  The master of the brig has discovered his danger.  There
is no chance of her escaping, I fear."

"I can see her!" cried the boy; "one of her top-masts has gone, she's
drifting bodily on shore."

"Poor fellows! with a heavy sea beating on it; unless she's a stout
craft, she'll knock to pieces in a few minutes," observed the
lieutenant.  "We'll go down to the beach and try what help we can
render."

A zig-zag pathway, well known to both of them, led downwards through an
opening in the cliff, a short distance from the spot they had reached.
The lieutenant and his nephew followed it without hesitation, the former
leading and feeling the way with his stick, for it required care to
avoid slipping over, and an ugly fall might have been the consequence of
a false step.  They reached the bottom, however, in safety; and as they
hurried along the shingly beach, straining their eyes to discover the
whereabouts of the hapless brig, another and another gun was heard, the
loud reports rapidly succeeding the bright flashes, showing the nearness
of the vessel.  The whistling of the wind and the roaring of the waves
overpowered all other sounds.  They listened for another gun, but
listened in vain.

"I feared it would be so," exclaimed the lieutenant; "she must have
struck already."

"Yes, yes, I see a dark mass surrounded by foam; that must he her, and
not fifty yards off," cried Ned.  As he spoke he could distinguish, in
imagination at all events, amid the wild foaming waters, the crash of
timbers, and hear the cries of the hapless crew imploring assistance.
For an instant, too, he fancied that he saw a smaller object floating on
the snowy crests of the waves, but before he could be certain that it
was what he supposed, it had disappeared.

"Would that the men with their rockets were here.  What can have delayed
them?  If they don't come soon, not a soul of the crew will be left
alive," exclaimed the lieutenant.

Just then a voice hailed, and Edward shouted in return.  A dark figure
could be seen at the top of the cliff.  It was Tom, who rapidly made his
way down to where they stood, carrying a pair of oars and a coil of
rope.

"The brig is driving in," cried Edward.  "She's much nearer than when I
first saw her."

"You're right," answered the lieutenant.  "In spite of my timber leg,
few men could once beat me at swimming; even now I've a mind to go off
to the wreck.  I might be in time to save some of the people.  Here,
Tom, hand me the end of the rope, and I'll make it fast round my waist,
and do you and Ned pay it out, and haul in again when I shout to you."

"Don't think of going," said Edward; "you have been ill lately, and are
not as strong as you were.  Let me try.  I can swim like a fish; you
have often seen me in rough water as well as in smooth.  It won't matter
to any one if I am drowned."

"Won't it though!  What would Aunt Sally say if I was to go back without
you, Ned?" exclaimed the lieutenant.  "I should never be able to look
her in the face again."

"But I'll do my best not to come to harm," said Edward; "and you can
haul me back if I cannot make my way through the breakers."

"Let me go, massa," cried Tom, rapidly throwing off his clothes, and
beginning, without further ado, to fasten the rope round his own waist.
"Jis see him tight--not a slip-knot, massa.  Tom Baraka swim tro' worse
seas dan dis on coast ob Africa, as you know.  Stick de oar in de sand.
Tie de rope to it, Massa Pack; you pay out, and off him go."

And before the lieutenant or Ned had time to speak another word, the
black had plunged into the foaming seas, dragging out the rope which the
lieutenant quickly uncoiled.  His dark head and back could be
distinguished amid the surging foam, as he made his way through the
breakers for some distance, when a huge wave rolling in beat him back
almost to the beach.  The lieutenant hauled in the rope, fearing that
Tom's legs might be entangled, but the brave black again sprang forward.
He had, however, another danger besides the sea to encounter.  Already
broken spars, planks, and masses of timber, with bales of all sorts,
were being hurled on shore, and a blow from some heavy piece of wreck
might in an instant disable him.  It seemed useless indeed to proceed
further; not a human being was likely to have remained alive on the
shattered wreck.  Probably the larger number were drowned when the boat
was upset.  Another sea, still fiercer than the former, rushing on with
a loud roar, again drove Tom back.

"We must haul in the rope," cried the lieutenant.  "I cannot let the
brave fellow further risk his life."

But once more it was found that Tom was dragging out the rope.

"I heard a cry, and I fancy I see some one not far from.  Tom,"
exclaimed Edward.  "Yes, yes! he is making towards the man.  Ah, I fear
he has missed him; no, he has hold of him.  Haul away, uncle, haul away;
let me go and help him, there's rope enough to spare," and Ned, securing
the slack end of the rope under his arms and seizing the spare oar,
dashed forward in time to grasp the man just as the black, exhausted by
his exertions, was on the point of letting him go.  Another wave
breaking at the moment, and hissing as it rushed back in a sheet of foam
over the beach, would have swept away the almost rescued man, but
Edward, planting his oar deep in the sand, held on while the lieutenant
was engaged in hauling Tom out of danger, hastening, the moment he had
done so, to assist his nephew in landing the stranger.  The latter still
breathed, and attempted to raise himself from the sand, though unable to
speak.

"You attend to him, Ned, while I look after Tom," said the lieutenant.

The black, however, required no assistance.  He proposed, indeed, to
again swim off on the chance of finding some other human being
struggling for life; but this the lieutenant would not allow.  Already
the breakers were covered with masses of wreck, amid which not a single
person could be seen, though they looked out eagerly, Tom pressing into
the seething foam as far as he dared venture, while the lieutenant held
up the lantern as a signal to any strong swimmer who might successfully
have buffeted with the waves; but he did so with little hope of success.
Every now and then he looked round, uttering an exclamation of regret
at the non-appearance of the coast-guard, though, had they arrived, it
was evident that they would be too late to be of use.

The sea continued to cast up fragments of wreck and cargo on the beach,
but the lieutenant and Tom searched in vain for any of their
fellow-creatures to whom they might render assistance.

"No use waiting longer, I fear," shouted the lieutenant.  "I'll go and
look after the man we have saved; the sooner we get him under shelter
the better, or he'll be perishing of cold."

"Me stop just a little longer," answered the black.

"Take care though that the sea doesn't carry you off, Tom," cried the
lieutenant, even now trusting that someone else might be rescued.

On returning to the spot where Edward was tending the stranger, he bent
down by the side of the latter and felt his heart.  "He is still
evidently in a very exhausted condition," he observed, holding up his
lantern so that the light fell on the man's countenance.  "Poor fellow,
he does not look as if he were accustomed to a seaman's life."

"I have been rubbing his hands and chest, uncle, and trying what I could
do to revive him," said Edward.  "We should get him home at once, I am
sure."

"Just what I was saying; we must not risk his life on the chance of
saving that of others," replied the lieutenant.  "Come, Tom," he
shouted, "it is of no use, we must carry home this poor fellow; and may
be before we get far the coast-guard will be down here and take our
places."

At that instant a hail was heard.  The lieutenant shouted in return.  In
a few minutes a party of coast-guard men appeared, headed by their
lieutenant, who had heard the guns, and had been searching for the spot
where the vessel had struck.  The man to whom Edward had given the
message had, however, not appeared, having, as was afterwards
discovered, fallen over the cliff and nearly lost his life.  Lieutenant
Hanson said that he would remain on the spot, though his rockets would
be useless, as not a man could be clinging to the wreck.

"Let me have one of your people to assist in carrying this poor fellow
to my cottage then," said Lieutenant Pack; "it is more than Tom and I
can accomplish, seeing that my timber toe is apt to stick in the soft
sand as I trudge along."

"With all my heart," was the answer.  "You shall have two, only send
them back without delay."

No further time was lost.  The coast-guard men, wrapping the stranger in
their dry coats, lifted him on their shoulders, Ned and Tom taking his
feet, while the lieutenant led the way, lantern in hand, towards his
home.

Although a bright light beaming forth from the sitting-room of the
lieutenant's abode could alone be distinguished as the party approached,
it may be as well to describe it at once.  Triton Cottage, as he called
it, from the name of the ship on board which he first went to sea, stood
on the side of a broad gap or opening in the cliff, some little distance
up from the beach, the ground around it being sufficiently level to
allow of a fair-sized garden and shrubbery.  It was a building of
somewhat curious appearance, having no pretentions to what is considered
architectural beauty.  The lieutenant, notwithstanding, was proud of it,
as the larger portion had been erected by his own hands from time to
time as he considered it necessary to increase its size, in order to
afford sufficient accommodation to its inmates, and to obtain a spare
room in which he could put up an old shipmate, or any other visitor to
whom his hospitable feelings might prompt him to give an invitation.
The original building had been a fisherman's cottage, to which he had
added another story, with a broad verandah in front, while on either
side wings had been attached, the upper portions composed of wood
obtained from wrecks, the bulkheads serving as wainscoting to the rooms.
Both from their size and the fittings they resembled the cabins of a
small vessel, being warmed also by ship's stoves, with high flues,
curiously topped, rising above the roof, exhibiting a variety of
contrivances to prevent the smoke from beating down.  The tar-bucket and
paint-pot had been brought largely into requisition, the wood-work of
the lower story being covered with a shining coat of black, while
various colours adorned the walls both inside and out.  The old
lieutenant might frequently have been seen, brush in hand, adorning his
mansion, and stopping up every crevice, so as to defy damp, or rain
driven against it by the fiercest of south-westerly gales.  It was
substantially roofed with thick slabs of slate, obtained from a
neighbouring quarry, calculated to withstand the storms of winter or the
thickest downfall of snow.  The building had, however, so slight an
appearance that it looked as if it might be carried by a strong wind
into the sea; but a closer inspection showed that the materials of which
it was composed were well seasoned and firmly put together, and though
gaily bedecked, fire was the only element it had to fear, and against
that the owner had taken all necessary precautions.

"Sally, sister Sally!" he shouted, as he neared the door, "I have
brought a guest who requires careful looking after, or he'll slip
through our fingers, for he's pretty well gone already."

As he spoke, the door opened, and a female appeared holding a shaded
lamp in her hand, which the wind threatened every instant to extinguish.
Her figure was short and slight, her dress a grey silk gown, a plain
lace cap confining her once dark hair, already sprinkled with grey,
drawn back from her forehead, on which not a wrinkle could be seen.  A
kind expression beamed from her countenance, which, if it had never
possessed much beauty, must always have been pleasant to look upon.

"Thank Heaven you've come back at last, John!  Tom frightened me by the
intelligence that a wreck was on shore, and I knew that you would be
exposing yourself to danger.  Have many of the poor fellows been saved?"

"Only one, I fear," answered the lieutenant, pointing to the men who now
approached.  "Take him into my room, Tom; the sooner he is in bed the
better, and mine is ready for him.  Get some warm broth or a cup of tea
made in the meantime.  He is terribly exhausted, and probably has not
tasted food for many hours."

The lieutenant made these remarks as Ned and Tom, with the coast-guard
men, conveyed the stranger into the room, when, speedily taking off his
wet garments, they placed him in bed.

"By his dress I suspect he is a gentleman," observed the lieutenant to
his nephew, as Tom gathered up his wet clothes.  "Hand me his watch and
purse--it is a heavy one--and that pocket-book.  Here is a small case
too, something of value probably.  He will be glad to know that his
property is safe when he comes to.  Run and see if the tea is ready.  I
will get him, if I can, to take a little hot liquid.  Tell your aunt and
Jane to stir up the fire and get the broth boiling; that will soon set
him on his legs I hope."

The lieutenant now managed to pour the warm tea down the throat of the
stranger, who opened his eyes, and looking about with an astonished gaze
murmured, "Thank you, thank you!  Where am I?"

"All right and safe on shore, though you may take my room to be a ship's
cabin," answered the lieutenant.  "We have got your property, in case
you are anxious about it; and after you have had a basin of broth I
would advise you to try and go to sleep.  It will restore your strength
faster than any food we can give you."

The stranger again murmured his thanks, and soon after the broth was
brought, following his host's advice, he fell into a quiet slumber.

"He'll require a visit from the doctor perhaps, though I hope that he'll
do well enough now," observed the lieutenant, as he sat at supper with
his sister and Ned that evening after he had paid all the attention
necessary to his guest.

"I wonder who he can be?" observed Miss Sarah.  "You say he was dressed
as a gentleman, and has a considerable amount of property in his
possession."

"Your female curiosity will probably be gratified to-morrow, when he is
able to give an account of himself," replied the lieutenant; "but it
matters very little as far as we are concerned.  I suspect he'll thank
us for doing what it was our simple duty to do, and after he has gone
his way we shall probably hear no more of him.  Had he been a seaman,
without a copper in his pocket, we should have treated him in the same
fashion I hope.  Remember, Ned, the meaning of having no respect for
persons.  It is not that we are not to respect those above us, but that
we are to treat our fellow-creatures alike, without expectation of
reward, and to pull a drowning man, whether a lord or an ordinary
seaman, out of the water when we can."



CHAPTER TWO.

The next morning Ned went off to summon the doctor from the neighbouring
town, for their guest still remained in an apparently dangerous state.
Several days passed before he was able to rise.  He was evidently, from
his conversation and manners, a man of education; but he did not speak
of himself, except to mention that his name was Farrance, and that he
was on a voyage from the Mediterranean in the "Champion" brig, when she
had been cast away; and he again also expressed his gratitude to Miss
Sarah Pack for the kindness he was receiving, and to the lieutenant and
his companions for preserving his life.  He made minute inquiries as to
the occurrence, he only remembering that he was clinging to a portion of
the wreck after she had struck, when he felt himself washed into the
foaming breakers.  He appeared to be interested in Ned, whom he drew
into conversation, inquiring particularly what profession he intended to
follow.

"I wish to enter the navy, as my father and uncle did," answered Ned;
"but my uncle says that he has no interest, and that I should have
little chance of promotion.  Indeed, his means are so limited that I
cannot ask him to provide the necessary funds, so I conclude I shall
have to go into the merchant service."

"Well, well, you are right in desiring not to be an expense to your
uncle.  Every man should endeavour, as far as he can, to depend upon his
own exertions; however, you have still some time to think about the
matter, and you will, I hope, succeed in whatever profession you
follow," remarked the stranger.

There was another inmate of the house who appeared to interest him even
more than Edward.  A little girl of some ten or twelve years of age--a
fair-haired, blue-eyed damsel, with a sweet, gentle expression of
countenance, yet full of life and spirits.  Edward had told him that she
was not his sister, although he loved her as much as if she were.  The
first evening he came into the sitting-room the lieutenant heard him ask
her name.

"I am called Mary," she answered; "Uncle John gave me my name when he
first found me."

She shortly afterwards left the room.  The stranger watched her as she
went out with a look of much surprise.

"You may be curious to know the meaning of her remark," observed Miss
Sarah.  "My brother will tell you how she came into our possession; very
thankful I have been to have so sprightly and sweet a young creature
under our roof, though at first I confess I felt somewhat anxious when
he placed her in my charge."

Mr Farrance turned an inquiring glance towards his host.

"I have but a short yarn to spin about the matter," said the lieutenant.
"Some few years ago, after I had quitted the service, an old friend
offered me the command of a ship bound on a voyage round the Cape of
Good Hope and up the Red Sea.  I was not sorry to obtain employment, and
was glad to have the opportunity of making a few pounds, which might
assist to keep the pot boiling at home, and help Sally in her
housekeeping.  Having touched at the Cape, I was steering for Aden, when
we were overtaken by a heavy gale, which pretty severely tried my stout
ship.  We were about to make sail in the morning, the wind having abated
and the sea gone down, when an object was seen floating a short distance
ahead.  On getting nearer, we saw that it was a piece of wreck with a
man upon it.  Standing on, I hove the ship to, and having lowered a
boat, watched with interest her approach to the raft.  The man was, I
made out, a black.  He was holding what looked like a bundle of clothes
with one hand, keeping it above the water, which still nearly washed
over him.  His bundle contained, I had no doubt, something of value, or
he would not have exerted himself as he was doing to preserve it from
the sea.  It was of value, and, to my mind, the most valuable thing in
creation--a young child, as I discovered when the boat returned with the
rescued man, who still held fast to his treasure.  We lifted them both
carefully on board.  The black sank exhausted on the deck, making signs
to us, however, to take care of the child.  We thought that it was his
own, but when we got a look at its countenance, greatly to our surprise
we found that it was as fair as any European.  How the man had managed
to preserve it during the heavy sea which had been running for some
hours seemed a miracle.  We carried them both into my cabin.  The little
girl, you may be sure, had plenty of nurses.  She looked frightened
enough at seeing us, but appeared wonderfully little the worse for the
exposure to which she had been subjected; indeed, although the shawl
which had wrapped her was wet, the water was warm and the black must
have contrived to keep her head well out of the sea, as her face and
hair were only moistened by the spray.

"Though she seemed almost too young to speak, she uttered several words
in a lingo none of us understood.  In a very short time after we had
given her some food, and she had had a quiet sleep, she seemed more
happy and smiled, and lifted up her face to kiss me when I bent over
her.  I thanked Heaven that I had been the means of saving the little
darling.

"It was not until evening that the black, who was pretty well exhausted
by his exertions, awoke.  I was disappointed, I can tell you, when on
speaking to him, he answered in a language of which I could not
comprehend a word.  We tried him in all sorts of ways, and he made a
variety of signs, but we could not comprehend the meaning he intended to
convey.  In appearance he greatly resembled the slaves I had seen at
Zanzibar, on board the Arab dhows, though better-looking.  Like most of
them, he had but a clout round his waist, and his woolly hair was
cropped close.  Still he evidently did not lack intelligence.  It was
very tantalising to find that we could get no information out of him.
The little girl was equally unable to give an account of herself, though
I fancied that she understood us when we spoke English, but she could
not reply intelligibly.

"I treated the black as he deserved, for the brave way in which he had
saved the child, and he showed that he was grateful for such kindness as
I bestowed upon him.

"As to the little girl, though I made inquiries at every place I touched
at, I could get no information by which I could even guess where she had
come from or who she was.  From her ways and tone of voice I felt sure,
however, that she was of gentle birth.  The black seemed mortally afraid
of the Arabs, and kept below when any came on board or any dhows hove in
sight; indeed it was some time before we could make him understand that
he was safe with us, and that no one would venture to take him away by
force.  He soon became a great favourite with the men, who gave him the
name of Tom, in addition to the one by which he called himself, which
sounded like Baraka, and Tom Baraka he has been ever since.  In a short
time he picked up a few words of English, with which he managed to make
himself understood; but it was not until we were on the voyage home that
he was able to give me an idea how he and the little girl came to be on
the piece of wreck from which we rescued him.  I would call him in, and
let him give his own history; but I think I can make you understand the
account better if I give it in ordinary English, for I took no little
trouble during several months to get the truth out of him, anxious as he
was to give the information I required.  His vocabulary being somewhat
limited, he accompanied his words by signs, often of so curious a
description that it was with difficulty my officers and I could restrain
ourselves from bursting into fits of laughter, and yet his account was
sad enough.

"I placed before him the best map I possessed of the part of Africa from
which I calculated he came, and explained to him the rivers and lakes
marked upon it.  He shook his head, as if he could make nothing of it,
but at last fixed on a spot some way in the interior.

"`There!' he said, making a wide circle with his finger, `There abouts
was my home.  By the banks of a river which fell into a lake my people
and I were happy in our way, we cultivated our fields and tended our
cattle, and had abundance of food without thinking of the future.  We
heard, it is true, that the cruel men who come across from the big sea
had carried off not a few of the inhabitants of other districts; but it
was a long, long distance away, and we hoped they would never come near
us.  We lived as our fathers had done.  Occasionally we had to fight to
punish our neighbours, who came upon our land and tried to carry off our
cattle; and as I grew up and increased in strength I became a warrior,
but I only wished to fight to protect my home and my fields from our
enemies.  When old enough I married a wife, who was as fond of me as
woman could be.  When kindly treated black women love their husbands, as
do their white sisters.  We had a little child, I was fond of him, oh!
so fond.  My delight when I came in from the fields was to carry him
about in my arms, or to roll with him on the grass, letting him tumble
over me and pull my hair and ears, and then he would smile down into my
face and laugh merrily.  I was a hunter also, and used fearlessly to
attack huge elephants for the sake of their tusks, as well as for their
flesh, especially for their big feet, which afford a dainty meal.  Even
one would be sufficient for the whole of our party.  I had crossed the
river, with several companions, armed with bows, arrows, and spears,
intending to go some distance south, where many elephants, it was said,
had been seen.  A stranger brought the account.  We had gone a day's
journey, and were encamped at night, hoping to fall in with a herd of
elephants the next day.  We had eaten our evening meal, and were about
to lie down to sleep, when we were startled by hearing a shower of
bullets come whistling above our heads.  We rose to fly, but knew not
which way to go, for from either side strange cries assailed our ears,
and before we could recover from our surprise a large party of men, with
gleaming swords in their hands, rushed in upon us.  Snatching up our
spears we attempted to defend ourselves, but were quickly overpowered,
two of my friends being killed and others badly wounded.  We were at
once bound with cords and thrown on the ground, while our captors were
employed in preparing another way to secure us.  They were fierce men in
dark dresses, some wearing turbans on their heads, others red caps.  I
watched their proceedings, thinking that, perhaps, they were going to
kill and eat us.  They cut down some young trees, leaving a fork at one
end, and fixing a thick branch at the other, so as to form another fork.
When several logs had thus been prepared, they made us with kicks get
up, and picking out the strongest men among us, placed one at one end of
a leg, and one at the other, securing them by the forks round our necks.
As our arms were lashed behind our backs we could offer no resistance,
but, pricked by the spears or sword points of our captors, were
compelled to march forward in the direction they ordered us.  Twenty or
more of us were thus secured; the remainder were fastened together by a
long rope, one behind the other at an interval of a few feet, with their
arms lashed behind them, led by an Arab.  With the heavy log round our
necks we had no chance of escaping, nor indeed had the others, who would
have been shot had they made the attempt.  Two or three of the worst
wounded sank down from loss of blood.  The Arabs made them get up and
proceed, but finding at last that the poor wretches could not keep up
with the rest, took them out of the line, and putting pistols to their
heads, shot them dead.  We were joined as we proceeded towards the coast
by other captives, taken much as we had been, and treated in the same
cruel manner.  Some, who had come from still further up the country than
we had, and who had thus a longer march, told us that one-third of their
number had died or been killed on the way, so that even those who were
suffering severely from sickness endeavoured to struggle on as long as
they had strength to move for fear of being murdered.'

"`At night we were ordered to lie down before the fire, with a strong
guard placed over us.  We were generally amply fed, in order that our
strength might be kept up.  Although we passed through several
thickly-populated districts, no one dared to help us for fear of the
Arabs.  At length we reached the bank of a river, near the sea-coast,
where we found a large vessel ready to receive us.  We were at once
ordered to go on board, when we were placed on a bamboo deck, packed
close to each other, with our chins resting on our knees.  As soon as
some fifty or more of us were stowed on the lower deck, another deck was
placed over our heads, preventing us even from sitting upright.  On this
another layer of slaves was stowed in the same way that we were.  A
third deck was placed above them, which was also crowded with
unfortunate captives.  We could hear the voices of those above us, and
frequently their cries, as the Arabs beat them in order to make them sit
closer.  A narrow passage was left down the centre of the deck, along
which the Arabs could pass to bring us our food.  We were thus kept a
couple of days in the river, either waiting for a fair wind, or because
our masters were afraid of being caught by some of the ships of the
white men.  Our condition was bad enough in smooth water, but we were to
find it considerably worse when we got into the open sea.  My only
consolation was that my wife and little boy had escaped.  I knew that
they would be mourning for me, whom they were never to see again.  I
then wished that they were dead, that their grief might come to an end;
and sometimes a terrible thought came to me that they too might some day
be captured and carried off to the same horrible slavery which I was
doomed, as I thought, to bear.  There were not only men on board, but
women and children, to be taken to a far distant country, of which we
had never before heard.  Where it was we could not tell, but we knew, by
one telling the other, that it was inhabited by the same sort of people
as the Arabs, and we supposed that they would beat and otherwise cruelly
treat us if we did not obey them.  The younger women and children were
better cared for than we men were, and wore well fed, to make them look
plump and healthy.  The vessel had one great nearly triangular sail, and
the after part rose high out of the water, while the bows seemed as if
they would dip under it.  At last, the wind being fair, we sailed.  For
some time we glided on.  A few of us were sent on deck at a time to
breath the fresh air.  I felt my heart sink within me, when, on looking
round, I could nowhere see the land, nothing but the smooth, shining
ocean on every side.  It was terrible; I thought we should never again
set foot on shore.  I had often paddled my canoe on the river, and had
even made trading voyages down to the great lake, where I had seen huge
waves covered with foam rolling across it; but on such occasions we had
quickly made for the shore.  Twice my canoe had been upset, but I had
easily gained it by swimming.  Suddenly the wind began to roar, the
thunder rolled above our heads, and the dhow was tossed about by the sea
in a way which made me expect that she would speedily be thrown over,
and that all on board would be sent into the raging waves.  Pitiful were
the shrieks and cries of my companions.  In vain the Arabs ordered them
to keep quiet; they believed that their last hour was come, and cared
not what was said to them.  I determined, whatever happened, to struggle
for my life.  I was young and strong; and the thought entered my mind
that I might swim to the shore, and get back some day to my wife and
children, though I knew that my home must be a long way off.  I felt
quite disappointed when the storm ceased, and the dhow glided on her
course as before.  When I next went on deck, I saw that she was in
company with other vessels, rigged as she was, and sailing in the same
direction.  Each of them had prisoners on board.  The decks of two or
three of the larger ones were crowded with black forms, and I guessed
that there were as many more below.  Our dhow sailed very fast, and was
passing most of them, when a calm came on, and we lay all huddled
together, near enough for the people in one vessel to speak to those on
board another.  Presently I heard the Arabs shouting to each other that
there was a large sail in sight.  The news seemed to alarm them.  She
was coming towards the fleet of dhows, bringing up a breeze.  At last
the wind filled our sails, and the dhows began to separate.  We fancied
that if we could keep ahead of the stranger that she could not harm us;
but we saw flashes of flame proceeding from her side, and round shot
came bounding over the water towards us; first one dhow was hit, now
another.  At last one shot struck our vessel, going through the side,
and fearful were the cries which arose from the people below, who were
wounded, or expected to be killed by other shots.  I had been allowed to
remain on deck, for the Arabs in their flight did not think about the
slaves.  I saw some of the dhows lower their sails, when boats from the
big ship took possession of them.  Our dhow sailing faster than the
others soon got ahead, and I saw our Arab masters rejoicing that they
should escape; but the wind was increasing; every instant it grew
stronger and stronger.  The large sail was lowered, and a small one
hoisted, but we dashed over the fast rising sea at greater speed than
ever, soon losing sight of the big ship, which, after securing the
prizes she had taken, pursued some other dhows, who were endeavouring to
make their escape in different directions to that we were steering.  The
storm, however, increased.  The Arabs now began to look alarmed.  In
vain they tried to stop the hole which the shot had made in the vessel's
side; finding this difficult, owing to the crowd of slaves below, they
began to throw those in their way overboard.  Some were dead, others
wounded, but many were uninjured.  They shrieked out for mercy, but the
Arabs heeded them not.'

"`I had kept in the fore part of the vessel, hidden behind a coil of
rope, fully expecting that they would soon seize me.  After labouring
away for some time and finding the water come in as fast as ever, they
began to lower a boat and canoe, for the purpose of getting into them,
and trying to save their lives, intending to leave me and my companions
to our fate.  The sea was foaming and roaring around us.  It seemed that
at any moment the dhow would sink.  The sail was now lowered, and the
boat and canoe were got into the water.  The cry arose that the dhow was
sinking, and the Arabs leapt into them in such haste that the boat was
upset, and all in her were speedily overwhelmed.  The canoe, after being
tossed about on the tops of the waves for a few minutes, was also turned
over, and all in her shared the fate of their companions.  She was not
far off at the time.  I thought that I might reach her, but I remembered
my fellow-slaves.  I found a knife which one of the Arabs had left on
the deck, and was endeavouring to release some of the men, who might be
able to swim with me to the canoe, when I felt that the dhow was going
down.  I sprang overboard, and with a few strokes gained the canoe,
being almost thrown on to her by the seas, when I felt that she was
being drawn under the surface; but I clutched tight hold of her, and she
quickly came up again.  For a few moments the shrieks and cries of my
drowning countrymen rose high above the loud dashing of the waves and
the howling of the storm, but they were speedily silenced, and I found
myself floating alone on the tossing waters.  I wished to live for the
sake of my wife and child.  In my ignorance I knew not how far I was
away from the land, still I struggled for life.  All night long I clung
to the canoe, and before morning the wind had fallen and the sea had
become smooth.  I was able to right the canoe, when I saw close to me a
gourd and a paddle.  I reached them by working the canoe on with my
hands, and contrived to bale her out.  I saw the sun rise, and knew that
the land lay on the opposite side.  I tried to paddle towards it; but I
had had no food and no water, and the sun came down with a heat I had
never felt on shore.  Still, for hours I paddled on, when I saw the
sails of a big ship rising above the horizon.  She must be, I thought,
the one which had captured the dhows.  Fear filled my heart, for the
Arabs had told us that the white men would kill and eat us.  Terror and
the suffering I had undergone overcame me; I sank down at the bottom of
the canoe, and knew no more until I found myself on board a ship, with
white people standing round me.  I could not understand a word they
said, nor tell them how I came to be in the canoe, but they looked kind,
and my fears left me.  I was well fed and cared for, and soon recovered
my strength.  There were several persons whom I now know to have been
passengers.  One lady, very fair and beautiful, who spoke in a gentle,
sweet voice to me, trying to make me comprehend what she meant.  She had
a little girl with her.  I loved that child from the first, for she made
me think of my own boy by her playful ways and happy laugh, though she
was fair as a lily, and my boy was as black as I am, but I thought not
of the difference of colour.  I felt that I should never wish to leave
that kind lady and her child.  In a few days the weather again became
bad, a fearful gale began to blow.  The ship was tossed about far more
violently than the dhow had been.  Presently, during the night, I heard
a loud crash, followed by the shouts and shrieks of the crew and
passengers.  My first thought was of the little girl.  On reaching the
deck a flash of lightning showed her to me, clinging to her mother's
arms.  I made signs that I would try and save her, and I wrapped her up
in some shawls which had been brought from below.  The officers and crew
were, I saw, trying to lower the boats.  Whether they succeeded or not I
could not tell, for the seas were sweeping over the ship, and I knew too
that she was sinking, as the dhow had done.  While I was standing by the
lady's side, looking for one of the boats into which to help her, a huge
sea separated us, carrying me off my legs, and I found myself struggling
amid the foaming waves.  I had caught sight of a dark object floating
near, far larger than a boat.  By what means I know not I reached it.
It was part of the wreck of a dhow or of some other vessel against which
our ship had struck.  I climbed upon it with my little charge, whose
head I had managed to keep above water.  She was crying out for her
mamma.  I knew that name.  I tried to console her.  For some time voices
reached my ear, but whether they came from the boats or the deck of the
ship I could not tell; I guessed, too truly, that she had gone down, for
when morning at last dawned neither she nor the boats were to be seen.
I feared that the little girl would sink from hunger and thirst, for I
remembered what I had endured in the canoe; but scarcely had the sun
risen than I saw a ship approaching, and you, Massa Pack, know the
rest.'

"It was my ship which Tom saw coming.  Of course we soon had him and his
little charge on board.  You will understand that I have given what I
may call a translation of his yarn.  It was spun, as it were, in a
number of shreds, and I have put them together; still I have expressed
his sentiments, and have not adorned his tale by adding to it anything
he did not say.  Many a time did he melt into tears as he spoke of his
own child and the love he bore him, and it would be difficult to picture
fully all the horrors he endured during his journey overland and his
voyage in the slave dhow.  To send him back to his home I knew was
impossible, he would have been retaken by the first Arab party he fell
in with, or been murdered as he was trying to pass through the territory
of any hostile tribe.  He therefore cheerfully remained on board my
ship, and has stayed with me ever since, pretty well reconciled to his
lot, his whole soul wrapped up in Mary, who has taken the place in his
affections of the son from whom he has, he believes, for ever been
separated, though he is devoted also to my sister, and to Ned and me.
That black fellow has as big a heart as any white man.  He does not,
however, forget his wife and child, for since he became a Christian, his
great desire is that they should be brought to a knowledge of the truth.
If it were possible, I would help him to get back to his native
village, but to do so is beyond my means.  Indeed, from what I hear I
fear that the Arabs have long ere this carried them off into captivity,
or that, deprived of their protector, they have died of hunger or been
killed by their cruel persecutors.  Those Arabs have long been the curse
of that part of Africa--indeed, for the purpose of obtaining slaves,
they have devastated many of its most fertile districts."

His guest listened with evident interest to the account given by the
lieutenant.

"I have not hitherto turned my attention in that direction," observed
the former.  "Of course I have heard much of the slave trade on the
western coast and of the horrors of the middle passage, but I believed
that it is now carried on only in a very limited degree, and that the
inhabitants of the east coast are well able to take care of themselves."

"I have cruised on both coasts, and am convinced that the people on the
east part of Africa are subjected to cruelties fully equal to those
which the western tribes have for so many ages endured," answered the
lieutenant.  "Tom's experience is that of thousands; but he did not
describe the miseries suffered by those left behind, the despair of the
women and children, and of the men who may have escaped from the sudden
attack made on their village, to find it when they have returned burned
to the ground, their fields laid waste, and their cattle carried off.
No one can calculate the numbers who have died from hunger in a land
teeming with abundance."

Ned and Mary came in during the latter part of the conversation, to
which they paid the greatest attention.

"I wish I could help to put a stop to such horrible doings," exclaimed
Ned.  "I should like to see an English fleet employed in catching all
the dhows, and an army sent to march through the country to turn all the
Arabs out of it.  It would be an honour to serve even as a drummer-boy
on shore, or as a powder-monkey on board one of the ships."

Their guest smiled at Ned's enthusiasm.

"A more certain way may be found for benefiting the Africans than by
armies or fleets," observed Miss Sarah; "if a band of faithful
missionaries of the Gospel were scattered through the country, they
would, with God's blessing, carry Christianity and civilisation to the
long benighted and cruelly treated people."

"You speak the truth, madam, the matter is worthy of consideration,"
observed the guest, turning to Miss Sarah.  "I have learned several
things since I came into your house.  I wish that I could remain longer
to learn more, but I am compelled to go up to London; and as I feel
myself sufficiently strong to travel, I must, early to-morrow morning,
wish you farewell."



CHAPTER THREE.

The shipwrecked stranger had taken his departure; he had paid the
doctor, and sent a present to the coast-guard men who had assisted to
carry him to the house; but he had not offered to remunerate the
lieutenant or Tom for the service they had rendered him, though he
feelingly expressed his gratitude to them.  Perhaps he considered, and
he was not wrong in so doing, that they not only did not require a
reward for performing an act of humanity, but would have felt hurt had
it been offered them.

The next morning the lieutenant and Ned started on a walk along the
cliffs to inquire at Longview station about the coast-guard man who had
nearly been killed on the night of the wreck.  The sky was clear, the
blue ocean slumbered below their feet, the gentle ripples which played
over it sparkling in the bright rays of the sun.  A large vessel, with a
wide spread of canvas, was gliding majestically by on her way down
channel.  Ned gazed at her with a wistful eye.

"I wish that I were on board that fine craft," he said at length.  "I am
very happy at home, and I don't want to leave you and Aunt Sally and
Mary, but I feel that I ought to be doing something for myself.  You and
my father went to sea before you were as old as I am.  I don't like to
be idle and a burden to you.  If you did not disapprove of it, I would
go before the mast and work my way up--many have done so who are now
masters in the merchant service; though, as you know, I would rather go
into the navy, but from what you tell me that is out of the question.
The owners of your old ship would, I dare say, take me as an apprentice;
I'll try and do my duty, and learn to be a sailor so as to become an
officer as soon as possible."

"You look far ahead; but it is all right, my boy, and I am very sure of
one thing, that you will do your duty and reap the reward, whatever
happens.  I'll write to Clew, Earring and Grummet, and ask them if they
have a vacancy for you.  Jack Clew, who was once in the navy, was a
messmate of mine on board the old `Thunderer' when I lost my leg at
`Navarin'," (so the lieutenant always pronounced Navarino, the action
fought by the British fleet under Sir Edward Codrington with that of the
Turks and Egyptians).  "Jack used to profess a willingness to serve me,
but, Ned, we must not trust too much to old friends.  Times alter, and
he may find he has applicants nearer at hand whose relatives have longer
purses than I have.  Don't fear, however, my boy, something may turn up,
as it always does, if we seek diligently to get it and wait with
patience."

Ned did not then press the matter further; his spirits were buoyant, and
although his uncle's remarks were not calculated to raise them, he was
not disheartened.

Edward Garth, the lieutenant's nephew, was the son of a younger sister,
who had married a friend and messmate, a lieutenant in the same noble
service in which he had spent his best days.  They had served together
in several ships up to the time that Garth was stricken down with fever
up an African river, their ship then forming one of the blockading
squadron on the west coast, when he committed his infant boy to his
brother-in-law's care.  "I am sure that you will look after him for our
poor Fanny's sake; but she is delicate, and I know not what effect my
death will have on her.  At all events, he will be fatherless, and she,
poor girl, will find it a hard matter to manage a spirited lad."

"Do not let that thought trouble you, Ned," answered Lieutenant Pack;
"Fanny's child shall ever be as if he were my own son.  I promised to
keep house with Sally, and Fanny shall come and live with us.  A better
soul than Sally does not exist, though I, who am her brother, say so."

Soon after he had seen his brother-in-law laid in the grave, Lieutenant
Pack came home to find that his sister Fanny had followed her husband to
the other world, and that Sally had already taken charge of their young
nephew.

From that day forward she truly became a mother to the orphan, and as
the lieutenant proved a kind, though not over indulgent father, Ned
never felt the loss of his parents, and grew up all that his uncle and
aunt could desire, rewarding them for their watchful care and judicious
management of him.  The lieutenant's means would not allow him to bestow
an expensive education on his nephew, but he was enabled to send him to
a neighbouring grammar school, where the boy, diligently taking
advantage of such instruction as it afforded, soon reached the head of
each class in which he was placed.  Though first in all manly exercises,
he made good use of his books at home, his uncle giving him lessons in
mathematics and navigation, so that he was as well prepared for the
profession he desired to enter as any boy of his age.  Ned was a
favourite with all who knew him.  His home training had answered, for,
though kind, it had been judicious.  He was truthful and honest, and
sincerely, desirous of doing his duty, while he was manly and
good-tempered, ever ready to forgive an injury, though well capable of
standing up for himself.  Had the "Worcester" training-ship then been
established, and had Ned gone on board her, he would probably have
become a gold medallist, and that is saying much in his favour.  His
uncle delighted in his society--"Ned always made him feel young again,"
he used to say--and Aunt Sally bestowed upon him the affection of her
kind and gentle heart.  As to Mary, she thought there never had been,
never could be, a boy equal to brother Ned, for so she always called
him, ever looking on him as her brother.  Ned faithfully returned the
affectionate feelings evinced towards him by his relatives.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The one-legged lieutenant and his nephew continued their walk, the
former stopping every now and then to impress a remark on Ned, or
glancing over the ocean to observe the progress made by the
outward-bound ship, until the row of whitewashed cottages, surmounted by
a signal staff, which formed the coast-guard station of Longview, hove
in sight.  Lieutenant Hanson, who met them at a short distance from it,
shook Ned and his uncle cordially by the band.

"We came to learn how poor Herron is getting on," said the lieutenant.

"He'll weather it, I hope; but it was a wonder he was not killed from
his fall down the cliff, sixty feet, with exposure to the rain and wind
during the whole of the night, for we did not find him until the
morning," answered the coast-guard officer.  "The accident was even of
more consequence to others than to himself, for had it not occurred, we
might have been in time to save some more of the poor fellows from the
wreck."

"That may be so; but had you come, my black man Tom Baraka and Ned here
would have lost the opportunity of showing what they are made of, by
pulling one of them out of the water," said Lieutenant Pack.

"What! had you a hand in saving the passenger?" asked Lieutenant Hanson,
turning to Ned.

"Indeed he had, and had it not been for his courage I believe that the
man would have been washed away again, for Tom was pretty well exhausted
by that time," answered Lieutenant Pack.

"You have begun well," said Mr Hanson, casting an approving look at
Ned.

"He has set his heart on going to sea, though I fear there is but little
chance of his getting into the navy," observed Lieutenant Pack.

"If he does, I hope that he may be more fortunate than some of his
elders," answered the coast-guard lieutenant in a tone not very
encouraging.

The remark produced a momentary effect on Ned, but he soon forgot it,
and was as eager as before to become a sailor.

They proceeded on to the station, where, after visiting the injured man,
for whom the old lieutenant had brought some delicacies made by Miss
Sarah, he and his nephew set off to return home by a circuitous road,
which ran a good way inland.  They had got some way, when they caught
sight of Miss Sarah and Mary in the distance.

"Go, Ned, and see where those women-kind of ours are bound for,"
exclaimed the lieutenant.  Ned ran forward.

"We are going to visit Silas Shank the miser, as the people call him,
though he must be very poor and miserable, as I cannot suppose that he
would nearly starve himself if he had the means of buying proper food,"
answered Mary.

"If I may, I will go with you," said Ned; "perhaps Uncle Pack would like
to come also."

The lieutenant, for whom they waited, however, preferred going home, and
Miss Sally, giving her basket to Ned, returned with him, allowing her
nephew to accompany Mary.

"Just leave the pudding and jelly with the old man, and if he does not
appear inclined to talk do not stop," said Miss Sally.

Ned and Mary walked on, cheerfully conversing, as they were wont to do,
for they had always plenty to say to each other, and Mary's tongue
wagged as fast as that of any young lady of her age, though not so
thoughtlessly as that of many.  Ned naturally spoke of the ship he had
seen running down channel.  "I do not wish to be away from you all, but
yet I did wish to be on board her, sailing to distant lands, to go among
strange people, and to feel that I was doing something and learning to
be an officer.  It would be a fine thing to command a ship like that."

"I wish as you wish; but, O Ned, you would be a long, long time absent
from us--months and months, or perhaps years and years.  Uncle Pack says
that he was once five years without setting foot on English ground, and
you might be as long away.  We shouldn't know you when you came back;
you will be grown into a big man, with a bronzed face and bushy
whiskers."  Mary laughed, though the tears at the same time came into
her eyes.

"But that was in the war-time, Mary, and even the Queen's ships are not
now kept out for so long a period, while merchant vessels return every
year, and sometimes from short voyages much oftener.  And then think of
all the curiosities I should bring home; I should delight in collecting
them for you and Aunt Sally, or to add to Uncle Pack's museum."

"Yes, yes, it would be a very joyous time when you did come back, we
should be delighted to see all the things you brought; but then think
how slowly the days will pass by when you are away, uncle and aunt and I
all alone."

"There would be only one less," said Ned, naturally.

"Yes, I know," answered Mary--she stopped short--she did not say how
large a space Ned occupied in her world.  She was not aware of it
herself just then.

The subject was one which made her feel sadder than was her wont, and
she was glad to change it.

Old Shank's cottage was soon reached.  It stood about half a mile from
the village.  It was situated in a hollow, an old quarry, by the side of
a hill, the bare downs rising beyond it without a tree near.  A
desolate-looking place in its best days.  Though containing several
rooms--a large part of the roof having fallen in--it had only one which
was habitable.  In that lived Silas Shank the reputed miser.  The
palings which fenced it in had been broken down to be used as firewood.
The gate was off its hinges; nettles and other hardy weeds had taken
possession of the garden.  Scarcely a pane of glass remained in any of
the windows; even those of the rooms occupied by the miser were stuffed
with rags, or had pieces of brown paper pasted over them.

"I'll stay outside while you go in," said Ned; "the old man was very
surly when I last saw him, and I do not wish to face him again.  He
can't be rough to you."

Mary knocked at the door, which was tightly closed.

"Who's there?" asked a tremulous voice.

"It is I, Mary Pack; I've brought you something from aunt which she
thought you would like to have."

The bars were withdrawn.

"Come in!" said the same voice, and the door was cautiously opened.

Mary, without hesitation, entered in time to see a thin old man, in a
tattered threadbare great-coat, with a red woollen cap on his head, and
slippered feet, his stockings hanging about his ankles, totter back to
an arm-chair from which he had risen, by the side of a small wood fire
on which a pot was boiling.

"That's all I've got for my dinner, with a few potatoes, but it's enough
to keep body and soul together, and what more does a wretched being like
me want?" he said in a querulous voice.

"I have brought you something nice, as aunt knows you can't cook
anything of the sort yourself, and you may eat it with more appetite
than you can the potatoes," said Mary, placing the contents of the
basket in some cracked plates on a rickety three-legged table which
stood near the old man's chair.

He eagerly eyed the tempting-looking pudding, a nicely cooked chop, and
a delicious jelly.  "Yes, that's more like what I once used to have," he
muttered.  "Thank you, thank you, little girl.  I cannot buy such things
for myself, but I am glad to get them from others.  Sit down, pray do,
after your walk," and he pointed to a high-backed oak chair, of very
doubtful stability and covered with dust.  He saw that Mary on that
account hesitated to sit down, so rising he shambled forward and wiped
it with an old cotton handkerchief which he drew out of his pocket.
"There, now it's all clean and nice; you must sit down and rest, and see
me eat the food, so that you may tell your aunt I sold none of it.  The
people say that I have parted with my coat off my back and the shoes
from my feet, but do not believe them; if I did, it was on account of my
poverty."

Mary made no reply; it appeared to her that the old man was
contradicting himself, and she did not wish to inquire too minutely into
the matter.

"This pudding must have cost a great deal," he continued, as he ate it
mouthful by mouthful; "there's the flour, the milk, the raisins, and the
sugar and spice, and other ingredients.  Your aunt must be a rich woman
to afford so dainty a dish for a poor man like me?"

"No, I do not think Aunt Sally is at all rich, but she saves what little
she can to give to the sick and needy; she heard that you were ill, Mr
Shank, and had no one to care for you."

"That's true, little girl, no one cares for the old miser, as they call
me; and the boys, when I go into the village, throw stones at me, and
jeer and shout at my heels.  I hate boys!"

"I'm sure Ned would not do that," said Mary; "he is always kind and
gentle, and would beat off bad boys if he saw them treating you in that
way."

"No, he wouldn't, he would join them, and behave like the rest.  They
are all alike, boys!  Mischievous little imps!"

Mary felt very indignant at hearing Ned thus designated, but she
repressed her rising anger, pitying the forlorn old man, and smiling,
said, "You will find you are mistaken in regard to Ned, Mr Shank; he is
outside, and I must not keep him waiting longer.  But I was nearly
forgetting that I have a book to give you, which Aunt Sally thought you
would like to read.  It is in large print, so that you need not try your
eyes."

Mary, as she spoke, produced a thin book from her basket, and presented
it to the old man.  He glanced at it with indifference.

"I do not care about this sort of thing," he said.  "I wonder people
spend money in having such productions printed.  A loss of time to print
them, and a loss of time to read them!"

"Aunt Sally will be much disappointed if you do not keep the book," said
Mary, quietly; "you might like to read it when you are all alone and
have nothing else to do."

"Well, well, as she has sent me the pudding, I'll keep the book; she
means kindly, I dare say, and I do not wish to make you carry it back.
What! must you go, little girl?  You'll come and see me again some day,
and bring another nice pudding, won't you?" said the old man, looking at
Mary with a more amiable expression in his eyes than they generally
wore.

"Yes, I must go, I cannot, indeed, keep Ned waiting longer.  Good-bye,
Mr Shank; you'll read the book, and I'll tell Aunt Sally what you say,"
said Mary, taking up her basket and tripping out of the room.

"Don't let that boy Ned you spoke of throw stones in at my window.  You
see how others have broken the panes, and it would cost too much money
to have them repaired."

He said this as he followed Mary with a shuffling step to the door.

"Ned would never dream of doing anything of the sort," she answered, now
feeling greatly hurt at the remark.

"They're all alike, they're all alike," muttered the old man; "but you,
I dare say, can keep him in order.  I didn't mean to offend you, little
girl," he added, observing Mary's grave look, as she turned round to
wish him good-bye before going through the doorway.

The remark pacified her.  "Poor old man!" she thought, "sickness makes
him testy."

"Good-bye, little girl," said Mr Shank, as he stood with his hand on
the door-latch; "you'll come again soon?"

"If Aunt Sally sends me; but you must promise not to accuse Ned
wrongfully.  Good-bye!" answered Mary, as she stepped over the
threshold, the old man immediately closing and bolting the door.

Ned, who had been on the watch at a little distance, sprang forward to
meet her.  She did not tell him what old Mr Shank had said, as she
naturally thought that it would make him indignant; and like a wise girl
she confined herself merely to saying how glad he seemed to be to get
the food, and how pool and wretched he looked.

Mary and Ned had a pleasant walk home.  After this she paid several
visits to old Mr Shank, sometimes with Aunt Sally, at others with the
lieutenant and Ned, but she always carried the basket and presented the
contents to the old man.  Aunt Sally would not believe that he was
really a miser, although the people called him one.  The cottage was his
own, and he obtained periodically a few shillings at the bank, but this
was all he was known to possess, and the amount was insufficient to
supply him with the bare necessaries of life.  He picked up sticks and
bits of coal which fell from carts for firing.  He possessed a few
goats, which lived at free quarters on the downs, and their winter food
cost but little.  He sold the kids and part of the milk which he did not
consume.  He seemed grateful to Mary, and talked to her more than to any
one else; but to Aunt Sally and the lieutenant he rarely uttered a word
beyond a cold expression of thanks for the gifts they bestowed upon him.

Ned in the meantime was waiting anxiously for an answer to the letter
his uncle had written Messrs. Clew, Earring and Grummet, the shipowners.
After some delay a reply was received from a clerk, stating that Mr
Clew was dead, and that the other partners were unable to comply with
the lieutenant's request unless a considerable premium was paid, which
was utterly beyond his means.

This was a great disappointment to Ned.

"Don't fret over it, my boy," said his uncle, "we shall all find many
things to bear up against through life.  There's a good time coming for
all of us, if we'll only wait patiently for it.  I ought to have been an
admiral, and so I might if my leg hadn't been knocked away by a Turkish
round shot at Navarin; but you see, notwithstanding, I am as happy as a
prince.  As far as I myself am concerned I have no reasonable want
unsupplied, though I should like to have your very natural wish complied
with."

Still week after week went by; the lieutenant wrote several other
letters, but the answers were unsatisfactory.  At last he began to talk
of going up himself to town to call on the Admiralty, and to beard the
lions in their den; but it was an undertaking the thoughts of which he
dreaded far more than had he been ordered to head a boarding party
against an enemy's ship.  He talked the matter over with his sister
Sally.

"If we want a thing we must go for it, if we don't want it we may stay
at home and not get it," he observed.  "If I felt anything like sure
that I should succeed by pressing my claim, I'd go ten times as far; but
my belief is, that I shall be sent back with a flea in my ear."

"Still, what can poor Ned do if he doesn't go to sea, though I wish that
we could have found him some employment on shore suited to his taste,"
said Miss Sarah.

"Well, I'll make up my mind about the matter," said the lieutenant, who
was as anxious as his sister to forward Ned's wishes.  "I can but ask,
you know, and if I am refused, I shall have good reason for grumbling
for the next year to come, or to the end of my days.  I'll go and talk
the subject over with Hanson; he knows more about the ways of the
Admiralty than I do, and will give me a wrinkle or two.  In the meantime
do you get my old uniform brushed up and my traps ready."

Next morning the old lieutenant, summoning Ned, set off to pay a visit
to his brother officer.  Ned was in high spirits at hearing that steps
were actually being taken to promote his object, and he expressed his
gratitude to his uncle for the effort he was about to make on his
behalf.  All difficulties seemed to vanish, and he already saw himself a
midshipman on board a fine ship sailing down channel.

Lieutenant Hanson was not very sanguine when he heard of his friend's
intention.

"There is nothing like asking, however, and they can't eat you, though
you may be refused," he answered.  "Go by all means; get to the
Admiralty early, step boldly in, and show that you fully expect to have
your request granted.  Say that the boy will soon be over age, and
consequently there is no time to be lost."  [See Note 1.]

Although the old lieutenant had not received much encouragement from Mr
Hanson, yet some of the difficulties he had apprehended appeared to
clear away, and he walked home with Ned, resolved to carry out his
project.  The cost of his expedition was now his chief anxiety.  He
pictured to himself the risk of running short of funds in the great
metropolis, and being unable to pay his journey back.  Then Sally would
be hard put to it for many a long month.

"His small income, poor lad, won't go far to defray his outfit and
allowance," he said to himself as he walked along.  "Still it must be
done, and we'll find the ways and means.  If the worst comes to the
worst, I'll go to sea, and take Ned with me.  I wonder I never thought
of that before.  It will make some amends to him for not entering the
navy; he'd soon become a prime seaman under my charge, and in a few
years get the command of a ship."

Such were some of the thoughts which passed through the worthy officer's
mind, but he did not express them aloud.

While pointing his telescope seaward, an employment in which he seldom
failed to spend a part of the day, he caught sight of a cutter standing
for the bay.

As the tide had just turned, and the wind was falling, it was evident
that she was about to bring up.  In a short time her commander,
Lieutenant Jenkins, came on shore, and proved to be an old messmate of
Mr Pack.  On hearing of his intention of going to London, Lieutenant
Jenkins at once offered him a passage as far as Portsmouth.  The
invitation was gladly accepted, as a considerable expense would thus be
saved.  Miss Sally having packed her brother's traps, he, late in the
evening, went on board the cutter, which, just as darkness set in,
sailed for the westward.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note 1.  At the period we are speaking of, the rule had not been formed
which makes it necessary for boys to undergo a training on board the
"Britannia" before they can become midshipmen.  The Admiralty either
appointed them to ships, or captains had the privilege of taking certain
number selected by themselves.



CHAPTER FOUR.

Several days had passed by, and no news had been received from the
lieutenant.  Aunt Sally began to grow anxious, though she pursued her
ordinary avocations in her usual calm manner.  Desirous as she was of
being economical, she did not forget poor old Mr Shank, and Mary and
Ned were despatched with some provisions which she had prepared, and
another book from her lending-library for him.  Mary, remembering his
dislike to boys, went in alone, leaving Ned to amuse himself outside.

"I'll not be long, and I want you to walk up and down out of sight of
his window, or he may, if he sees you, say something unpleasant,"
observed Mary.

Ned, though he cared very little as to what the old man might say about
him, did not wish to have Mary's feelings hurt, and promising obedience,
walked on to a spot whence he could watch for her when she came out.

She rapped at the door, the bolts were withdrawn, and she entered.

"Glad to see you, little girl," said Mr Shank, as he led the way into
his room.  "No one has come here for many a day.  I am well-nigh
starving, for the people in the village yonder do not trouble themselves
about the wretched old miser, as they call me; and I could not go out
yesterday to buy food--if I did, where was I to get the money to pay for
it?"

"Aunt, fearing that you might be in want, has sent you something to
eat," said Mary, unpacking her basket, and placing the contents on the
three-legged table.

The old man drew it towards him, and began to eat far more voraciously
than usual, showing that in one respect at all events his assertion was
correct.  Mary, thinking that it might amuse him, mentioned the
lieutenant's journey to London and its object.

"So they intend to send that boy off to sea!  The best thing they can do
with him.  Boys are always up to mischief at home, and it is to be hoped
he'll never come back."

"You should not say that, Mr Shank!" exclaimed Mary, indignantly.  "Ned
is a good honest boy, he never harmed you in any way, and if he had it
is your duty to forgive him, for God tells us in His Word to forgive our
enemies, and do good to those who ill-treat us."

"I don't understand that; if we are not to hate our enemies, who and
what are we to hate?" muttered the old man.

"We are to hate nothing except sin and Satan, because that is what God
hates, I am very sure," said Mary.  "Doesn't the book I brought you last
week say that?  And here is another which aunt has sent you, perhaps you
will like to read it," and she put the volume on the table.

"What the book says doesn't concern me.  I do no harm to any one; all I
want is to lead a quiet life and be let alone," he muttered, evidently
not wishing to enter into a discussion with the little girl, fearing
perhaps that he might lose his temper.  He, however, took the book she
had brought and gave her back the other, observing, "Perhaps your aunt
will lend it me at some other time if I feel ill and fancy I am going to
die; but I shan't die yet, O no, no, I want to live a great many years
longer."

"I hope that you may, if you wish it," said Mary.  She did not add, "I
wonder what the poor old man can find so pleasant in his existence as to
make him desire to live?"  She did not again refer to Ned, but shortly
got up, and told Mr Shank that she must be going.

"What! do you come all this way alone merely to visit a wretched being
like me?" he exclaimed, as she moved towards the door.

"No, Ned comes with me, and he is waiting to take me back," she
answered.

"Why didn't he come in and sit down until you were ready to go?" he
asked.

"Because, Mr Shank, he knows that you dislike boys," said Mary.

"Perhaps, as you think so well of him, he may not be so bad as others.
When you come again bring him in; I'll not scold him if he speaks
civilly to me, and doesn't attempt to play me tricks."

"He'll not play you tricks, and I'm sure that he'll speak properly to
you," answered Mary, considerably mollified by Mr Shank's last remark.
She was glad, however, that Ned was not in sight, as she still somewhat
mistrusted the old man.  As soon as the door was closed she looked about
for Ned, and spied him hurrying up.

"He wants to see you," she said when Ned joined her, "so you must come
in when Aunt Sally next sends me to him.  He is a strange being.  I
wonder how he can manage to spend his time all by himself?"

They walked home chattering merrily, though Ned was a little more
thoughtful than usual, wondering why his uncle had not written; and as
soon as he had seen Mary safe at home, he hurried off to consult
Lieutenant Hanson about the matter.

"Why," said Ned to the lieutenant, "has uncle not written?"

"Simply that he has had nothing to say, or has had no time to write, or
if he has written, his letter may have gone astray," answered the
lieutenant.  "You must exercise patience, my young friend; you'll find
plenty of that required in this world."

Ned returned home not much wiser than he went, but a brisk walk and the
fresh air revived his spirits.  Next morning's post brought the
looked-for letter, addressed to Miss Sarah Pack.  She hurriedly opened
it, while the young people looked eagerly on, watching her countenance.
That, however, betrayed no satisfaction.  The lieutenant's handwriting
required time to decipher, though the characters were bold enough and
covered a large sheet of paper.

"Dear Sally," it began, "I have been to the Admiralty and seen the First
Lord, having reached this big city, and lost my way half-a-dozen times
in it, four days after I left you.  We had calms and light winds the
whole distance to Portsmouth.  His lordship received me with a profound
bow, as if I had been an admiral, listened attentively to all I had to
say, and I made up my mind that he was the politest gentleman I had ever
met, and fully intended to grant my request.  When I had finished, he
glanced his eye down a long list, which he held up so that I could see
it, remarking that there were a number of promising lads who desired to
enter the service, but that he much feared he should be compelled to
disappoint them.  My claims were great, and he was surprised that his
predecessors had not acknowledged them by promoting me; that he had no
doubt my brother-in-law would have been an ornament to the service had
he lived; that I ought to have sent his son's name in long ago, and that
he would take the matter into consideration.  He desired me to leave my
address, advising me not to remain in town, as it might be some time
before I was likely to hear from him; he then politely bowed me out of
the room.  Whether or not anything will come of it is more than I can
divine.  In my humble opinion my visit to London will prove bootless; it
can't be helped, Sally, so cheer up, and don't let Ned get out of
spirits.  I am going to call on two or three shipowners, of whom
Jenkins, who knows more of London than I do, has told me, for if Ned
cannot get into the navy, he must make up his mind to enter the merchant
service.  I'll write more when I have more to communicate, so, with love
to the young ones, I remain, your affectionate brother, John Pack."

Aunt Sally had to confess to herself that the letter was not
encouraging, still she did her best to follow her brother's advice.
"Perhaps the First Lord doesn't like to make promises, but he must be a
good man, or he would not hold the position he does, and I dare say
he'll do his best.  We may have a letter even before your uncle comes
back, saying that you are appointed to a ship.  It can't be so difficult
a thing to make a midshipman.  Had your uncle, however, asked to be
promoted, I should not have been surprised had he been refused.  It is
very kind of the First Lord to receive him so well and to listen to all
he had to say; we should not expect too much from great men."

Miss Sally ran on in the same strain for some time, but all she said
failed to impart much confidence to poor Ned; still his uncle might
succeed in getting him on board a merchant vessel, and like a prudent
lad, he was ready for whatever might turn up.  Next morning Ned eagerly
looked out for the postman, but no letter arrived; another and another
day passed by.  It was too evident that the lieutenant had no news to
communicate.

Some days after, just as evening was approaching, a post chaise was seen
slowly descending the winding road which led down to the cottage.  Miss
Sally, followed by Ned, Mary, and Tom, hurried out.  Ned darted forward
to let down the steps, while Tom opened the door.  The lieutenant,
leaning on the black's shoulder, stepped out.  Though he smiled at
seeing those he loved, his countenance showed that he had no good news
to communicate.

"I'll tell you all about it when I have refreshed the inner man," he
said, as, after paying the driver and telling Tom to look after him, he
stumped into the house; "I am at present somewhat sharp set.  It is
several hours since I took anything on board in the shape of provisions,
and my jaw tackles want greasing before I can make them work."

Aunt Sally and Mary quickly got supper ready, and the lieutenant having
said grace, took his seat at the table.  Having eaten a few mouthfuls he
looked mere cheerful than he had hitherto done.  His sister and the
young people were longing to hear what he had got to say.

"I told you I did not expect much from my visit to London, but it is
wrong to allow ourselves to be cast down because things don't go as
smoothly as we could wish," he at length observed.  "I wrote you about
my visit to the Admiralty; well, after that, believing that their
lordships were not likely to do much for me, I called on three
shipowners to whom Jenkins had given me introductions.  They were civil
enough, but all gave me the same sort of answer.  They had numerous
applications to receive on board their ships youngsters whose friends
could pay handsome premiums, and in duty to themselves they were
compelled to accept such in preference to others, willing as they were
to attend to the recommendation of Lieutenant Jenkins.  When I offered
to take command of one of their ships, they replied, that as I had been
some time on shore I might have grown rusty, and that they were obliged
to employ officers brought up in their own service, though they could
not doubt my abilities, and were duly grateful for the offer I had made
them.  They would consider the matter, and let me know the result to
which they might come, but no promise could be made on the subject."

Miss Sally looked greatly relieved when she heard that it was not likely
her brother would go to sea, anxious as she was that poor Ned should
obtain the object of his wishes.

"We must not despair, however," said the lieutenant.  "We know that God
orders all for the best, if we trust Him and do our duty; perhaps
something will turn up when we least expect it.  I have been thinking,
Ned, how I can raise money enough to pay the required premium, and if I
can do that the matter will be quickly settled.  After two or three
voyages to India, Australia, or round Cape Horn, you will have obtained
sufficient experience to become a mate.  You will then be independent
and able to gain your own livelihood."

"That is what I wish to do, uncle," answered Ned, gulping down his
disappointment at the thoughts that he should be unable to enter the
navy, and some day become a Nelson or a Collingwood.  In truth, matters
stood very much as they were before the lieutenant's journey, and he had
to confess to himself that the cost and trouble had apparently been
thrown away.

"Well, well, Ned, we'll go on with our mathematics and navigation, and
wait patiently for what may occur.  You are young yet, and won't be the
worse for a few months more spent on shore if you make good use of your
time."

Ned followed his uncle's advice, and did his utmost to overcome his
disappointment.

Things went on much as usual at Triton Cottage.  Ned frequently got a
pull in a revenue boat, but his great delight was to take a sail in one
of the fishing crafts belonging to the bay, when the fishermen, with
whom he was an especial favourite, gave him instruction in steeling and
other nautical knowledge, so that he learned how to handle a boat, to
furl and shorten sail, to knot and splice, as well as to row.

His uncle always encouraged him to go when the weather was moderate, but
on two or three occasions when it came on unexpectedly to blow, and the
boats were kept out, poor Aunt Sally was put into a great state of
trepidation until he came back safe.  Nearly a month had passed since
the lieutenant's return home, and no letter had been received either
from the Admiralty or from any of the shipowners.  The family were
seated at tea.  The lieutenant could not help occasionally speaking of
the subject which occupied his thoughts, generally concluding by saying,
"Well, never mind, something may turn up!"

Just then a ring was heard at the door, and Jane put her head in to say
that Mr Hanson had called.

"I'll bring him in to take a cup of tea," said the lieutenant, rising
and stumping out of the room.  He soon returned with his friend.

"Well, Pack, I've come to wish you and Miss Sarah good-bye," said their
guest.  "Commander Curtis, an old friend of mine, has been appointed to
the `Ione' corvette, fitting out for the Cape station, and he has
applied for me as his first lieutenant.  Though I had made up my mind to
remain on shore, as he is a man I should like to serve under, I have
accepted his offer, and am going off to join the ship as soon as I can
be relieved--in two or three days, I hope."

Ned listened, expecting that something else of interest to him was about
to follow, but he was disappointed.  He was not aware that even a first
lieutenant could not obtain a berth for a midshipman.

"Very sorry to lose you, Hanson," said Lieutenant Pack; "you, I daresay
will be glad to get afloat again, as there is a better chance of
promotion than you would have on shore.  We never know what may turn up.
We may be at loggerheads with the French, or Russians, or some other
people before your commission is over."

Their guest saw Ned looking at him.  He divined the boy's thoughts.

"I wish that I had power to take you with me, Ned, but I have not, and I
very much fear that the commander will have given away his appointment,
and he has but one.  However, when I accepted his proposal, I wrote
saying that I had a young friend who wished to go to sea, and should be
very glad if he would nominate him.  I'll let you know as soon as I get
his answer, but I do not want unduly to arouse your expectations."

Ned heartily thanked his friend for his good intentions towards him, as
did his uncle.

"I knew you would serve him, Hanson, if you could, and if you are not
successful, I'll take the will for the deed," said the old lieutenant,
as he shook the hand of his guest, whom he accompanied to the door.

Two days afterwards a note came from Lieutenant Hanson, enclosing one
from the commander of the "Ione," regretting that he had already filled
up his nomination, and had just heard that the Admiralty had already
promised the only other vacancy.

"It can't be helped, Ned," said Lieutenant Pack, in a tone which showed
how disheartened he was, although he did not intend to exhibit his
feelings.  "Cheer up, we must not be cast down, we'll still hope that
something will turn up.  In the meantime we'll try and be as happy as we
can.  Aunt Sally and Mary are not tired of you, nor am I, my boy.  It's
only because I know that you wish to be doing something, and that you
are right in your wishes, that I regret this delay."

Mary, though sympathising with Ned, could not from her heart say that
she was sorry.  For the last two days she had been expecting to hear
that he would have to go off immediately.

Next morning the postman was seen coming up to the door with an
official-looking letter in his hand, and another of ordinary appearance;
Ned ran out to receive them.  The first was addressed to Lieutenant
Pack, R.N.  He opened it with far more agitation than he was wont to
exhibit.  His countenance brightened.

"Ned, my boy!" he exclaimed, "this letter has reference to you.  My
Lords do recognise my services--it is gratifying, very gratifying--and
they have nominated you as a volunteer of the first class to Her
Majesty's ship `Ione,' Commander Curtis, now fitting out at Portsmouth;
the very ship of which Hanson is to be first lieutenant.  This is
fortunate.  If he has not started, I'll get him to take you to
Portsmouth, and arrange your outfit.  He'll do it, I am sure, and will
stand your friend if you do your duty; I know that you will do that, and
become an honour to the service, as your father would have been had he
lived."

Suddenly a thought seemed to strike the lieutenant.  He had forgotten a
very important matter--the difficulty of obtaining the required funds.
The balance at his banker's would not meet the expenses to which he
himself must be put, even although the commander might not insist on the
usual allowance made to midshipmen.  He was silent, thinking of what
could be done, and overlooking the envelope which lay on the table
beneath the official dispatch.

"Surely there was another letter," remarked Aunt Sally.  "I wonder who
it can come from?"

"Bless me! so there is," said the lieutenant, glad to have for a moment
another occupation for his thoughts.  He examined the address, and then
the coat of arms on the seal, before breaking it open, which he did
deliberately, as if he did not expect to find anything of interest
within.  His countenance had brightened when he saw the letter from the
Admiralty, but it lighted up still more as he read the letter.

"Well, I little expected this from a stranger, at least from one on whom
we have no possible claim.  Most liberal and generous.  I said something
would turn up.  What do you think, Sally?  I really can scarcely read it
for the satisfaction it gives me, but I'll try.  It begins--

"My dear Friend,--A severe illness has prevented me hitherto from
communicating with you, and from the same cause I was unable to attempt
forwarding your nephew's views; but as soon as I was well enough I
applied to the Admiralty, and their lordships, in consideration of your
own and brother-in-law's services, promised to nominate his son to the
first ship fitting out.  I have to-day heard that he has been appointed
to the `Ione.'  As I am aware that his outfit and allowance while at sea
will entail certain expenses, I have requested Commander Curtis to draw
on my bankers for the latter, while I beg to enclose a cheque for a
hundred pounds, which will cover the cost of his outfit, and it will
afford me great satisfaction to defray any further expenses which
unexpectedly may occur."  The letter was signed, "Your faithful and
deeply-obliged friend, J. Farrance."

The tears started into Aunt Sally's eyes as she heard the letter read.
They were tears which showed how grateful she felt at the thought of her
brother's anxieties being relieved, mingled, however, with the feeling
that dear Ned was so soon to leave them.

"How very, very kind of Mr Farrance to help you to become a midshipman,
and some day you may perhaps be made a lieutenant.  I am indeed glad!"
exclaimed Mary, though her faltering voice and the tears which filled
her eyes belied her words, as she remembered that Ned must go away, and
perhaps not come back for many long years.

"This is indeed far better than I could have hoped for," observed the
lieutenant, who had been again glancing over the letter while his sister
and Mary had been talking.

Ned himself for a minute or more could not utter a word.

"We must lose no time in setting about doing what is necessary,"
continued the lieutenant.  "Sally, you'll get his things ready as fast
as you can.  He will only require, however, a change or two, to serve
him until he can obtain his outfit.  I'll write to the Admiralty to say
that he will join the `Ione' forthwith, and to Mr Farrance to thank him
for his generous offer, which I will accept for Ned, although I might
have thought twice about it had it been made more directly in my favour.
Ned, as soon as you have breakfasted, start away for Longview station.
Give Mr Hanson my regards, and say I shall be grateful to him if he
will take you under his wing to Portsmouth, and arrange about your
outfit; it will save me the expense of the journey, though I should
wonderfully like to see you on board your ship, to introduce you to the
captain and your future messmates.  Sally, give Ned some slices of bread
and butter, while Mary pours me out a cup of tea."

Ned having diligently set to work to swallow the food, in less than a
minute declared himself ready to start.

"But you have taken nothing, my poor boy!" exclaimed Aunt Sally.

"I can eat the rest on the way," answered Ned, showing a slice of bread
which he had doubled up and put into his pocket.

"All right, you'll do well!" said his uncle, nodding approvingly.  "When
you receive an order, lose no time in executing it."

Ned ran off, sprang up the hill with the agility of a deer, and made his
way to the coast-guard station faster than he had ever before performed
the distance.  Standing at the door he found a stranger, who inquired
his errand.

"Mr Hanson started this morning, or he would have been happy to take
charge of you, youngster," was the answer he received.  "But my son
Charley is to join the `Ione' in a couple of days, and you can accompany
him.  As he has been to sea before, he will look after you and keep you
out of mischief.  Tell your uncle, as I don't want to bring him all this
way, that I will, with his leave, call upon him in the course of the
morning to make the necessary arrangements.  I'll make you known,
however, to my son before you go back; come in and have some breakfast."

"Thank you, sir, I have already had mine, and my uncle wants me to
return as soon as possible; but I shall be glad to be introduced to your
son.  Who shall I tell my uncle you are, sir?"

"Say Lieutenant Meadows; we were for a short time messmates as
midshipmen on board the old `Goliath,' and I knew his brother-in-law,
poor Garth.  Was he your father?"

"Yes, sir," answered Ned.

"I'm very glad that his son and mine are to be together.  Charley!" he
shouted, turning round.

At the summons, a fine-looking lad in a midshipman's uniform, about two
years older than Ned, made his appearance, his face well bronzed by a
tropical sun and sea air.  Ned thought at once, from the look he had at
his countenance, that he should like him.  Lieutenant Meadows introduced
the boys to each other, and they shook hands, Charley saying that he
should be very glad to be of any service to his future messmate.

Ned, after exchanging a few words, wished his new friends good-bye, and
hurried homewards, well pleased at the thoughts of having a companion on
his journey who would put him up to what he would have to do on board
ship.  This would make amends for his disappointment at not being able
to accompany Mr Hanson; Ned had not then learned to hold in any
especial awe the first lieutenant of a man-of-war, or he might greatly
have preferred the society of the midshipman to that of his superior
officer.

"I would rather you had been able to accompany Hanson," observed his
uncle, when Ned made his report.  "This youngster may be a very steady
fellow, and do his best to help you, or he may be much the contrary and
try to lead you into all sorts of mischief; we cannot always judge by
the outside appearance.  No, I won't risk it, I'll go with you and take
charge of you both; his father won't object to that.  I shall save
Hanson the trouble of getting your outfit--he'll have quite enough to
do--and I'll introduce you to your commander.  Yes, yes, that will be
the best plan."

In the course of the forenoon Lieutenant Meadows and his son Charley
paid their promised visit to Triton Cottage.  The two old shipmates soon
recognised each other, and were well pleased with the anticipation of
having long yarns together about former days.  The visitors were
introduced to Aunt Sally and Mary.

The arrangements for the journey were soon concluded, for Mr Meadows,
knowing what youngsters are made of, was happy to place his son in
charge of a brother officer, who would look after him until he had
joined his new ship.

While Ned was sent out of the room with a message to Jane and Tom to get
luncheon ready, Mary, though somewhat timidly, managed to get near
Charley Meadows.

"I want you to be kind to Ned, to take good care of him," she whispered.
"You do not know what a good boy he is; and we are very, very sorry for
him to go away, though we try to look cheerful, as he wants to become a
sailor, and we do not like to prevent him."

"Of course, young lady, for your sake I'll take as much care of him as I
can," answered Charley, looking down at Mary's sweet face, as she raised
it with an imploring look to his.

"But I want you to take care of him for his own sake, and be a brother
to him, for he has no brother of his own, and, except Lieutenant Hanson,
who knows him, he will be among strangers."

"Mr Hanson is first lieutenant of the ship, and will be able to take
much better care of him than I can," said Charley, "but I promise you I
will look after him and fight for him if necessary; but he seems a young
fellow who can stand up for himself, though, as he has not been to sea
before, he will be rather green at first."

"Thank you, thank you!" said Mary.  "I felt that I must ask you, for you
do not know how we all love him."

"He is a fortunate fellow," observed Charley, smiling, "and I daresay he
will make friends wherever he goes; at all events, I promise that I will
be his friend if he will let me."

"O yes, I am sure he will; I am so glad that I spoke to you."

"All right, little lady, set your mind at rest on that score," said
Charley.  "Here comes your brother."

Before Mary could explain that Ned was not her brother, (indeed she so
completely looked upon him as a brother that she often forgot that he
was not so), he entered the room.  Mary's heart was greatly relieved at
the thoughts that Ned had already found a friend among his future
messmates.



CHAPTER FIVE.

Two days afterwards found the one-legged lieutenant and his young
companions on their way to Portsmouth.  Ned bore the parting manfully,
though he did not the less acutely feel having to wish good-bye to Aunt
Sally, Mary, and Tom Baraka.

"If you go to my country, Massa Ned, an' if you see any ob my people,
tell dem where Tom Baraka is," said the black, as he wrung Ned's hand.
"Dare is one ting I long for--to find my wife and boy, and to tell dem
dat I Christian, an' want dem to be Christian also."

"You have not told me your son's name, so that even should I meet him, I
should not know that he is your son," said Ned.

"Him called Chando," answered Tom.  "Him know dat name when you call
him."

"And your wife--what is her name?" asked Ned.  "Him--Masika," said Tom
after a few moments' thought--it was so long since he had uttered his
wife's name.  "O Massa Ned, you bring dem back, and God bless you."

"Chando--Masika," repeated Ned.  "But I am afraid that there is very
little chance of my finding your family, Tom, though I should be truly
thankful to meet with them; I don't know even to what part of the coast
of Africa I am going.  It is a large country, and though I may see
thousands of the inhabitants, those you care for may not be among them."

"Massa Ned, if God wish to bring dem to you, He can find de way," said
the black, in a tone of simple faith.  "I no say He will do it, but He
can do it, dat I know."

Ned did not forget this conversation with poor Tom, not that he
entertained the slightest hope that he should fall in with his wife or
son; indeed, should he do so, how should he possibly know them?  He
determined, however, to ask all the Africans he might meet with where
they came from, and should it appear that they were natives of the part
of the country Tom had described to him, to make more minute inquiries.
He knew as well as Tom that God can bring about whatever He thinks fit;
but he was too well instructed not to know that our Heavenly Father does
not always act as men wish or think best--for that He sees what man in
his blindness does not.  No one, except Mary, perhaps, missed Ned more
than did Tom Baraka.  Poor Mary! it was her first great trial in life.
She found more difficulty than she had ever done before in learning her
lessons, and she about her daily avocations with a far less elastic step
than was her wont.  She was too young, however, to remain long
sorrowful, and was as pleased as ever to accompany Aunt Sally on her
rounds among her poor neighbours.

The travellers reached Portsmouth, and repaired to the "Blue Posts," the
inn at which Mr Pack had been accustomed to put up in his younger days.
Next morning he took the two boys on board the "Ione," which lay
alongside the hulk off the dockyard.  Lieutenant Hanson, who had already
joined, received them in a kind manner, which made Charley whisper to
Ned that they were all right, as it was clear that their first
lieutenant was not one of those stiff chaps who look as if they had
swallowed pokers, and he hoped that their commander was of the same
character.

Two days passed rapidly away in visiting the numerous objects of
interest to be seen at Portsmouth.  Ned's kit was ready, and his uncle
finally took him on board the "Ione," which had cast off from the hulk,
and was getting ready to go out to Spithead.  Ned was introduced to the
commander, who shook his uncle and him by the hand in a friendly way.

"I hope that the ship will be a happy one," said Captain Curtis.  "It
will depend much on his messmates and him whether it is so, and they'll
find me ready to serve them if they act as I trust may."

The next day the "Ione" went out to Spithead, the one-legged lieutenant,
by the commander's invitation, being on board.  With a beaming eye he
watched Ned, who performed various duties in a way which showed that he
knew well what he was about.

"He'll do, he'll do," he said to himself more than once.  "Meadows, too,
seems an active young fellow.  Nothing could have turned out better."

At length the moment for parting came.  Ned accompanied his uncle down
the side, and again and again the kind old lieutenant wrung his hand
before he stepped into the wherry which was to carry him to shore.  Ned
stood watching the boat, thinking of his uncle and his home, until he
was recalled to himself by the boatswain's whistle summoning the crew to
weigh anchor and make sail.  With a fair breeze and all canvas spread,
the "Ione" stood out through the Needle Passage on her course down
channel.  As she came off that part of the coast where his boyhood had
been spent, he turned a wistful gaze in that direction, knowing that
although the lieutenant was not at home, his telescope would be pointed
seaward, and that even then Mary might be looking at the graceful ship
which floated like a swan over the calm water.  The Lizard was the last
point of land seen, and the "Ione" stood out into the broad Atlantic.

"Well, Ned, we are at sea at last, you really have shown yourself more
of a man than I expected," said Charley Meadows.

"What should have made you fancy I should have been otherwise?" asked
Ned.

"Why, you've been brought up so much at home that I was afraid you'd
prove rather too soft for the life you'll have to lead on board.
However, I have no fear about that, whatever others may think.  Some of
the fellows may try to bully you because you are the youngest on board,
but keep your temper, and do not let them see that you know what they
are about; I'll back you up, and they'll soon cease annoying you."

Ned followed his friend's advice, and managed without quarrelling or
fighting to obtain the respect of even the least well-disposed of his
messmates.

Charley was at first inclined to exhibit a somewhat patronising manner
towards Ned, who, however, wisely did not show that he perceived this,
nor did he in the slightest degree resent it.  He from the first had
endeavoured to gain all the nautical knowledge he possibly could, and
was never ashamed of asking for information from those able to afford
it.

"That's the way to become a seaman," observed Mr Dawes the boatswain,
to whom he frequently went when he wanted any matter explained.  "Come
to me as often as you like, and I shall be glad to tell you what I know;
and I ought to know a thing or two, as I've been at sea, man and boy,
pretty near five-and-twenty years, though I've not got much
book-learning."

Ned thanked him, promising to take advantage of his offer, and, as was
natural, became a great favourite with the boatswain.  Ned was well up
in many of the details of seamanship, and having been accustomed to
boats all his life, was as well able to manage one as anybody on board.
He quickly learned to go aloft, and to lay out on the yards to reef or
loose the sails, while he was as active and fearless as many a far older
seaman.  His knowledge of navigation too was considerable, his uncle
having taken great pains to instruct him, he, on his part, being always
anxious to learn.  Charley, therefore, in a short time, finding that Ned
was not only his equal in most respects, but his superior in several,
dropped his patronising manner, and they became faster friends than
ever.

The first lieutenant, Mr Hanson, did not fail to remark Ned's progress,
and calling him up, expressed his approval.  "Go on as you have begun,
Garth, and you will become a good officer.  The commander has his eye on
you, and will always, you may depend upon it, prove your friend."

Although with most of his messmates Ned got on very well, two or three,
it was very evident, disliked him on account of his zeal and good
conduct, which reflected, they might have considered, on their
behaviour.

The senior mate in the berth, "Old Rhymer" as he was called, who was
soured by disappointment at not obtaining his commission, as he thought
he ought to have done long ago, took every opportunity of finding fault
with him, and was continually sneering at what he said when at the mess
table.  If he attempted to reply, O'Connor, the eldest of the
midshipmen, was sure to come down on him and join Rhymer.

"You'll be after getting a cobbing, Master Garth, if you don't keep your
tongue quiet in presence of your elders," exclaimed the latter.

"I have said nothing to offend any one," said Ned.

"We are the judges of that," replied O'Connor, beginning to knot his
handkerchief in an ominous fashion.  "You and Meadows are becoming too
conceited by half, because the first lieutenant and the commander have
taken it into their heads that you are something above the common."

"I have no reason to suppose that from anything they have said to me,"
answered Ned.  "The first lieutenant merely advised me to go on doing my
duty, and that is what I intend to do; I don't see how that should
offend you."

"We are the best judges of what is offensive and what is not, Master
Jackanapes," exclaimed Rhymer, "so take that for daring to reply," and
he threw a biscuit across the berth, which would have hit Ned on the eye
had he not ducked in time to avoid it.

"Thank you for your good intentions, Rhymer," said Ned, picking up the
biscuit and continuing to eat the duff on which he was engaged.

O'Connor meantime went on knotting his handkerchief, and only waiting
for a word from Rhymer to commence operations on Ned's back.  Ned took
no notice, but as soon as he had finished dinner he sprang up and made
for the door of the berth.

"Stop that youngster!" exclaimed Rhymer; "he is not to set our authority
at defiance.  Come back I say, Garth."

No one, however, laid a hand on Ned, who, making his way round on the
locker behind his companions' backs, gained the door.  O'Connor, eager
to obey the old mate's commands, made a spring over the table, and in so
doing caught the table-cloth with his foot, and toppling over on his
face, brought it after him with the plates and other articles to the
deck outside the berth, where he lay struggling, amid shouts of laughter
from his messmates.

Ned reached the upper deck before O'Connor had regained his legs.  The
latter was not inclined to follow him, though he vowed he would be
revenged on the first opportunity.  Ned was soon joined by Charley
Meadows.

"You have made enemies of those two fellows, and they'll pay you off
some day," observed Charley.

"I am sorry for that, though I do not fear their enmity, and I will try
and make friends with them as soon as possible," answered Ned.  He
watched for an opportunity, and was careful not to say anything in the
berth likely to offend his elders.  Notwithstanding, they continued to
treat him much in the same way, though O'Connor forbore the use of the
cob, as he had promised, finding that public opinion was decidedly
against him.

Week after week went by, the "Ione" steadily continuing her course to
the southward.  A heavy gale came on, which, though it lasted but a few
days, served to show that Ned was not only a fair-weather sailor, but
could do his duty in foul weather as well as in fine.  Then there were
calms and light winds.

The line was passed.  Much to O'Connor's disappointment, the commander
would not allow the usual customs, having given notice that he should
not receive "Daddy Neptune" and his Tritons on board.

The ship put into Rio, in South America, which, though apparently out of
her course, was not really so.  Having remained a few days in that
magnificent harbour, and obtained a supply of fresh provisions and
water, she again sailed, and soon fell in with the south-easterly trade
wind, which carried her rapidly without a tack across the Atlantic.
Table Bay was soon reached, and the officers were anticipating a run on
shore, when the commander received orders to sail immediately for the
east coast, to assist in putting a stop to the trade in slaves, said to
be carried on along it for the supply of the Persian and Arabian
markets.  Many of the mess grumbled at being sent off so soon again to
sea, and declared that they would have remained on shore had they known
they were to be engaged in such abominable work.

"I have heard all about it," exclaimed Rhymer.  "We shall never have a
moment's quiet, but be chasing those Arab dhows night and day, and if we
capture any, have to crowd up our decks with hundreds of dirty
blackamoors, whom we shall be obliged to nurse and feed until we can set
them on shore, with the chances of fever or small-pox and all sorts of
complaints breaking out among them."

Very different were Ned's feelings when he heard the news; it was the
very station to which he had hoped the ship might be sent.  His
knowledge of the good qualities possessed by Tom Baraka made him sure
that the blacks were not the despicable race some of his messmates were
disposed to consider them.  They, at all events, had immortal souls, and
might with the same advantages become as civilised and as good a
Christian as Tom was.  There was a possibility, though a very remote
one, that he might fall in with Tom's wife and child, and he pictured to
himself the satisfaction of being able to restore them to liberty.  He
did not, however, express his feelings, except to Charley, as he
considered, justly, that it would be like throwing pearls before swine
to say anything of the sort to Rhymer or O'Connor, who would only have
laughed at him.

The "Ione" had a quick passage round the south coast of Africa, and she
now entered the Mozambique Channel.  The chart showed that she had
reached the twentieth degree of south latitude, and about the
forty-first of east longitude.  Away to the west, though far out of
sight, were the mouths of the Zambesi river, whose waters have been
explored from their source to the ocean by the energetic Livingstone,
while to the right was the magnificent island of Madagascar, many of
whose long benighted people have since accepted the Gospel.  The ship
glided on over the smooth sea, her sails spread to a gentle southerly
breeze.  The heat was great; it had been rapidly increasing.  As the hot
sun shone down from a cloudless sky on the deck, the pitch bubbled up as
if a fire were beneath it, and O'Connor declared that he could cook a
beef steak, if he had one, on the capstan head.

"Hot, do you call it?" observed Rhymer, who had before been in those
seas.  "Wait until we get under the line; we may roast an ox there by
tricing it up to the fore-yard, and even then should have to lower it
into the sea every now and then to prevent it being done too quickly."

Every shady spot was eagerly sought for by officers and crew, though, as
the air was pure, no one really suffered by the heat.  Other smaller
islands were passed, though not seen--among them Johanna and Comoro,
inhabited by dark-skinned races.  At last the island of Zanzibar, close
in with the African coast, was sighted, and as the breeze blew off its
undulating plains, Ned and Charley agreed that they could inhale the
perfume of its spice groves and its many fragrant flowers.  As the ship
drew nearer the land, on the lower ground could be distinguished large
plantations of sugar-cane, with forests of cocoa-nut trees, just beyond
the line of shining sands separating them from the blue water, while
here and there rose low rocky cliffs of varied tints of red and brown.
On the uplands were seen rows of clove-trees ranged in exact order
between the plantations, groups of palm or dark-leaved mangoes, with
masses of wild jungle, where nature was still allowed to have its own
way.  Further on white flat-roofed buildings with numerous windows
appeared in sight; then the harbour opened up, in which floated a crowd
of vessels of all nations, some with red banners floating from their
mast-heads, forming the sultan's navy, others English ships of war,
merchantmen, countless dhows with high sterns and strange rigs; then
more houses and terraces with arches and colonnades came into view, with
several consular flags flying above them.

"That's Zanzibar, the capital of the sultan of that ilk.  A very
beautiful place you may think it," said Rhymer; "but wait until we get
on shore, and then give me your opinion."

"Shorten sail and bring ship to an anchor!" shouted the first
lieutenant.

The boatswain's whistle sounded, the hands flew aloft, the canvas was
furled, and in a few minutes the "Ione" was brought up at no great
distance from the town.  The commander shortly afterwards went on shore,
and several members of the midshipmen's berth obtained leave to follow
him under charge of Rhymer.

"Remember, young gentlemen, keep together, and do nothing to offend the
natives," said Mr Hanson as they were about to shove off.  "They are
not like the inhabitants of European places, and are quick to resent
what they may consider an insult.  You cannot be too careful in your
conduct towards them."

Attractive as the place appeared from the sea, the party had not gone
far when they were inclined to pass a very different opinion on it.  The
houses looked dilapidated, the inhabitants, black and brown, squalid and
dirty, though a few Arabs in picturesque costumes, armed to the teeth,
were encountered strolling about with a swaggering air, while odours
abominable in the extreme rose from all directions.  The party made
their way through the crooked, narrow lanes, with plastered houses on
each side, in the lower floors of which were Banyans, wearing red
turbans, seated in front of their goods, consisting either of coloured
cottons or calicoes, or heaps of ivory tusks, or of piles of loose
cotton, crockery, or cheap Birmingham ware.  Further on they came to
rows of miserable huts, the doors occupied by woolly-headed blacks, who,
in spite of the filth and offensive smells arising from heaps of refuse,
seemed as merry as crickets, laughing, chattering, and bargaining in
loud tones.

Most of the people they met on foot appeared to be bending their steps
to one quarter; on pursuing the same road the naval party found
themselves at the entrance of a large open space or square crowded with
people.  Round it were arranged groups of men, women, and children of
various hues, jet black or darkest of browns predominating.

"Who can all these people be?" asked Charley.

"Slaves, to be sure; they are brought here to be sold," answered Rhymer.
"Let's go on, it will be some fun to watch them."

Rhymer led the way round the square, examining the different groups of
slaves.  Although the greater number looked very squalid and wretched,
others had evidently been taken care of.  Among them were a party of
Gallas, mostly women, habited in silk and gauze dresses, with their hair
prettily ornamented to increase their personal attractions, which were
far superior to those of the negroes.  Close to the group stood a man
who acted as auctioneer, ready to hand his goods over to the highest
bidder.  The purchasers were chiefly Arabs, who walked about surveying
the hapless slaves, and ordering those to whom they took a fancy to be
paraded out before them, after which they examined the mouths and limbs
of any they thought of purchasing, striking their breasts and pinching
their arms and legs to ascertain that they possessed sufficient muscle
and wind for their work.

Ned turned away from the scene with disgust.  He longed to be able to
liberate the poor slaves, and to place them where they could obtain
religious instruction and the advantages of civilisation, for they were,
he knew, being dragged from one state of barbarism to another, in many
cases infinitely worse, where they would become utterly degraded and
debased.

"Is there no hope for these poor people?" he exclaimed, turning to
Charley.  "Cannot our commander interfere?"

"He has not the authority to do so in the dominions of the sultan; we
can only touch those whom we meet on the high seas, beyond certain
limits.  We shall soon have an opportunity, however, of setting some of
them free, for the commander told Mr Hanson that we are only to remain
here a couple of days, and then to commence our cruise to the
northward."

"The sooner the better," exclaimed Ned; "we shall all catch fever if we
stay long in this place.  Rhymer was right in what he said about it,
fair as it looks outside."

Ned was not disappointed; the "Ione" was soon again at sea, and had
reached the latitude beyond which his commander had authority to capture
all dhows with slaves on board.  A bright look-out was kept aloft, from
the first break of day until darkness covered the face of the deep, for
any dhows sailing northward, but day after day passed by and none were
seen.  The ship was then kept further off the land, the commander
suspecting that the Arabs and slave traders had notice of his
whereabouts.  The following day three dhows were seen; chase was made;
they were overtaken and boarded; one, however, was a fair trader, but
about the two others there was considerable doubt.  They each carried a
large number of people, whom the Arab captains averred were either
passengers or part of their crews.  As no one contradicted them, they
were allowed to proceed on their voyage.

"This dhow chasing is dull work," exclaimed Rhymer.  "I'll bet anything
that we don't make a single capture; and if we do, what is the good of
it, except the modicum of prize money we might chance to pocket?  The
blacks won't be a bit the better off, and the Arabs will be the losers."

"They deserve to be the losers," exclaimed Charley, who, influenced by
the remarks of Ned, had become as much interested as he was in the duty
in which they were engaged.  "What business have they to make slaves of
their fellow-creatures?"

"Business!  Why, because they want slaves, and set about the best way of
getting them," answered Rhymer, with a laugh.  The ship was now nearly
under the line.  The heat, as Rhymer had forewarned his messmates, was
very great, though not enough to roast an ox; and when there was a
breeze, it was at all events endurable in the shade.  Had it been much
greater it would not have impeded Commander Curtis in the performance of
his duty.  Ned bore it very well, although he confessed to Charley that
he should like a roll in the snow.  When the ship was becalmed the crew
were allowed a plunge overboard, but they were ordered to keep close to
the side for fear of sharks, and a sail was rigged out in the water for
those who could not swim.  Several more days passed without a single
dhow being seen, and Rhymer declared that they would catch no slavers,
for the best of reasons, that there were no slavers to be caught, or
that if there were, they would take good care to keep out of their way.



CHAPTER SIX.

It was Ned's morning watch.  Scarcely had the first streaks of crimson
and gold appeared in the eastern sky, heralding the coming day, than the
look-out, who had just reached the masthead, shouted--

"Three sail on the port bow," and presently afterwards he announced two
more in the same direction.  The wind was southerly and light, the
ship's head was to the northward.  The commander, according to his
orders, was immediately called.  All hands were roused up to make sail,
and soon every stitch of canvas the ship could carry being packed on
her, the foam which bubbled up under her bows showed that she was making
good way in the direction in which the strangers had been seen.  As soon
as Ned was able, he hurried aloft with his spy-glass, eager to have a
look at them.  He counted not only five, but six, all of them dhows.  As
yet they were probably not aware of the presence of a man-of-war, for
their hulls were still below the horizon.  He hoped, therefore, that the
"Ione" would gain on them before they should hoist their larger sails.
He knew that it was the custom of the Arabs to carry only small sails at
night.  The usual preparations were made on board the corvette, the
boats were cleared ready for lowering, the bow-chasers loaded and run
out, and buckets of water were thrown over the sails to make them hold
the wind.

"We are gaining on them!" exclaimed Ned to Charley, as, after a third
trip aloft, he came again on deck.

"So we may be, but we must remember that after all they may be only
honest traders, and not have a slave on board," observed Charley.  "We
shall judge better if they make more sail when they discover us.  If
they are honest traders they will keep jogging on as before, if not,
depend upon it they will try to escape."

"They may try, but they'll find that the `Ione' has a fast pair of
heels, and we shall have the fun of overhauling them at all events,"
said Ned.

At length the Arabs must have discovered the man-of-war.  First the
nearest hoisted her big sail, and also set one on her after-mast.  Then
another and another dhow followed her example, and then the whole
squadron, like white-winged birds, went skimming along over the blue
sea.

"What do you think now, Charley, of the strangers?" asked Ned.

"No doubt that they wish to keep ahead of us, but whether or not we
shall get up with them is another question, though, if the wind holds as
it now does, we may do it."

The commander and gun-room officers were fully as eager as Ned to
overtake the dhows.  They had, they thought, at length got some
veritable slavers in sight, and it would be provoking to lose them.  It
was, however, curious that they should all keep together; probably,
however, none of them wished to steer a course by which they would run a
greater chance of falling into the power of their pursuer.  Seldom had
breakfast been disposed of more quickly by officers and crew than that
morning.  The dhows could now be seen clearly from the deck, proof
positive that the corvette was sailing much faster than they were.  Once
headed, most of them might be captured, for the dhow can sail but badly
on a wind, though no vessel is faster before it.

The lofty canvas of the corvette gave her an advantage over the dhows,
whose sails occasionally hung down from their yards, almost emptied of
wind.

"We shall soon get them within range of our long gun," said the
commander, as he stood eagerly watching the vessels ahead.  "Stand by,
Mr Hanson, to lower the boats; we shall be able to do so with this
breeze without heaving to."

"Is the gun all ready forward?" he asked a few minutes later.

"Aye, aye, sir," was the answer.  His practised eye assured him that the
stern most dhow was within range of the long gun.

"We'll make that fellow lower his canvas, and then see what cargo he
carries," said the commander.  "Send a shot across his forefoot, and if
that doesn't stop him we'll try to knock away that big yard of his.  All
ready there forward?"

"Aye, aye, sir!"

"Fire!"

The missile flew from the mouth of the gun, and was seen to strike the
surface so close to the dhow as to send the spray over her low bows.
Still she held on her course.  The gun was run in and reloaded.

"Give her another shot!" cried the commander; "and if they don't bring
to, the Arabs must take the consequences."

The second lieutenant, who had been carefully taking the range, obeyed
the order.  The shot was seen to touch the water twice before it
disappeared, but whether it struck the dhow seemed doubtful.  Again the
gun was got ready, but this time was aimed at the next vessel ahead,
which almost immediately lowered her sails, the one astern following her
example.

"Let Mr Rhymer, with a midshipman, shove off and take possession of
those two vessels, while we stand after the others.  We must try and bag
the whole of them, for I suspect they all have slaves on board,"
observed the commander.

"Garth, do you accompany Rhymer," said Mr Hanson.  "Take care that the
Arabs don't play you any trick."

The ship was moving so steadily over the smooth water that there was no
necessity to stop her way, though even then it required care in lowering
the boat.  The crew with the two young officers were soon in her, the
oars were got out, and away she pulled after the sternmost dhow, while
the ship stood on in chase of the remainder of the fleet.  The crew of
the boat gave way, eager to secure their prize.  Scarcely, however, had
they got half-way to the nearest, than the breeze freshened up again,
and the corvette's speed was so increased, that it would have now been
no easy task to lower a boat.  They were soon up to the dhow, on board
of which there appeared to be a crew of from fifteen to twenty Arabs,
who gazed with folded arms and scowling countenances on their
approaching captors.  Rhymer and Ned sprang on board.  No resistance was
offered.  The Arab captain shrugged his shoulders, said something, which
probably meant, "It is the fortune of war," and appeared perfectly
resigned to his fate.  A peep down the main hatchway showed at once that
she was a slaver, as the bamboo deck was crowded with blacks, who
commenced shrieking fearfully as they saw Ned's white face, having been
told by the Arabs that the object of the English was to cook and eat
them.

"Stop those fellows from making that horrible uproar," cried Rhymer in
an angry tone.  "I cannot make out what these Arabs say with this
abominable noise."

It is very doubtful if he would have understood his prisoners even had
there been perfect silence.  In order not to be seen by the blacks Ned
walked aft.

Rhymer made signs to the Arabs to give up their arms, which he handed
into the boat as the best means of preventing any attempt they might
make to recapture their vessel.  He then ordered them to go forward to
rehoist the sail, while he sent one of his men to the helm.

While they were engaged in these arrangements, Ned cast his eye on the
other dhow, of which Rhymer had been ordered to take charge.

"Look out there, Rhymer!" he exclaimed; "that fellow is getting up his
long yard again, and will try to give us the slip."

"We'll soon stop him from doing that," answered Rhymer.  "You remain on
board this craft with a couple of hands and I'll go after him.  Cox and
Stone, you stay with Mr Garth; into the boat the rest of you."  The
crew in another instant were in their seats, and shoving off, pulled
away towards the other dhow.  There was no time to lose, for already the
yard with its white canvas was half-way up the mast.  The breeze, too,
was freshening, and as Ned watched her it seemed to him that she had a
good chance of escaping.  The boat's crew were pulling as hard as they
could lay their backs to the oars.  He saw Rhymer standing up with a
musket in his hand, and shouting to the Arabs, threatening to fire
should they continue the attempt to escape.  They were, however,
apparently not to be deterred from so doing.  Still the sail continued
to ascend and the dhow was gathering way.  Should the sail once be got
up, the boat would have little chance of catching her.  Rhymer, however,
was not likely to give up the pursuit.  Finding that his threats were
not attended to, he fired one of the muskets, but whether any person was
hit Ned could not discover.  Again Rhymer fired, and then reloaded both
muskets.  Ned was so engaged in watching the boat, that he scarcely took
notice of the proceedings of the Arabs on board his own dhow.  He
observed, however, that one of them, a young man with a better-looking
countenance than most of his companions, had remained aft, while the
rest were attempting to hoist the sail, though from some cause or other
the halyards appeared to have got foul.

"Go forward, Cox, and see what those fellows are about," he said; "I'll
take the helm."

The seaman obeyed, while Stone, beckoning to the young Arab to come to
his assistance, stood by to haul in the main sheet.  The only thing in
the shape of a boat was a small canoe which lay in the after part of the
vessel.  Aided by Cox, the sail was soon hoisted, but scarcely had the
dhow heeled over to the breeze, than cries arose from the Arab crew, who
made frantic gesticulations, indicating that the vessel was sinking.
Ned at once suspected the cause; their second shot must have struck the
bows of the dhow between wind and water, and had probably started a
plank, so as to allow the sea, like a mill stream, to rush into her.
There was little hope of stopping it.  Ned put up the helm.  "Lower the
sail!" he shouted as he had never shouted before; the seamen endeavoured
to obey the order, but the halyards had again become jammed, and to his
dismay he saw that the bows of the dhow were rapidly sinking.  As the
water rushed into the hold the poor blacks uttered the most piercing
shrieks, while the panic-stricken Arabs in a body frantically sprang
towards the after part of the vessel; but as they came along, the light
deck gave way beneath their weight, and the whole of them were
precipitated on to the heads of the hapless negroes below.

"We must save ourselves, sir," cried Stone, lifting the canoe.  "It is
our only chance, or we shall be drowned with the rest."

"Where is Cox?" exclaimed Ned.

He had fallen in among the struggling Arabs and blacks.  Ned caught
sight of him for a moment, and was springing forward to help him out
from their midst, when the stern of the dhow lifted.  Stone launched the
canoe and leaped into her, shouting to his young officer to join him,
while he paddled with a piece of board clear of the sinking vessel.  Ned
seeing that Cox had managed to reach the side, sprang overboard, his
example being followed by the latter, as well as by the young Arab who
had remained aft.  Before any of the rest of the crew had extricated
themselves, the dhow, plunging her head into the sea, rapidly glided
downwards, and in an instant the despairing cries of the perishing
wretches which had filled the air were silenced.  Stone, influenced by
the natural desire of saving his own life, paddled away with might and
main to escape being drawn down in the vortex.  Ned had also struck out
bravely, though he had to exert all his swimming powers to escape.  For
an instant he cast a glance back; the dhow had disappeared with all
those on board; Cox was nowhere to be seen; he caught sight, however, of
the young Arab, who, having clutched hold of a piece of bamboo, had come
to the surface, but was evidently no swimmer.

"I must try and save that poor fellow," he thought.  "I can manage to
keep him afloat until the canoe gets up to us."  Ned carried out his
intention.  On reaching the young Arab he made a sign to him to turn on
his back, placing the piece of bamboo under him.  Just then he heard a
faint shout--it came from Cox, who had returned to the surface, though,
like the Arab, unable to swim.

"Save me, save me!" shouted Cox, who was clinging to a log of wood.

Stone heard him, and Ned saw the head of the canoe turned towards where
the seaman was struggling.

"Pick him up first!" he shouted to Stone.  "I can keep this man afloat
until you come to us."

With only a board to impel the canoe, it took Stone a considerable time
to reach his messmate, whom it was then no easy matter to get into the
canoe without upsetting her.  While Stone was thus employed, Ned did his
uttermost to calm the fears of the young Arab, who, besides being unable
to swim, probably recollected that sharks abounded in those seas, and
dreaded lest he and the Englishman might be attacked by one.  Ned
thought only of one thing, that he had to keep himself and a
fellow-creature afloat until the canoe should come up to them.  As to
how they should get on board, he did not allow himself to think just
then.  She was scarcely large enough to hold four people, though she
might possibly support the whole party until Rhymer could send the boat
to pick them up.  Ned, withdrawing his eyes from poor Cox, who was
clinging to his log, and shouting to his messmate to make haste, looked
towards the dhow of which Rhymer was in chase.  She had hoisted her
sail, and should the breeze continue, would very probably get away,
unless Rhymer, by killing or wounding some of her crew, could make the
others give in.  He, it was pretty clear, was so eagerly engaged in
pursuing the chase, that he had not seen the dhow go down.  The boat's
crew, however, must have perceived what had happened; and Ned thought it
strange that he did not at once return to try and save him and his two
men.

"Perhaps he fancies that we are all lost, and that there would be no use
in coming to look after us.  If he catches the dhow, however, I hope
that he will send back the boat, on the chance of any of us having
escaped," thought Ned.  He could see the sails of the corvette, and an
occasional shot told him that she was still firing at the slavers.  She
was already almost hull down, and the catastrophe could not have been
discovered from her deck, while the eyes of the look-outs aloft were
probably fixed on the dhows still trying to escape.  Still Ned did not
give up hopes of being rescued, but continued energetically treading
water, and speaking in as cheerful a tone as he could command to keep up
the spirits of the young Arab.

"Me understand, t'ankee, t'ankee," said the latter at last.

Still Stone could make but slow progress, and Ned began to fear that his
own strength might become exhausted before the canoe could reach him.
He was truly thankful when at last he saw that Stone had got hold of
Cox, and was dragging him on board.  Just at that moment, however, to
his horror, he caught sight of a dark fin above the surface; that it was
that of a shark he knew too well.  He must do his utmost to keep the
monster at a distance.  He shouted, and splashed the water with his
disengaged hand.

"Be quick, be quick, Stone!" he cried.  "Do you see that brute?"

"Aye, aye, sir, I see him; but he'll not come nigh you while you're
splashing about, and the canoe is too big a morsel for him to attack.
Now, Ben," he cried, turning to his messmate, "haul yourself on board
while I keep at the other end of the canoe, it is the safest plan."

But poor Cox was too much exhausted by his violent struggles to do as he
was advised, and at last Stone had to help him, at the risk of upsetting
the canoe or bringing her bow under the water.  By lying flat along he
succeeded, however, at last in hauling his shipmate's shoulders over the
bows.  He then returned to the stern, when Ben, by great exertion,
managed to drag himself in.  This done, Stone endeavoured as fast as he
could to get up to Ned.  As Stone paddled, he sung out, "I'm afraid it's
of no use trying to keep that Arab fellow above water; you must let him
go, for the canoe won't hold us all."

"Not while I have life and strength to help him," answered Ned.  "Do not
be afraid," he added, turning to the Arab, who understood what Stone had
said.  "The canoe may support us even though she is brought down to the
gunwale; and if she can't, I'll keep outside and hold on until Mr
Rhymer's boat comes back, or the corvette sends to look for us."

"But the shark!" cried Stone; "the brute may be grabbing you if you
remain quiet even for a minute."

"I don't intend to remain quiet," said Ned.  "Here, lift the Arab in.
I'll help you--it can be done."  There certainly was a great risk of the
canoe upsetting in doing as Ned proposed.  Cox, however, leaned over on
the opposite side, and they at length succeeded in getting the Arab on
board.  The gunwale of the canoe was scarcely a couple of inches above
the water; a slight ripple would have filled her, but the sea was so
smooth that there was no fear of that happening.  Ned, directing the men
how to place themselves, was at last drawn safely on board.  His
additional weight brought the canoe almost flush with the water.  They
were, however, certainly better off in her than in the water; but at any
moment, with the slightest increase of wind, she might fill and sink
beneath them, and they would again be left to struggle for their lives.
Ned was afraid of moving, and urged his companions to remain perfectly
still.

"Look out, Stone; what is the dhow about?  Mr Rhymer will surely soon
be sending the boat to our relief--he must have seen our craft go down."

"Not so sure of that; he'll not trouble himself about us," muttered
Stone.  "If you were there, you'd do it; all officers are not alike."

Ned was afraid that the seaman might be right, but he did not express an
opinion on the subject.  Their position was, indeed, a trying one.  The
sun struck down with intense heat on their heads, while they had not a
particle of food to satisfy their hunger, nor a drop of fresh water to
quench their burning thirst.  The breeze had sprung up, and every now
and then a ripple broke over the gunwale, even though Stone kept the
canoe before the wind.

"If we had a couple of paddles, we might gain on the corvette; but I'm
afraid of using this bit of board, for fear of taking the water in on
one side or the other," said Stone.

"Do not attempt it," answered Ned; "we should not overtake her unless it
should fall calm again, and the commander will surely come and look for
us."

"Provided Mr Rhymer doesn't tell him we are all lost," remarked Stone,
who had evidently little confidence in the old mate.

Hour after hour went by, the boat was nowhere to be seen, and the dhows'
sails had sunk beneath the horizon.  Night was approaching, and as far
as the occupants of the canoe could judge, no help was at hand.  Ned
endeavoured, as well as he could, to keep up the spirits of his
companions.

The wind remained light, and the sea was as smooth as a mill-pond.  The
approaching darkness so far brought relief that they were no longer
exposed to the burning rays of the sun, while the cooler air of night
greatly relieved them.  As the day had passed by, so it appeared
probable would the night, without bringing them succour.  Ben and the
Arab slept, but Ned was too anxious to close his eyes, and Stone
insisted on keeping a look-out, on the chance of any vessel passing
which might take them on board.  Even an Arab dhow would be welcome, for
the Arabs would doubtless be willing to receive them on board for the
sake of obtaining a reward for preserving their lives.  At last the
Arab, whose head was resting on Ned's side, awoke.  He appeared to be in
a very weak state, and told Ned, in his broken English, that he thought
he was dying.

"Try and keep alive until to-morrow morning," said Ned; "by that time
our ship will be looking for us, and as they know where we were left, we
are sure to be seen."

Ned had been calculating that it was about two hours to dawn, when, in
spite of his efforts to keep awake, he found his head dropping back on
Ben's legs, and he was soon fast asleep.  How long he had been lost in
forgetfulness he could not tell, when he heard Stone give a loud hail.

"What is that?" asked Ned, lifting up his head.  "I heard voices and a
splash of oars, sir," he answered; "they were a long way off, and, I
fancied, passed to the southward."

"Silence, then," said Ned; "we will listen for their reply."

No answering hail came, and he feared that Stone must have been
mistaken; again he listened.  "Yes, those were human voices and the dip
of oars in the water.  We'll shout together.  Rouse yourself, Cox," he
said.

Ben sat up, and, Stone leading, they shouted together at the top of
their voices, the young Arab joining them.  Again they were silent, but
no answer came.  "If that is a boat, they surely must have heard us,"
observed Ned.

"They may be talking themselves, sir, or the noise of their oars
prevented them," remarked Stone.

"We'll shout again, then," said Ned.

Again they shouted, this time louder than before.  They waited a few
seconds, almost afraid to breathe, and then there came across the water
a British cheer, sounding faintly in the distance.

"Hurrah! hurrah!  All right, sir!" cried Stone.  They shouted several
times after this to guide the boat towards them.  At length they could
see her emerging from the gloom; but no one on board her had apparently
seen the canoe, for, from the speed the boat was going and the course
she was steering, she was evidently about to pass them.

"Boat ahoy!" shouted Stone.  "Here we are, but take care not to run us
down."

The boat's course was altered; they soon heard a voice, it was that of
Charley Meadows, crying out, "There is something floating ahead of us, a
raft or a sunken boat."

"Meadows ahoy!" hailed Ned.  "Come carefully alongside."  The oars were
thrown in, and the boat glided up to the canoe.

"Why, Ned, Ned!  I am so thankful that I have found you," cried Charley,
as he grasped the hand of his messmate after he had been helped on
board.

"There is a poor Arab, take care of him, for he is pretty far gone
already," said Ned.

"Water, water," murmured the Arab faintly.

There was fortunately a breaker in the boat, and before many words were
exchanged some of the refreshing liquid was served out to Ned and his
companions.  Except a few biscuits there was nothing to eat, but even
these soaked in water served to refresh the well-nigh famished party.

Charley then explained that the corvette, having captured three of the
dhows, all with slaves on board, had hove to for the purpose of
transferring their cargoes to her deck; and that while so occupied,
Rhymer had arrived with a fourth, several of the Arab crew having been
wounded in attempting to get away.  "The commander seeing you were not
on board, inquired what had become of you, when Rhymer, with very little
concern, replied that he feared you all had gone to the bottom with the
dhow, as his boat's crew asserted that they had seen her founder.  The
commander was very indignant at his not having gone back at once to try
and pick you up, should you by any means have escaped.  He immediately
ordered off three boats--the second lieutenant going in one, Rhymer in
another, while he gave me charge of the third.  What has become of the
other two boats I do not know; perhaps they thought that they had come
far enough and have gone back, as I confess I was on the point of doing
when I heard your hail.  We shall soon, I hope, fall in with the ship,
for she is sure to beat back over the ground until she has picked us
up."

"I shall be thankful to get on board for the sake of this poor Arab, who
requires the doctor's care," said Ned.

"Why, isn't he one of the slaver's crew?" exclaimed Charley.  "An arrant
rogue, I dare say."

"I don't know about that, but I saved his life," answered Ned, "and I
feel an interest in him; he seems grateful too, as far as I can judge."

He then asked the Arab, who was sitting near him, whether he would have
some more water, and handed him the cup, which was full.

"T'ankee, t'ankee!" answered the Arab; "much t'ankee!"  Ned then gave
him some more sopped biscuit.

"What's his name?" inquired Charley.  "Ask him, as he seems to speak
English."

"Sayd," answered the Arab immediately, showing that he understood what
was said.

Charley was now steering the boat to the northward.  In a short time day
broke, and as the sun rose, his rays fell on the white canvas of the
corvette, which was standing close-hauled to the south-west, her black
hull just seen above the horizon.

"Hurrah!" cried Charley, "there's the old `barky'; I hope we shall soon
be on board."

"If she stands on that course she'll pass us," said Ned.

"No fear of that," answered Charley; "she'll soon be about, and we shall
be on board and all to rights."

He was not mistaken; the corvette immediately tacked, her canvas, which
had hitherto seemed of snowy whiteness, being thrown into dark shadow.
She now stood towards the south-east, on a course which would bring her
so near that the boat would soon be seen from her deck.  Before long she
again came to the wind.

"She is going about again!" exclaimed Ned.

"No, no, she's heaving to to pick up one of the boats," answered
Charley.

He was again right; in a few minutes the sails were once more filled,
and she stood on.  The wind being light, the midshipmen had to wait for
some time before they were certain that the boat was seen.  The corvette
again appeared as if about to pass them, but soon put about, and in less
than a quarter of an hour she hove to, to enable Charley to steer
alongside.

"Hurrah!" he shouted as he approached, "we have them all safe."

A cheer rose from the throats of the crew as they received this
announcement.  Ned with his companions were assisted up the side.  As he
passed along the gangway he observed the unusual appearance which the
deck presented, covered as it was by an almost countless number of black
figures, men, women, and children, most of them squatting down in the
attitudes they had been compelled to preserve on board the slave
vessels.  He had, however, to make his way aft to the commander, who put
out his hand and cordially congratulated him on his escape.

Ned having reported what had happened to himself, added, "There's a poor
Arab with me, sir, who requires to be looked after by the doctor.  He
seems grateful to me for having kept him afloat until the canoe picked
us up."

"In other words you saved his life, Garth, at the peril of your own, as
far as I can understand.  The surgeon will attend to him; and I hope the
risk he has run of losing his life will induce him to give up
slave-trading for the future.  Now, my lad, you must turn into your
hammock, you look as if you required rest."

Ned confessed that such was the case, but hinted that he and Sayd would
first of all be glad of some food.  This was soon brought him, and
scarcely a minute had passed after he had tumbled into his hammock
before he was fast asleep.



CHAPTER SEVEN.

Ned was allowed to take as long a rest as he liked, and it was not until
hammocks were piped up the next morning that he awoke.  Scarcely had he
reached the deck when Sayd, who immediately knew him, hurried up, and
making a profound salaam, pressed his hand, and in his broken English
warmly thanked him for saving his life.

"I am very glad to have done so," said Ned; "and, as the commander says,
the best way you can show your gratitude is to give up slave-dealing for
the future, and turn honest trader."

The young Arab evidently did not understand the meaning of what Ned had
said, possibly had he done so he would have declared that he was merely
following an occupation which his people considered perfectly lawful,
and that he saw no reason why he should abandon it.  Although he could
not exchange many words, Ned felt greatly drawn towards his new friend.
There was something very pleasing in the young Arab's manner; indeed, in
every sense of the word, he appeared to be a gentleman.  Ned, however,
had his duties to perform, and could not just then hold much
conversation with him.  Both officers and crew were occupied from
morning till night in attending to the liberated slaves, who had in the
first place to be washed from the filth in which they had lived on board
the dhows; they had then to be fed, and most of them also had to be
clothed, while constant attention was required to keep each gang on the
part of the deck allotted to it.  Ned, on inquiring for the dhows, found
that all those captured had been destroyed, with the exception of one,
on board which the Arab crews had been placed, and allowed to go about
their business, as it would have been inconvenient to keep them on board
until they could be earned to Aden or Zanzibar.

The ship was now steering for the Seychelles Islands, the nearest place
at which negroes could be landed without the risk of again being
enslaved.  There were upwards of three hundred of these poor creatures
on board, of all tints, from yellow and brown to ebon black.  Some few,
chiefly Gallas, were fine-looking people, with nothing of the negro in
their features, and of a dark copper colour; but the greater number,
according to European notions, were excessively ugly specimens of the
human race.  Many were in a deplorable condition, having been long
crammed together on the bamboo decks of the dhow, without being even
able to sit upright.  Several of the women had infants in their arms,
the poor little creatures being mere living skeletons; not a few of
them, indeed, died as they were being removed from the slavers to the
ship.  Most of the slaves, both men and women, looked wretched in the
extreme, for the only food they had received for many weeks was a
handful of rice and half a cocoa-nut full of water.  On board two of the
captured dhows not more than three bags of grain were found to feed
between eighty and a hundred people.  At first the poor creatures, when
placed on the man-of-war's deck, looked terrified in the extreme, but
the kindness they received from the officers and seamen soon reassured
them.  The rough "tars" at all hours of the day might be seen nursing
the babies or tending the sick, lifting those unable to walk from place
to place, or carrying them their food.  Not a grumble was heard among
the crew, although their patience was severely taxed.  The provisions,
consisting of grain and rice, having been boiled in the ship's coppers,
were served out at stated times in large bowls to the different messes.
As soon as the food was cooked, the seamen told off for the purpose came
along the deck with the huge bowls in their hands, one of which was
placed in the midst of each tribe, or gang, of blacks, who lost no time
in falling to, using their fingers to transfer the hot food to their
mouths, often squabbling among each other when any one was supposed to
take more than his or her share.  Ned was as active as any one in
tending the poor Africans, much to the astonishment of Sayd, who could
not understand why white men should interest themselves about a set of
wretched savages, as he considered them.  Ned tried to explain that, as
they had souls, it was the duty of Christian men to try and improve
their condition, and that no people had a right to enslave their
fellow-creatures; but though Sayd was intelligent enough about most
matters, he failed to understand Ned's arguments, and evidently retained
his own opinion to the last.  Notwithstanding this, their friendship
continued.  Ned took great pains to teach Sayd English, which he
appeared especially anxious to learn.

With the assistance of the Arab, he made inquiries among all the negroes
in the hopes of hearing something about Tom Baraka's family, but nothing
could he learn which could lead him to suppose that any one on board was
acquainted with them.  Even Charley was almost as anxious as he was on
the subject, though he owned that he had little hope of success.

"You might as well try to find a needle in a bundle of hay," he
observed.

Sayd, too, assured him that so many thousands had been carried off from
their families, it would be scarcely possible to identify Baraka's wife
and child.

Happily the sea was smooth and the wind moderate, for had bad weather
come on, the sufferings of the slaves would have been greatly increased.
At length Mahe, the largest of the Seychelles group, appeared ahead,
and a pilot coming on board, the "Ione" brought up in Port Victoria.
Everywhere on shore the most beautiful tropical vegetation was seen; the
hills covered to their summits with trees, cottages and plantations on
the more level ground, while here and there bright coloured cliffs
peeped out amid the green foliage.  Mahe was pronounced to be a very
pretty island 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 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 take a dhow or two."

"You are always zealous, Garth, and the commander will, I know, be glad
to favour your wishes," answered the lieutenant, in a tone which
encouraged Ned to hope that he would be sent on the expedition.  While
the ship was standing towards the African coast orders were received to
prepare the three largest boats--the launch, pinnace, and cutter.  The
second lieutenant was to go in one with the assistant surgeon, the
master in another, and Rhymer was to have charge of the third.  The
commander, who held him in more estimation than his messmates were wont
to do, spoke to him on the quarter-deck.

"I intend to send two of the youngsters with you--Meadows and Garth.
You will look after them, and see that they come to no harm; the
experience they may gain will be of advantage to them."

"Of course, sir, I am always glad to be of service to youngsters, and
will take good care of them," he answered aloud, muttering to himself,
"especially as one of these days I may find them passed over my head."

"Very well, then, Rhymer, I will give you the necessary directions for
your guidance; but remember you will on no account allow your men to
sleep on shore on the mainland, and you must avoid remaining at night up
any river into which you may chase a dhow."

Rhymer, of course, undertook to act according to the commander's
directions.

Next day the ship came in sight of an island, three or four miles from
the mainland, the western side rising some fifty or sixty feet above the
summit of the water, and covered with trees.  On the north side was a
deep bay, into which the ship stood, and came to an anchor.  Here she
was hid both from the people on shore or from any passing dhows.  The
island formed one of a group, extending along the coast at various
distances, most of them, however, were low, and many were mere
sand-banks, with a few casuarina bushes growing on the higher portions.
They would all, however, afford sufficient shelter to the boats, and
conceal them till they could pounce out and capture any dhows passing
near.  The boats were now lowered, each with a gun in the bows, well
stored with provisions and tents for living in on shore, while the crews
were well-armed, and were at once despatched to their several
destinations.  The second lieutenant was directed to go to the
northward, and Rhymer was to proceed to the most southern limit, and in
case of necessity they were to rendezvous at the spot from whence they
started.  The ship then sailed on a cruise to the northward, the
commander promising to return in the course of a fortnight to replenish
their provisions, and take charge of any dhows which might have been
captured.  Ned and Charley were in high glee at the thoughts of the work
they were to be engaged in.  Old Rhymer had lately been more pleasant
than usual, and they hoped to get along pretty well with him.  He was
fond of his ease, and in fine weather was likely to entrust the boat to
them, while he took a "caulk" in the stern sheets; indeed, when away
from his superiors, and in command himself, he was always more amiable
than on board ship.

For some time after the boat had shoved off all on board were employed
in re-stowing the stores, getting her into trim, and placing the
articles most likely to be required uppermost.  When everything had been
done according to his satisfaction, he addressed the two midshipmen.

"Now, youngsters," he said, "recollect, I must have implicit obedience,
and all things will go well; if not, look out for squalls.  I'll take
one watch, you, Meadows, another, and you, Garth, the third."

The midshipmen made no answer, for, being as well aware as he was of the
importance of maintaining discipline, they thought his remark rather
superfluous.

The weather continued fine, and the old mate appeared to be in unusual
good-humour.  He laughed and talked and spun long yarns which amused his
companions, although they had heard most of them twenty times before.
When tired of talking, he stretched himself in the stern sheets to "take
a snooze," as he said, charging them to call him should anything occur.
"You see, youngsters, what confidence I place in you," he observed.  "I
could not venture to shut my eyes if I didn't feel sure that you would
keep a bright look-out.  It is for your good besides, that you may know
how to act when left in command of a boat."

The midshipmen suspected that Rhymer thought more of his own comfort
than of benefiting them.  They passed several small islands.  On some
grew a scanty vegetation, while others were mere sand-banks.  One of
them was occupied by vast numbers of wild fowl, on which Rhymer looked
with longing eyes.

"We might land, and in a short time kill birds enough to supply
ourselves for a couple of days," he observed; "the delay cannot be of
consequence."

Ned recollected that Rhymer had received orders to proceed without delay
to the southward, but he knew that it would not do to remind him.  The
boat was therefore headed in towards a point on the lee side, where it
appeared likely that an easy landing-place could be found.  The beach,
however, shelved so gradually that she could not approach within about
twenty yards of the dry sand; she therefore was brought up by a grapnel,
and Rhymer said that he would wade on shore, telling Ned to remain in
charge of the boat with part of the crew, while Charley and the rest
accompanied him.  Neither Rhymer nor Charley had much experience as
sportsmen, and as their arms were only ship's muskets, Ned thought it
possible that they would not kill as many birds as Rhymer expected to
obtain.  Taking off their shoes and trousers, Rhymer and his followers
jumped overboard and waded ashore.  There were but few birds on that end
of the island, the chief colony being some way off.  Ned heard several
shots fired, but the sportsmen were too far off by that time for him to
see whether any birds had been killed.  In a short time the sounds of
firing again reached him, evidently at a still greater distance; he did
not forget his directions to keep a bright look-out, and he occasionally
swarmed to the masthead that he might obtain a more extensive view.  He
had gone up for the fourth time, when he caught sight of a white sail
coming up from the southward with the wind off the land; she was a dhow,
of that there was no doubt, and might be a full slaver.  She would
possibly pass close to the island, abreast of which, as she was sailing
rapidly, she would very quickly arrive.  There was no time to be lost.
He glanced his eye over the land, but could nowhere discover the
shooting party; he was afraid of firing, for fear of alarming the crew
of the dhow.  As the only means of getting back Rhymer, he sent one of
the men to try and find him and urge him to return.  On came the dhow;
every moment was precious; she had not yet discovered the boat.  The
man, wading on shore, ran off along the sand; the dhow was almost
abreast of the island; at length Ned, to his relief, saw his companions
approaching in the distance.

He got the sail ready, so that it might be hoisted the moment the party
were on board.  He shouted and signed to them to make haste, pointing to
the dhow; at last Rhymer came, followed by Charley and the men, wading
through the water, puffing and blowing, terribly out of wind.  The
result of the sport appeared to be only half-a-dozen wild fowl, the
bodies of some being nearly blown to pieces.  The party quickly tumbled
into the boat, and, the grapnel being got up, she immediately made sail
on a course which Rhymer fancied would cut off the dhow.  He was
evidently in no good-humour at the ill-success of their sport, but the
prospect of making a prize somewhat restored him; the dhow, however,
must soon have seen the boat standing out towards her.

"Hurrah! she knows it is no use running, and gives in at once,"
exclaimed Rhymer, as the dhow was seen to lower her canvas.  He soon
altered his tone when she hoisted a much larger sail than she had before
been carrying, and put up her helm, standing away directly before the
wind.

"We must be after her, lads," cried Rhymer.  "The breeze may fail, and
if she is becalmed we are sure to have her."

It occurred to Ned that if Rhymer had not landed on the island this
would have been more likely.  The wind being light, the oars were got
out and the boat went along at a good rate.

"We shall have her, we shall have her!" cried the old mate; "she is
within range of our gun.  Try a shot, Meadows."

Charley sprang forward, and glancing along the piece, fired, but the
shot fell short.

Though Rhymer still cried out, "We shall have her, we shall have her!"
gradually his voice lost its tone of confidence, the breeze freshened,
and the dhow began rapidly to distance her pursuer.  Still the boat
followed; the wind might again fail and the chase be overtaken.  Instead
of failing, however, the wind increased, and the dhow's hull sunk
beneath the horizon.  At length only the upper portion of her sail could
be seen; still, as long as a speck was in sight, Rhymer pursued her, and
not until the sun set did he abandon all hope.

"It is a bad job," he exclaimed.  "Now let's have those birds, they must
be pretty well stewed by this time."

The wild fowl had been cut up into pieces, and, with rice biscuits and
other ingredients, had been stewing in the pot in which all their meals
were cooked, officers and men sharing alike.  As soon, however, as
Rhymer's plate was handed to him he exclaimed--

"Fishy!  Horribly fishy!"

"Strong flavoured I must own," said Charley; and he and Ned could with
difficulty eat a small portion, though the men were not so particular.
The unsavoury dish did not add to Rhymer's good-humour.  Scarcely had
supper been concluded than it began to blow so hard that it became
necessary to take down 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 Arabs stood on the deck, but they offered no resistance.
Rhymer inquired for the captain.  A well-dressed person stepped forward,
making a profound salaam.

"Where are your papers?" inquired Rhymer.

The Arab understood him, and presented several documents, which the
English officer looked at, in as knowing a way as he could assume,
without being able to decipher a word.  He then made signs that he
wished to examine the hold.  No opposition was offered.  It was found to
contain a miscellaneous cargo, but not a single slave could be
discovered.  As it was evident that the dhow was a lawful trader, Rhymer
apologised to the captain, and stepping into his boat pulled for the
shore, while the dhow sailed on her course.  Several other dhows were
boarded in the same way.  Some had blacks on board, but they were
supposed either to form part of the crew or to be passengers, and Rhymer
did not venture to stop them.  The time for their return was
approaching.

"If we had not captured those slavers some time back, I should be
inclined to believe that there is no such thing as the slave trade on
this coast," exclaimed Rhymer, as he sat in the tent one evening after
sunset.  "It is all my ill-luck, however, and I suppose I shall get
hauled over the coals for my want of success.  If we catch sight of
another dhow, and she takes to flight, I'll chase her round the world
rather than lose her."

Next morning, soon after Ned had gone up to the look-out station, as he
was turning his glass to the southward, the white canvas of a dhow,
lighted up by the rays of the rising sun, came full into view, standing
almost directly for the island.  The wind for the last day or two had
been variable.  It was now blowing from the south-east.  Quickly
descending, he carried the information to his commanding officer.  The
party, tossing off their coffee, and snatching up the portions of
breakfast they had just commenced, hurried on board.  By the time they
had got clear of the island the hull of the dhow could be seen.  For
some time she stood on as before, apparently not discovering them.  With
the wind as it had been, she had no chance of escaping, except by
running on shore, and Rhymer ordered his men to lay on their oars to
await her coming, while the sail was got ready to hoist in a moment, and
the gun loaded to send a shot at her should she refuse to strike.
Presently the wind shifted two points to the eastward, the dhow lowered
her sail.

"Hurrah!" exclaimed Rhymer; "she knows it's of no use to try and escape.
We will make sail, and shall soon be up to her.  Hoist away!"

The boat was soon under canvas, heeling over to the freshening breeze.
A short time, however, only had elapsed when the dhow was seen to
rehoist her sail; but it was evident from her position that her head had
been brought round, and was now pointing to the southward.

"It is pretty clear that the Arabs intend to run for it," observed
Charley to Ned.

"And if they go round the world we shall have to follow them," answered
Ned in a low voice.

The boat sailed well.  There was just enough wind, and no more, to suit
her, and the dhow apparently was not so fast a sailer as some of her
class.  Still she kept well ahead of the boat.  Should the wind shift
back to its old quarter, however, there was a fair probability that the
boat would overtake her.

"We've got a good many hours of daylight, and it will be a hard matter
if we do not come up with her before dark," said Rhymer.

"But as it is, if we do not, and we are to chase her round the world, we
must do our best to keep her in sight during the night," observed
Charley, demurely.

The dhow was still out of range of the boat's gun, and appeared
determined to stand on while there was a prospect of escaping.  The wind
continuing as before, Ned and Charley began to fear that after all she
would get away.

"I wish that the breeze would shift back to the south-east, and we
should have her sure enough, for we can sail three points closer to the
wind than she can," observed Ned.

The time was passing by.  Exciting as was the chase, the cook did not
forget to prepare dinner, which the crew were as ready to eat as if no
dhow supposed to be full of slaves was in sight.  The evening
approached, the compass showed that the dhow had fallen off two points,
and presently afterwards another point.

"She'll not weather that headland!" observed Charley, looking out ahead.

"No, but she's going to run on shore, and if so she'll go to pieces, and
the slaves will either be drowned or be carried off into the interior,"
remarked Rhymer.

Presently the dhow was seen standing directly for the coast.  Ned, who
was examining it through the telescope, exclaimed--

"There's the mouth of a river there, and she's steering for that."

"Then we'll follow her up it; if she can get in we can," answered
Rhymer, and the boat's head was put towards the opening for which the
dhow was making.  Had there been a doubt on the subject before, there
was now no longer any that the dhow was full of slaves, and that
probably their captors would make every effort to retain them.  As the
boat drew nearer the entrance of the river, between two sandy points, it
was difficult to judge whether or not it was a stream of any
considerable size.

"If it's navigable for a hundred miles, we will follow the dhow up; I am
not going to allow that craft to escape me," cried Rhymer.

The slaver was now running directly before the wind, fast distancing the
boat, and was soon seen to enter the river, pitching and tossing as if
she had crossed a bar.  Rhymer steered on; two or three heavy rollers in
succession lifted the boat, but no water broke on board, and she was
soon safe in and gliding over the smooth surface of the stream.  The
river, which was of considerable width, was thickly lined on both sides
by trees; in the middle of it the dhow was seen, running on with all her
canvas set, still beyond reach of the boat's gun.

"We have her now, safe enough," exclaimed Rhymer; "though, if the river
is navigable far up from the mouth, she may lead us a long chase before
we catch her."

"I only hope there may be no Arab fort up the river, or we may find it a
difficult job to cut out the slaver after all," observed Charley.

"An Arab fort!  What made you think of that, youngster?" exclaimed
Rhymer, looking somewhat blank.  "If there is we shall have more
fighting than we bargained for, but it will never do to go back without
attempting to secure the dhow."

"I should think not," remarked Ned.

The men of course were ready for any work their officers determined on.
The excitement of the chase and the prospect of fighting before them was
greatly increased as the dhow got higher up the river; the wind falling,
and sometimes becoming baffling, the boat gained on her.  Ned was sent
forward to look out for the fort, but he could discover no signs of a
stockade; at any moment, however, a bend of the stream might disclose it
to view.

"Get out the oars!" cried Rhymer; "before long I hope the wind will fail
the dhow altogether and we shall soon be up to her."

The men gave way, in a few minutes the boat got the dhow within range of
her gun.

"We must try to bring her sail down," exclaimed Rhymer, giving the helm
to Charley and springing forward to the gun.  He fired, the shot went
through the sail, but the chase stood on as before; the gun was quickly
loaded, but the second shot, though well aimed, produced no more result
than the first.  It was pretty evident that the Arabs expected to reach
some place of shelter, and that they would run on until they had gained
it.  This made Rhymer doubly anxious to come up with them before they
could do so.  He continued firing away as fast as the gun could be run
in and loaded.  Though the sail was riddled with shot, the yard and
rigging remained uninjured.

"Get the muskets ready, Garth!" he cried out.  "We shall soon be near
enough to send a shower of bullets among those fellows, and they will
then, I have a notion, heave to pretty quickly."

Scarcely, however, had he spoken than the breeze freshened up, and to
his disappointment he found that the boat was no longer gaining on the
dhow.  Still he kept firing the gun, hoping that a fortunate shot might
bring down her yard.  Some way ahead, on the south side of the river, he
observed a small bay, where the bank was steeper than in any other place
and free of trees; the dhow appeared to be edging away towards it.  "I
must knock away that fellow's yard.  I'd give a hundred guineas to see
it come down," he exclaimed, as he again fired.

The shot wounded the yard, for he could see the splinters fly from it,
but it still remained standing; at any moment, however, it might go.
The Arabs seemed to think so likewise, for the dhow was now steered
directly for the little bay.  Before another shot was fired at her, she
was close up to the bank, and a black stream of human beings was seen
issuing forth from her decks, and winding, like a long black snake, up
among the grass and bushes, while the Arabs could be distinguished by
their dress urging on the fugitives with their spears.

"We must stop those fellows, and turn them back," exclaimed Rhymer, and
resuming the tiller, he steered the boat for the shore at the nearest
spot above the dhow where a landing could be effected.

"Meadows, do you remain by the boat with a couple of hands, the rest of
you follow me," he exclaimed as he leapt on shore.

It was now seen that the blacks, of whom there appeared to be nearly two
hundred, were becoming divided, some going off in one direction, some in
another, while others, mostly women and children, were sinking down on
the ground, unable to keep up with their companions.  Rhymer on this
made chase with most of his crew after the larger party; but he had not
got far when he ordered Ned, with the coxswain, Dick Morgan by name, and
two other hands, to pursue another who were going off to the left.

Ned, as directed, started away at full speed, and soon outstripped his
followers, who, as they overtook smaller parties of the blacks, tried to
turn them back.  The negroes on hearing the shouts of the sailors, and
seeing them flourish their cutlasses, more frightened than ever, sank
down to the ground.  In vain the seamen endeavoured to make them rise,
assuring them that they meant them no harm.  Much time was lost in the
attempt.  Ned, in obedience to his orders, had got ahead of one party of
the blacks and was seen by Dick Morgan making signs to induce them to
stop running.  When, however, Dick looked again, he could nowhere
discover his young officer, while the slaves were scampering off at a
rate which made it almost hopeless to overtake them.

"Lads, we must not let Mr Garth be carried off by those niggers, for it
seems to me that they have somehow or other got hold of him," exclaimed
Dick, shouting to his companions.

Away they dashed after the fugitives.  They had got some distance when
they heard Mr Rhymer hailing them to come back.  Dick pointed in the
direction where he had last seen the midshipman; but Mr Rhymer not
understanding his signs, peremptorily ordered him and his companions to
retreat to the boat.  It was time indeed to do so, for a large party of
well-armed Arabs appeared on the hill just before them, and with
threatening gestures were advancing evidently with the intention of
recovering the slaves they had captured.  Rhymer saw at once that were
he to remain he should run the risk of having his whole party cut off,
and that his only safe course was to retreat as fast as possible to the
boat; he accordingly gave the word to face about, and by threatening to
fire, he kept the Arabs in check.  Their object was evidently not so
much to attack the English, as to get possession of the slaver.  Had the
boat been nearer the dhow, Rhymer might have boarded her and set her on
fire, but in endeavouring to do so, he might expose his whole party to
destruction.  Had there been time even to get hold of any of the blacks,
they could not have been taken into the boat, and Rhymer had therefore
to make the best of his way down to her without securing a single one of
them.  The Arabs, who advanced more rapidly as they saw the English
retreating, soon got under shelter of some trees, whence they opened a
hot fire from matchlocks and gingalls.  Rhymer ordered his men to fire
in return, but their exposed position on the bank of the river, and
their inferior numbers, rendered the combat unequal.

Rhymer, who was as brave as most men, at first hoped to drive the enemy
from their shelter, but he soon saw that he might lose many of his men
in the attempt, and that his only prudent course was to get on board and
shove off as fast as possible.  Three of his men had already been hit;
should he remain longer the crew might be so weakened as to be unable to
pull the boat down the river.  Charley, who had run the boat in ready to
receive them when he saw them coming, was dismayed at not discovering
Ned among the party.

"Where is Mr Garth?" he exclaimed.  "Have none of you seen him?"

Rhymer repeated the question.

Dick Morgan was the only man who could answer it: he replied that he had
last set eyes on him while trying to induce the blacks to return to the
dhow.

"Have they killed him, do you think?" asked Charley, in a tone which
showed his anxiety.

"Can't say, sir; but if not, it is more than likely that those Arab
fellows have got hold of him, and I'm afraid they'll not be treating him
over well."

Just then, however, there was no time to make further inquiries.  The
first thing to be done was to get out of reach of the Arabs' matchlocks.

Rhymer gave the word to shove off, and the boat pulled away from the
bank.  He was vexed at the utter failure of the enterprise, and the
blame which might be attributed to him for the loss of Ned.  He might
still, however, destroy the dhow.  The Arabs, well aware of the long
range of the boat's gun, were still keeping at a distance.  There would
be time to get up to the dhow and to set her on fire.  Rhymer
accordingly steered in where she lay, with the boat's gun ready to send
a shot into the midst of any party who might venture to show themselves.
Almost before the Arabs were aware of what was intended, the boat was
up to the dhow, matches had been got ready, and the seamen springing on
board, in less than a minute had set her on fire fore and aft.  The
combustible materials with which she was fitted quickly blazed up, and
her destruction was inevitable.  The men leapt back into the boat, which
now pulled away out of gun-shot into the middle of the stream.

"Surely we are not to leave Garth without going to look for him!"
exclaimed Charley.  "Perhaps he may be hiding himself somewhere, and
will, when the Arabs retire, make his way down to the margin of the
river expecting to be taken off."

"Very little chance of that; but, depend on it, I'll not show my face on
board without him if I can help it," answered Rhymer.

Charley was obliged to be content with this promise.  As he watched the
shore through his telescope he could see the Arabs collecting the
unfortunate slaves and driving them on before them, though he in vain
searched for Ned among the former.  Had he been made a prisoner he would
probably have been seen.  This made him hope that he might still be
recovered.  At length Rhymer began to grow impatient.  The last of the
slaves had been carried off, and the Arabs themselves had disappeared
behind the hill.  Charley now entreated Rhymer to pull in for the shore.
"If you will let me I will land with any of the men who will volunteer,
and we will search round in every direction for Garth; he may possibly
have been wounded, and have crawled under some bushes to hide himself
from the Arabs."

Rhymer hesitated.  "If I let you go you may be caught also, and I shall
have to report the loss of two midshipmen instead of one."

"O no, no!  Do let me go!" cried Charley, in a beseeching tone.  "The
Arabs have gone away, and we will keep a good look-out not to be
surprised.  I am sure that some of the men will be ready to go with me."

"I will!" exclaimed Dick Morgan.

"And I, and I, and I," added others, until the whole boat's crew
volunteered.

At last Rhymer, feeling that he might be accused of deserting the
midshipman, consented, allowing Morgan with three other men to accompany
Charley.

The boat accordingly returned to the shore.  While Charley and his men
pushed forward, Rhymer and the remainder having landed, advanced a short
distance to support him in case he should have to retreat.  Charley led
the way to a spot pointed out by Morgan, where Ned had last been seen.
They hunted about among the bushes, but no trace of him could they
discover.

"Ned Garth, Ned Garth! where are you?" shouted Charley again and again,
forgetting in his anxiety that the Arabs might hear, but no answer
reached him.  There were traces, however, of the course the blacks had
taken, wherever the ground was soft enough to receive impressions of
their feet.  Charley was tempted to follow, and the men, regardless of
consequences, accompanied him.  He had not gone far when he came upon
two children who had evidently been let fall by those who were carrying
them.  Both were dead, and their shrunken little forms showed that they
had died from starvation.  The top of the hill was reached.  Charley at
length stopped and looked round, but neither Arabs nor blacks were
anywhere visible.  Though, had he consulted his own feelings, he would
have gone on still farther, he remembered his promise to be cautious,
and exclaimed with a heavy heart--

"We must go back; we may still find him, but I dare not push on
further."

The men appeared to share his feelings, for Ned was a favourite with all
of them.  They made their way towards the boat, searching the bushes as
they went along, dreading that at any moment they might discover Ned's
body.  At length they met Rhymer.

"He must have been made prisoner and carried off by the Arabs," cried
Charley; "that is the only consolation we have."

"Well, I suppose they would scarcely have taken the trouble to carry him
off if he had been killed; and we must report to the commander that such
is the conclusion we have arrived at, after making diligent search for
him in all directions."

Charley felt somewhat indignant that Rhymer did not express more regret
at the loss of their young messmate; he, however, said nothing.  They
once more embarked, and shoving off, proceeded down the river.  It was
important to get over the bar before dark, and make the best of their
way back to the ship, for the wounded men, now that the excitement was
over, began to complain of their hurts, and it was, of course, necessary
that they should be attended to by the surgeon with as little delay as
possible.  As the wind blew almost up the river, it was necessary to get
the oars out and pull the boat over the bar.  This was a heavy task with
a diminished crew, but Rhymer sent one of the wounded men to the helm,
while he took one oar and Charley another.

They got down very well to the mouth, but the heavy foam-topped rollers
which came tumbling in threatened to prevent them getting into the open
sea beyond.

"It must be done," exclaimed Rhymer.  "To-morrow it may be worse, and we
shall have a whole fleet of Arab boats coming down upon us."

Twice, however, he pulled up to the inner roller, and backed the boat
off again.  For some minutes he stood up watching the seas; at length he
exclaimed, "Now, my lads, now or never, give way," and all hands bending
their backs to the oars, pulled on as British seamen are wont to do in
cases of emergency.  It was a struggle truly for life and death.  Had
the boat been caught broadside by one of those treacherous undulations,
she would have been thrown over and over, and not a man on board could
have escaped.  Had an oar broken, or the men relaxed in their efforts,
no power could have saved them.  Three rollers had been passed, there
were still two more to be encountered.  The fourth advanced with a crest
of foam.  The boat had almost reached the summit, when the water came
rushing over her bows, half-filling her; but the crew persevered, and
the wounded men began bailing away with might and main.

"Pull away, pull away, lads!" shouted Rhymer; "there's only one more,
and we shall be clear of them."

Again the boat rose, the water rushing aft, but the poor fellows seated
there, in spite of their hurts, continued to heave it out.  The next
minute, having forced their way over the last roller, the boat was free.
They had still a long pull before them until the boat could obtain a
good offing, so that they might make sail and stand to the northward.
At length the sails were set.  By this time it was perfectly dark, yet,
having a compass, a proper course could be kept.  As the wind was light,
it was not until near morning that they reached the island where they
had left their tent and stores.  As there was a moon they were able to
steer into the bay.  On landing they hurried up to where the tent had
stood.

"Why, where is it?" exclaimed Rhymer.

They hunted about, neither their tent nor any of their stores could they
discover.

"Some fellows have been here and carried them off, no doubt about that,"
observed Charley; "but who they are is more than I can say."

"The rascally crew of a dhow probably," answered Rhymer.  "How the
villains must have laughed at us when they saw our boat sailing away."

A further search in no way cleared up the mystery, and all they could do
was to light a fire and cook some provisions, which had fortunately been
kept on board the boat.  On the return of daylight they found the marks
of numerous naked feet on the sand; but whether of blacks or Arabs they
were unable to determine, though Charley suspected that they were those
of a party of blacks who had come across from the mainland.

This loss made it still more important for them to get back to the ship.
As soon as they had taken a hurried breakfast, Rhymer ordered all hands
on board, and once more they made sail to the northward.

The old mate, as may be supposed, was in an especial ill-humour, which
he vented on poor Charley, who required comforting for the loss of his
friend.  For three days he had to endure all the abuse heaped on him,
but he bore it without complaint, resolving not again, if he could help
it, to take a long cruise with Rhymer.  At length a sail was seen ahead,
standing towards them.  As she drew nearer--

"That's her, that's the old ship!" cried Morgan, who was on the
look-out.

Dick was right, and in another hour the ship hove to and the boat got
alongside.  Rhymer's downcast countenance showed that he had
unsatisfactory intelligence to communicate.  The commander listened to
his report, but made no remark; he then desired to hear Charley's
account.

"We can't let the poor boy be lost without a further effort to recover
him!" observed Captain Curtis.

He sent for Mr Hanson, and they held a consultation.  The result was
that the commander determined, having already picked up the other boats,
to proceed to the mouth of the river and to send them in to inquire from
the first Arabs they could meet with what had become of the missing
midshipman and to insist on his liberation.

There was a chance also of their capturing a dhow laden with the slaves
which had been landed.  The ship came off the mouth of the river at
night, and the boats were got ready to go in over the bar as soon as
there was light sufficient to see their way, by which time also the
flood would have made.  Mr Hanson begged to have charge of the
expedition, as he felt an especial interest in the recovery of Ned.  The
boats pulled up at a rapid rate, and soon reached the spot where the
encounter had taken place.  Charley, who had accompanied Mr Hanson,
kept a look-out along the bank, half expecting to see a signal made by
Ned.  No one appeared, and if there were any inhabitants, they kept out
of sight.  The boats pulled up the river for ten miles or more, till Mr
Hanson's, which was leading, grounded.  No trace of the missing
midshipman was discovered, and, much disappointed, the expedition
returned to the ship.

The weather proving fine, the "Ione" remained at anchor.  Every day a
boat was sent in ready to receive the midshipman should he appear, but
returned with the same unsatisfactory report.

The commander, considering that everything possible had been done to
recover the midshipman, then ordered the ship to be got under weigh, and
she stood for Zanzibar, where he hoped, by other means, to be more
successful, although the general opinion on board was that poor Garth
had been killed, and that nothing more would be heard of him.



CHAPTER EIGHT.

The "Ione" had been upwards of three years on the station, and of late
the sick list had been greatly increased, still the commander persevered
in his efforts to capture slavers; but the Arabs, grown cautious,
managed to avoid him, and for some time not a single dhow had been
taken.

One morning, as the ship lay becalmed on the shining ocean, with the
sun's rays beaming down as from a furnace on the heads of the crew, the
smoke of a steamer was seen coming from the southward.  She rapidly
approached, and coming nearer, made her number.  She was a man-of-war.
Had she came out to relieve the "Ione"?  Every eye on board watched her
eagerly.  Stopping her way a boat was lowered; her commander came on
board.  No sooner were the contents of the despatch he brought known
than cheers rose from fore and aft, joined in by the poor fellows in
their hammocks.  The "Ione" was to return home immediately.  Before long
a breeze sprang up, the two ships parted, and the corvette, under all
sail, steered for the Cape.

"The only thing I regret is going home without nearing of young Garth,"
observed the commander, as he walked the deck with his first lieutenant;
"I would have given much to find him, but I fear that when he fell into
their hands, the rascally Arabs killed him."

"I am inclined to your notion, sir," answered Mr Hanson; "but I still
have a lingering hope that by some means or other he may have escaped,
although, as, notwithstanding all our inquiries and the rewards offered,
no tidings of him had reached Zanzibar when we left the island, it is, I
confess, very faint indeed."

Charley Meadows was the only person in the midshipmen's berth who would
not abandon all expectation of again seeing his friend, and who would
very gladly have remained another year on the station with the chance of
hearing of Ned.  He dreaded also the melancholy duty which might fall to
his lot of informing Lieutenant Pack and Miss Sarah and sweet Mary of
Ned's fate.

As the ship drew near England he thought over and over again of what he
should say; no one had written, as the commander had been unwilling to
alarm the boy's friends while any uncertainty existed.  They would,
therefore, on seeing the announcement in the papers of the "Ione's"
return, be looking out eagerly for him.  The corvette had a rapid
passage, and on reaching Portsmouth was at once paid off.  Charley
Meadows had written to his father, who was still commander of the
coast-guard station at Longview, giving an account of what had occurred,
and begging him to break the intelligence to Lieutenant Pack.  As soon
as he was at liberty he hurried home.  One of the first questions he put
on his arrival was, "Have you told them, father, about poor Ned?"

"No; for I only received your letter yesterday, and have been unable to
get over and see our friends.  It will be sad news to them.  Whenever I
have called on Pack and his sister, their nephew was always the subject
of their conversation."

Charley thus found that, after all, he must be the first to carry the
sad intelligence to his friends.  He, however, possessed the most
valuable description of courage; he was morally, as well as physically,
brave.  The duty had to be performed, and he resolved to do it
forthwith.  As his father could not go, he set out by himself.  Now and
then he stopped to consider what he should say, and then hurried on,
wishing to say it at once.  Just before he reached Triton Cottage, he
saw Mr Pack coming along the road; the old lieutenant stopped and
looked at Charley as he approached, putting out his hand.

"Glad to welcome you, my lad.  I saw that the `Ione' had arrived and was
to be paid off, so was looking out for you; but where is Ned?  I thought
you would have come down together."

Now came the moment Charley had dreaded.

"I will tell you how it happened, sir, directly, but Ned is not with us.
I don't believe he is lost, and no one saw him dead; but the Arabs got
hold of him, and he has not since turned up."

"What! hasn't he come home with you?" exclaimed the lieutenant.  "You
don't mean to say that our Ned is dead?"

"No, sir; but he's lost, and we don't know what has become of him," and
Charley then gave a full account of all that had occurred.

The old lieutenant listened attentively.  "Poor Sally! poor Mary!" he
murmured, as, leaning on Charley's shoulder, he walked back to the
house.  "It will well-nigh break their hearts to hear that he is dead,
but I for one won't believe it; I tell you, Meadows, I can't believe
it," his voice growing more husky as he spoke.  "I expect to see Ned a
commander before I die; he is sure to get on in the service.  Sally
won't believe it either; she's got too much good sense for that.  Come
along, however, you shall tell her and Mary about it, for I have not
taken in all the particulars."

The lieutenant stumped on, but Charley felt the hand which rested on his
shoulder press more and more heavily.  They together entered the
parlour, where Miss Sarah and Mary were seated.

"Ned, Ned!" cried Miss Sally, mistaking him for her nephew; but she
quickly saw her mistake, while Mary knew him at once.

"Where is Ned?" they both inquired, after they had shaken hands, Mary
looking up into his face with an inquiring glance.

"He hasn't come home with us," said Charley, "and Mr Pack will tell you
what I have told him."

The lieutenant was glad of this opportunity to give his own version of
the story, for he was afraid Charley would alarm his sister and Mary.

"You see Ned's not come home in the `Ione,' and that's a disappointment,
I'll own.  That he is all right I have no doubt, somewhere out in Africa
among some Arabs who got hold of him while performing his duty--you may
be sure Ned would be always doing that--and he hasn't yet been able to
make his way down to the coast, or at all events to get on board an
English ship.  He'll do so by-and-by though.  You two must not fret
about him in the meantime.  I know what Ned's made of; he has a fine
constitution, and is not likely to succumb to the climate; and as to the
Arabs, except in the matter of slavery, they are not a bad set of
fellows."

Thus the lieutenant ran on, until Miss Sarah, turning to Charley, asked
him to give a more particular account.  This he did, omitting no
circumstance which might support the idea that Ned had escaped.

Miss Sarah every now and then interrupted him with an ejaculation or a
question, but poor Mary sat looking very pale and anxious, with her eyes
fixed upon his countenance all the time and not uttering a word.  Tom
Baraka had seen Charley arrive with the lieutenant, and guessing that he
had belonged to the "Ione," and had brought news of Ned, waited outside,
hoping to learn from him why Ned had not come home.  At length, however,
unable to endure the suspense, he took the privilege of a favoured
servant and came into the room.

"You come from de `Ione,' massa?" he said, looking at Charley.  "Pray
tell me why Massa Ned not come back.  Hab him gone in nudder ship?"

Charley, who remembered Tom, briefly told him the particulars of Ned's
disappearance.

"Den I go an' look for him!" exclaimed Tom.  "He go search for my boy,
what I do better dan go look for him?"

"O do, do!" cried Mary, springing up.  "I would go too if I could be of
any use."

"You do not know the character of the country, Miss Mary," said Charley;
"but if Tom would go, if he escapes being caught by the Arabs, he would
have a better chance of finding him than any one else.  How to get there
would be the difficulty, unless he could obtain a passage on board a
man-of-war going out to the coast."

"Yes, yes, I go!" cried Tom; "I find a way, nebber fear."

"We must think the matter over, and consider what can be done," said the
lieutenant.  "Ask your father, Charley, to come here and give me the
benefit of his advice, and I will write to Hanson, they'll have his
address at the Admiralty, and he will come down here and tell us what he
thinks best, or I'll go up to London myself and see their lordships.
They would not wish a promising young officer to be lost without taking
all possible steps for his recovery."

Charley's spirits rose as he found his friends even more sanguine than
himself as to the finding of Ned.  They talked on and on without any
material alteration in their proposed plan.  The lieutenant said that he
would write to Mr Farrance, as in duty bound, to tell him of Ned's
disappearance, and to ask his advice.  "He has the means of helping us,
and judging from the generous way in which he has acted towards Ned, I
feel sure that we can rely on him," he observed.

Charley went back with a message to his father, who came over that
evening, and the subject was again discussed in all its bearings, indeed
the old lieutenant could think and talk of nothing else.  He had, in the
meantime, despatched his letters to Mr Farrance and the late first
lieutenant of the "Ione," and determined, by the advice of Mr Meadows,
to take no steps until he heard from them.

The next day Charley again came over, and greatly interested Mary and
her aunt by the account he gave of their adventures in the Indian Ocean.
He inspired Mary with a strong wish to see the horrible traffic in
slaves put an end to.

"If I had a fortune I would devote it to that object," she exclaimed
enthusiastically.  "What sufferings the poor little children have to
endure; and then the agony of their parents as they are dragged off from
their homes to die on their way to the sea, or on board those horrible
dhows, or to be carried into slavery, which must be worse than death."

Her remarks had greater influence on Charley than even the miserable
state of the slaves on board the dhows had produced.  "I will do all I
can to try and get back to the coast as soon as possible, or if an
expedition is formed to go up the country to look for Ned I'll get my
father to allow me to join it; I am pretty well seasoned to the climate
by this time--never had an hour's illness while I was away."

By return of post a letter was received from Mr Farrance.  He
sympathised with the lieutenant and his sister in their anxiety about
their nephew; said that he would be glad to defray the expenses should
any plan be formed for discovering him, and begged to see Mr Pack in
town as soon as possible.

The old lieutenant accordingly at once made preparations for his
journey.  Fortunately, before he started, he received a letter from Mr
Hanson, saying that in the course of three or four days he would come
down.

"I shall be in time to stop him," observed the lieutenant, "and to talk
the matter over with him before I see Mr Farrance, who will, of course,
want all the information I can give him.  I'll take Tom with me; he
knows his own country, and his woolly pate contains as much good sense
as many a white man's skull."

Tom could scarcely restrain the delight he felt on hearing of his
master's decision.

"But who take care ob de house, de pigs, and de garden, and de poultry?"
he exclaimed of a sudden, as if the idea had just struck him.

"The ladies and Jane will attend to them, and no one will think of
robbing the house during our absence," was the answer.

The lieutenant and his black attendant set off the following morning and
reached London in safety, arriving just in time to stop Mr Hanson from
going down to Triton Cottage.

He doubted whether the Admiralty would consider themselves justified in
sending out any special expedition, and they had already given
directions to the vessels on the coast to make all inquiries in their
power, but he thought that a private expedition such as his friend
suggested might possibly succeed, although he was not very sanguine on
the subject.  Young Garth might possibly be alive, and until they had
received proof positive of his death hope ought not to be abandoned.  He
was expecting his own promotion, but should he not obtain it, he should
be ready to go out in command of a properly organised expedition.
Trustworthy natives might be found, they were not all so black as
generally described.  A private vessel, which would remain on the coast
while the expedition pushed inland, would entail considerable cost.
Where were the funds to come from?

When the old lieutenant related Mr Farrance's offer to defray all
expenses, his friend's countenance brightened.

"That alters the case; we will see him without delay, and if he has the
means we are right to take advantage of his liberality," said Mr
Hanson.

The two officers, therefore, accompanied by Tom Baraka, proceeded to the
address of Mr Farrance in one of the fashionable parts of London.  The
old lieutenant was somewhat taken aback, as he expressed it, on finding
himself in a handsome mansion, such as he had never before in his life
entered; it appeared to him a perfect palace.  He and his companion were
at once ushered into a large study, where they found Mr Farrance, who,
rising from his seat, welcomed them cordially.  He expressed his sincere
regret at hearing of the disappearance of his young friend, from whose
commander, he said, he had received excellent accounts.  "We must find
him if he is to be found.  What object the Arabs can have for keeping
him in captivity, when a reward has been offered for his liberation, it
is difficult to say.  However, I am very glad to have the means of
assisting to recover him."

Mr Farrance, after putting numerous questions to the two officers and
Tom, observed, "We will consider the matter settled.  I have two objects
in view; besides the recovery of our young friend, I am sure the more
the natives are brought into intercourse with white men who show that
they come for the purpose of benefiting them, the sooner will the slave
trade be put a stop to and the Arabs driven out of the country.  Not
until then will the negroes be able to enjoy the blessings of peace, and
the possibility of advancing in civilisation and embracing the truths of
Christianity.  As you, Lieutenant Pack, know those seas and are willing
to take charge of a vessel, I shall be glad to obtain for you the
command of one suited for the purpose; and I conclude, as you would find
it inconvenient to travel--indeed you should not make the attempt--you
would remain on board while the rest of the party penetrate into the
interior.  You, I dare say, Mr Hanson, can get some trustworthy men
among your late crew to accompany you; but we must rely chiefly on the
natives for furnishing a sufficient force."

Mr Hanson was delighted with the readiness shown by Mr Farrance to
forward their object, and he and his brother officer at once promised to
under take the arrangement of an expedition.

"No time then must be lost," replied Mr Farrance.  "I give you and
Lieutenant Pack authority to obtain such a vessel as you consider fit
for the purpose, and to engage a crew for her, and companions for your
land journey.  You will, I conclude, select a small craft which can keep
close in with the coast or run up rivers, as every mile you can go by
water will save you so much, or probably a still greater distance of
land journey."

Further arrangements having been made, the two officers and Tom Baraka
took their departure, promising to report progress.

Mr Hanson was not a man to let the grass grow under his feet, and the
old lieutenant was even more eager than his friend to get under weigh.

Within three days they paid another visit to Mr Farrance.  They had
purchased a schooner of about 150 tons, which had once been a yacht--a
fast craft.  Hands had been engaged, chiefly from the crew of the
"Ione"; three men from Cowes accustomed to fore and aft vessels, one of
whom was to act as mate.  The fitting out of the schooner would be an
easy matter, but the preparations for the land journey required more
time and consideration.  The only two people who had as yet undertaken
to go were Charley Meadows and Tom Baraka.  Two stout Africans who had
lately arrived in England on board a ship from India, and who stated
that when boys they had been captured on the east coast, but had escaped
from Madagascar, to which island they had been carried, to an English
merchantman, appeared well suited for the undertaking.  Mr Hanson was
only waiting until he could hear more about them.

Being satisfied with their testimonials he engaged them, and the next
day, as he was prosecuting his search in the neighbourhood of the docks,
he met with an Arab and three Lascars, of whom, on inquiry of the
masters of the ships who brought them home, he obtained a favourable
report.  The Lascars were brave and useful fellows, while the Arab spoke
English fairly, and he had already penetrated some way into the interior
of Africa.

Both officers, assisted by Charley Meadows, who had been sent for, were
engaged from morning until night in superintending the preparations.
The old lieutenant when he quitted home had expected to return, but as
the "Hope" was ready for sea, he changed his purpose and wrote to his
sister explaining his reasons.

"I don't want to go through another parting, Sally," he said.  "You know
I love you and Mary with all my heart, but that heart is not so tough as
it ought to be perhaps, and I could not bear saying `good-bye' again,
when I have said it already, although I didn't think it was for long.
If Ned is found, and I make no doubt about the matter, we shall have, I
pray God, a happy meeting, and I expect to find Mary grown at least an
inch taller, tell her.  Don't either of you fret; whatever happens all
will be for the best--of that you may be sure.  Should it please Him who
governs all things to call me away--and I do not shut my eyes to the
possibility--you will find my will in my desk.  I have provided, as far
as I can, for you and Mary."

This letter was received the very morning the "Hope" was to sail.  It
caused considerable disappointment to Aunt Sally and Mary, but they
could not help confessing that after all it was for the best.

"My good brother always acts wisely," said Aunt Sally.  "It would have
cost us a good deal to say `good-bye,' when we knew he was going away to
that terrible country Africa!"

"Perhaps the `Hope' will come off here," observed Mary; "we shall then
see uncle and Tom Baraka, and perhaps Mr Hanson and Charley, and be
able to send messages by them to Ned.  As they sailed this morning, they
may be off here in a couple of days."

Mary, as may be supposed, kept a constant look-out through the
lieutenant's telescope, but time went by and no schooner appeared.  Some
days afterwards a letter, which had been landed by a pilot vessel,
brought information that the "Hope" was already in the chops of the
channel and all well.  Aunt Sally and Mary at first felt a great blank
in their existence.  The lieutenant's cheery voice was no longer heard,
and his chair stood vacant at their daily meals, while, instead of the
master, Miss Sally led the morning and evening prayer to the diminished
household.  Tom Baraka's merry laugh was also missed, for in spite of
his one absorbing thought, he was merry when he gave way to his natural
disposition.

Aunt Sally and Mary did not, however, neglect their usual avocations.
They had plenty of work now that Jane had not time to assist them.

The garden had to be attended to, and they persevered in their visits to
the neighbouring poor.  Mary very frequently went to see Mr Shank.  The
old man received her with more apparent gratitude than he used before to
exhibit, and willingly listened when she read to him.  He was evidently
deeply interested in the account she gave him of the expedition in
search of Ned, as also when she repeated the information she had
received from Charley Meadows about Africa and the slave trade.

"Terrible, terrible," he muttered, "that men should sell each other for
gold and produce all this suffering, and yet--" he was silent and seemed
lost in thought.  Mary did not for some minutes again speak.  She then
continued--

"It is the duty of all who have the means to try and put a stop to this
fearful state of things, and to assist in sending missionaries of the
Gospel and artisans to teach Christianity to the poor blacks, and to
instruct them in the useful arts of civilised life."

"The Government should do that," said Mr Shank.  "We pay them taxes."

"The Government do their part by sending out ships-of-war to stop the
dhows and the Arabs who steal the slaves, making the trade so difficult
and dangerous a one that many will be compelled to give it up--so uncle
says--and what more than that can the Government do?  Private people
must carry on the rest of the work, and a more noble and glorious one I
am sure cannot be found.  If I had ever so much money, I should like to
spend it in that way."

"But you would get no interest, you would see no result," said the old
man.

Mary pointed to the Bible she had brought, and from which she had
previously been reading.  "There is a verse there which tells us that we
are to lay up riches in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth
corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal," she answered
in an unaffected tone.  "I should not expect interest, and I am very
sure that I should be satisfied with the result."

The old man again mused, this time far longer than before.  "And so you
want to make Christians and civilised men of those black Africans of
whom you spoke?" he observed.

"Yes; it is the only way to make them become happy here and happy
hereafter," she said, energetically.  "I am sure of it.  If all the
money that is hoarded up or spent uselessly were devoted to such a work,
how soon might the condition of the unfortunate negroes be changed for
the better."

"Then do you blame those who hoard up money?" asked the old man.

"Yes, indeed I do.  I think they are wicked, very wicked, and are not
making a good use of the talents committed to them.  They are just as
wicked as those who throw it away or spend it badly."

"You are a severe censor, Miss Mary," said the old man.  "But you are
right, very right."  He placed his hand on his brow.

Mary took her leave, feeling more drawn towards Mr Shank than she had
ever before been, he seemed so softened and so sad, and very much weaker
than he had before appeared.

Mary told her aunt.

"He suffers from want of food," observed Miss Sally.  "You shall go
again to-morrow and take him another pudding, and say that I will send
one for him, if he wishes it, every day."

Mary reached Mr Shank's door.  She heard him feebly approaching to
withdraw the bolts; as soon as he had done so, he tottered back,
panting, to his seat.

"I am glad you have come, Mary, or I might have been found stiff and
cold on my bed.  I am very ill, I fear, for I have never felt before as
I do now," he said, in so low and trembling a voice that Mary had to
draw closer to hear him.

She begged him to eat the food she had brought, hoping that it might
restore his strength.  He followed her advice, lifting the spoon slowly
to his mouth.

After he had finished the food he appeared somewhat stronger.

"Thank you, Mary," he said.  "I owe you a great deal more than I can now
tell you, for I have something else to say.  I want you to bring me a
lawyer, an honest man, if such is to be found, and his clerk must come
to witness my signature.  I'll try to keep alive until he arrives, for,
Mary, do you know I think that I am dying."

"O no, I hope not, Mr Shank.  You are only weak from want of food,"
exclaimed Mary, who, however, was much alarmed.  "I will go on to where
Mr Thorpe lives, I know the way perfectly, and have heard uncle say
that he is a good and honest man, and is trusted by all the people
round."

"Go then, Mary, go!" said the old man.  "Don't allow any one to stop
you; and if Mr Thorpe is out, write a message requesting him to come on
here immediately."

Mary, promising Mr Shank that she would obey his wishes, hastened away.
She observed that he did not close the door behind her as usual.  She
found Mr Thorpe at home and gave her message.

"What! old Shank the miser?  I suspect that he has something worth
leaving behind," observed the lawyer.  "I'll be with him immediately,
depend on that.  But how are you going to get back, young lady?"

"Oh, I can walk perfectly well," said Mary.

"No; let me drive you as far as old Shank's, and if you like to remain I
will take you on to Triton Cottage.  Miss Sally will not know what has
become of you."

Mary was glad to accept this offer, and the lawyer's gig being brought
round, she took her seat between him and his clerk.

"I will wait outside," she said when they reached Mr Shank's door.  "I
can look after your horse and see it doesn't run away, for Mr Shank may
have something particular to tell you which he might not wish me to
hear."

The lawyer, appreciating Mary's delicacy, agreed, though he did not give
her the charge of his horse, as the animal was well accustomed to stand
with its head fastened to a paling while he visited his clients.  Mary
waited and waited, sometimes walking about, at others standing beside
the gig, or sitting on the hillside, on the very spot which had often
been occupied by Ned.  Her thoughts naturally flew away to him.  Where
could he be all this time?  Would Mr Hanson and Charley discover him,
or would they return without tidings of his fate?

The lawyer at last appeared, and, directing his clerk to return home
with some papers he held in his hand, he begged Mary to get into the
gig.

"I must run in to see old Mr Shank first," she said, "and learn if
there is anything aunt or I can do for him."

"You will find him more easy in his mind than he was when I arrived; but
in regard to assistance, he doesn't require it as much as you suppose.
He has consented to let me send a doctor, and a respectable woman to
attend on him.  He is not in a fit state to be left by himself."

Mary was surprised at these remarks.  Not wishing to delay the lawyer
she hurried in.  Mr Shank, who was still seated in his arm-chair, put
out his shrivelled hand and clasped hers.

"Thank you, Mary, thank you!" he said.  "You deserve to be happy, and
Heaven will bless your kindness to a forlorn old man.  I may live to see
you again, but my days are numbered, whatever the lawyer may say to the
contrary."

Mary explained that Mr Thorpe was waiting for her, and saying that she
was glad to hear he was to have some one to attend on him, bade him
good-bye.

During the drive to Triton Cottage the lawyer did not further allude to
Mr Shank, and Mary very naturally forbore to question him.

Aunt Sally, who had become somewhat anxious at her long absence, was
greatly surprised at seeing Mr Thorpe, and not being influenced by the
same motive as Mary, inquired what the old man could possibly have
desired to see him about.

"To make his will, Miss Sally," answered the lawyer; "it has been
signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of myself and John Brown,
my clerk, and its contents are to remain locked in our respective
breasts and my strong box until the due time arrives for its
administration.  That he has made a will argues that he has, as you may
suppose, some property to leave, and that the people in our
neighbourhood were not so far wrong in calling him a miser; but he has
hoarded to some purpose, and I wish that all misers would leave their
gold in as satisfactory a manner as he has done."

In vain Miss Sally endeavoured to elicit further information; the lawyer
laughed and rubbed his hands, but not a word more could she get out of
him than he chose to say.  Then turning the subject, he steadily
declined again entering on it, though he made himself agreeable by
conversing in a cheerful tone on various others.

Mary's anxiety prompted her to visit Mr Shank the next day, and her
aunt not objecting she set off by herself.  A respectable-looking woman
opened the door, and courtesied to her as she did so.

"How is Mr Shank?" asked Mary.

"He is not worse than he was yesterday; he has been asking for you ever
so many times, miss, and has made me go to the door to see if you were
coming.  He'll be main glad to see you.  I have been working hard to
make the house look a little tidy, but it is in a sad mess; it is a
wonder the whole of it didn't come down and crush the old man before
this--"

The woman would have continued to run on in the same strain had not Mary
begged to be allowed to enter.  She found Mr Shank seated in his
arm-chair, looking, as she thought, very pale and weak.  He thanked her,
much in his usual way, for again coming to see him, and for bringing him
another of Miss Sally's puddings, but Mary remarked that he no longer
spoke of his poverty.

"I wanted very much to see you, my dear," he said, in a gentle tone,
which contrasted greatly with that in which he used formally to speak;
"but I don't want listeners, Mrs Mason, I will request you to retire
and busy yourself at the further end of the house, or out of doors."

The old woman looked somewhat astonished, but obeyed without replying.

Mary could not fail to be surprised at the tone of authority in which he
spoke, as if he had been accustomed all his life to give directions to
an attendant.

"Mary," he said, as he sat with his hands clasped, leaning back in his
chair, and glancing half aside at her fair countenance, as if a feeling
of shame oppressed him, "you have been my good angel.  I owe you much,
more than I can ever repay.  Had it not been for you, I should have gone
down to my grave a miserable, wretched being, with no one to care for
me; but you awoke me to a sense of better things.  I have not always
been as I am now, but care and disappointment came upon me, and those I
loved were lost through my fault, by my hard treatment.  I see it now,
but I thought then they were alone to blame.  I once had wealth, but it
was dissipated almost, not all, and I feared lest the remainder would be
lost; then I became what you have known me, a wretched, grovelling
miser.  I had a daughter, she was young and fair, and as bright as you
are, but she desired to live as she had been accustomed to, not aware of
my losses, and I stinted her of everything except the bare necessaries
of life.  She had many admirers: one of them was wealthy, but Fanny
regarded him with dislike; the other, a fine youth, was, I thought,
penniless.  She returned his affection, and I ordered him never again to
enter my doors.  My child bore my treatment meekly, but one day she came
into my presence, and in a calm but firm voice said she would no longer
be a burden to me; that she was ready to toil for my support were it
requisite, but that she was well aware that I was possessed of ample
means to obtain the comforts as well as the necessaries of life.
Enraged, I ordered her, with a curse, to quit my house, declaring that I
would never see her again.  She obeyed me too faithfully, and became the
young man's wife, and she and her husband left England.  I heard shortly
afterwards that the ship in which they sailed had been wrecked.  That
such was the case I had every reason to believe as from that day I lost
all trace of them.  Hardhearted as I was, I believed that my child had
met her just doom for the disobedience into which I myself had driven
her, and having no one to care for, I sank into the wretched object you
found me.  You will think of me, Mary, with pity rather than scorn when
I am gone?"

"Do not speak so, Mr Shank; I have long, long pitied you," said Mary,
soothingly.  "You are not what you were; you mourn your past life, and
you know the way by which you can be reconciled to a merciful God."

The old man gazed at her fair countenance.  "No other human being could
have moved me but you," he said; "you reminded me from the first of my
lost child, and I listened to you as I would have listened to no one
else.  Bless you! bless you!"

Mary had already spent a longer time than she had intended listening to
the old man's history.  She rose to go away.  He kept her small hand in
his shrivelled palms.

"I should wish my last gaze on earth to be on your face, Mary; I should
die more easily, and yet I do not fear death as I once did when I strove
to put away all thoughts of it.  I know it must come before long; it may
be days, or weeks, and you will then know how my poor wretched heart has
loved you."

Mary, not understanding him, answered--

"You have shown me that already, Mr Shank, and I hope you may be spared
to find something worth living for."

"Yes, if I had health and strength I should wish to assist in benefiting
those poor Africans of whom you have so often told me, and putting an
end to the fearful slave trade; but I cannot recall my wasted days, and
I must leave it to you, Mary.  If you have the means to try and help
them, you will do so, I know, far better than I can."

"I shall be thankful if I can ever benefit the poor Africans," said
Mary, smiling at what appeared to her so very unlikely.  "But I must
stop no longer, or Aunt Sally will fancy that some harm has befallen
me."

Mary wished him good-bye, summoning Mrs Mason as she went out.

On Mary's return to Triton Cottage she found Lieutenant Meadows, who had
come to wish her and her aunt good-bye, his turn of service on the
coast-guard having expired.

He inquired whether they had received any news of the "Hope."

"She must have been round the Cape long ago.  Hanson and his people
should by this time have landed, so that you would get letters from the
Cape, or perhaps even from Zanzibar, in the course of a week or two.
You will write to me and say what news you receive in case Charley's
letters should miscarry."  Miss Sally promised, without fail, to write
as Mr Meadows requested, and he gave her his address.  When he was
gone, Miss Sally and Mary had no one to talk to on the subject nearest
their hearts.  They discussed it over and over again by themselves, in
spite of Aunt Sally's declaration that it was of no use, and that they
had better not speak about the matter; yet she was generally the first
to begin, and Mary would bring out the map, and they both would pore
over it, the elder lady through her spectacles, as if they could there
discover by some magical power where Ned was, and the point the "Hope"
had reached.  They were cheerful and happy, though nothing occurred to
vary the monotony of their everyday life, until the post one morning
brought a letter addressed to Miss Sarah Pack.

"Whom can it be from?" she exclaimed, adjusting her spectacles.  "It is
not from my brother; it bears only the English post mark.  Give me my
scissors, Mary."  And she deliberately cut it open, though not the less
eager to know its contents.

Mary watched her as she read, holding the letter up to the light, and
murmuring, "Astonishing!"

"Very strange!"

"I cannot understand it!"

"And yet not impossible!"

"I don't know whether I ought to tell you the contents of this," she
said, after she had read it twice over; "it may agitate you, my dear
Mary, and raise expectations only to be disappointed.  It is from Mr
Farrance, and a very singular story he gives me."

These remarks could not fail to arouse Mary's curiosity.

"Is it about Ned?  Has he been found?  Is he coming back?" she
exclaimed, her hand trembling in an unusual manner as she was about to
pour out a cup of tea for her aunt.

"No, he does not give us any news of Ned.  The letter has reference to
you.  I ought not to wish that anything to your advantage should not
happen, but yet I almost dread lest Mr Farrance's expectations should
be realised."

"Oh, do tell me, aunt, what Mr Farrance says!" exclaimed Mary.  "I will
nerve myself for whatever it may be; but I cannot even guess."

"Have you no suspicion on the subject?" asked Miss Sally, after a few
moments' silence.

"None whatever," answered Mary.

Miss Sally looked at her earnestly with eyes full of affection, and then
said, speaking very slowly--

"You know, my dear Mary, how my brother found you and Tom Baraka
floating on a piece of wreck in the Indian Ocean, and how neither you
nor Tom were able to give any account of yourselves--he not
understanding English, and you being too young to remember what had
occurred.  From the day my brother brought you home we have ever loved
you dearly, and supposing that your parents perished, we believed that
no one would appear to take you away from us."

"Yes, indeed, dear aunt, and I have never wished to leave you," said
Mary, in a gentle tone.  "If Mr Farrance wishes me to do so, pray tell
him that it is impossible."

"There may be one who has a greater right to claim you than we have, and
should he prove his claim, we should be unable to hold you from him."

"But how can any one have a claim upon me?  I don't understand, aunt,"
said Mary, completely puzzled.  "Pray tell me what Mr Farrance does
say."

"You shall hear his letter, and then judge for yourself, my dear child,"
said Miss Sally, and again holding the letter before her spectacles, she
read--

"My Dear Miss Pack,--I lose no time in informing you during your good
brother's absence of a circumstance which may possibly greatly affect
your young charge Mary.  I must tell you that I had a brother who, at an
early age, having married imprudently, left England, and that I and the
rest of his family long supposed him dead.  Two days ago a gentleman,
who said that he had just returned to this country after having resided
for many years in one of the Dutch East India settlements, called upon
me.  After some conversation he inquired whether I suspected who he was,
and, greatly to my astonishment, he announced himself as my long-lost
brother.  He was so changed by time and a pestiferous climate, and
sorrow and trials of all sorts, that I had a great difficulty in
recognising him, though I was at length satisfied that he was my
brother, and as such welcomed him home.  While he was yesterday evening
narrating the events of his life, he mentioned having sent his wife,
whose health required a change of climate, and their only child, a
little girl, on board a ship bound for the Cape of Good Hope, where a
correspondent of his house had promised to receive them, but that the
ship was lost and that all on board, it was believed, had perished.  On
hearing this it at once struck me as possible, and remember I say barely
possible, that the child picked up by Lieutenant Pack might be my
brother's daughter.  On comparing dates I found, as nearly as I can
calculate, that they agree.  Of course I do not forget that there might
have been several children of the same ago on board the ship.  Even
should the wreck Mr Pack fell in with have been a portion of the
ill-fated ship, yet some other child instead of my brother's might have
been saved.  It would be difficult, but not impossible, to identify her.
My brother is more sanguine than I am on the subject, and is anxious to
come down with me as soon as his health will allow, if you will give us
permission, to see your young charge.  You may possibly have preserved
the clothes she had on and any ornaments about her which might assist in
her identification.  Although my brother might not be able to recognise
them, he tells me that a black girl, who was a nurse in his family and
much attached to the child, is still alive, and he proposes to send for
her immediately.  He has married again and has a large family.  Though
Mary may be pleased to find that she has a number of brothers and
sisters, her position as to fortune will not be greatly altered; however
on that point she will not concern herself as much as you and others,
her elders, may possibly do, and we will take care that she is not the
loser should the hopes we entertain be realised.

"I have written this, my dear madam, as you ought to receive the
earliest information on the subject, and because you may think fit to
prepare your young charge for what may otherwise prove so startling to
her; but I leave that to your judgment, and hoping in the course of a
few days to see you,

"I remain,

"Yours faithfully,

"J. Farrance."

Mary sat for some minutes, her hands clasped and apparently lost in
thought, then she burst into tears, exclaiming, "My poor, poor mother!
I cannot help picturing her on the deck of the sinking ship, while the
fierce waves were foaming around her until she was carried away and
lost."

It was strange she did not think so much of her supposed father and the
new brothers and sisters she might find.  Miss Sally endeavoured to calm
her.

"My dear, dear Mary, I ought not to have read this letter to you," she
exclaimed, "you must try to forget it; but I am afraid that you will not
do that, and we must endeavour to wait patiently until Mr Farrance and
his brother appear.  They may find that they are mistaken, and then you
will still be my little niece, and as much loved as ever."

Mary soon grew calm, and tried to follow Miss Sally's advice by waiting
patiently for the appearance of their expected visitors.  We, in the
meantime, must go to a far off part of the world.



CHAPTER NINE.

No one will suppose that Ned Garth was dead, more than did his loving
friends, although a long time had elapsed, and no tidings of him had
been received.

When ordered by Mr Rhymer to try and prevent the escape of the slaves,
he sprang forward without thinking of the risk he ran.  He had succeeded
in getting in front of a large party of the fugitives, endeavouring by
all the significant gestures he could think of to induce them to turn
back to the shore, when he was felled to the ground by a blow from
behind.  He retained sufficient consciousness, however, to be aware that
he had been picked up and was being dragged along rapidly in the midst
of a crowd of blacks.  He could hear at first the shouts of his
shipmates, but they gradually became less and less distinct.  He felt
that he was being carried forward further and further from the river,
sometimes completely lifted off his feet.  He could not, fortunately for
himself, collect his scattered senses sufficiently to consider what
would probably be his fate.  His first idea, when he recovered from the
blow, was the desire to try and escape, but he had neither the strength
nor opportunity to get away.  When he opened his eyes he saw a number of
black faces scowling round him, and several well-dressed Arabs a little
distance off, while on every side were other negroes being driven in
like a flock of terrified sheep to a common centre.  Presently a much
larger party of Arabs than those who had formed the crew of the dhow
made their appearance, and were welcomed with shouts of satisfaction.

The whole party now occupied themselves in binding the negroes, some
with ropes round their necks and others with forked sticks, a treatment
to which they appeared to submit without resistance.  The blacks who
guarded Ned were apparently free men, or at all events attached to the
Arabs.  They jabbered away and made signs, intimating that he was soon
to be put to death; he prepared himself therefore for what he had too
much reason to fear would be his fate.  He knew that it would be useless
to ask for mercy.  Had he been able to speak their tongue, he would have
told them that they would gain much more by delivering him up to his
friends; but, as his arms were kept tight, he could not even make signs
to that effect.  He waited therefore, with as much calmness as he could
command, for what would next follow.  Several of the slaves had in the
meantime attempted to escape, but were pursued by the Arabs and some of
the free blacks.  The least active, or those who had last started, were
soon brought back; he heard, however, shots fired, and after a time the
pursuers returned dragging along those they had recovered, two of whom
were bleeding from gun-shot wounds in the shoulders.  Whether any had
been killed he could not then learn, but he afterwards ascertained that
three had been shot as a warning to the rest.  The slaves having at
length been secured, the party moved forward towards the west, keeping
the river in sight on their right hand.  As evening approached, they
encamped at some distance from the bank.  Fires were lighted, but no
food was cooked--for the best of all reasons, that the party were
destitute of provisions.  Ned observed that armed sentries were placed
round the camp, but that was probably to prevent any of the slaves
escaping rather than on account of an expected attack.

He had some faint hope that Rhymer might have got back to the ship in
time to give information of what had happened, and that the boats might
be sent up to attempt his recapture.  At length, overcome with fatigue,
he lay down between the two blacks who had him in charge, and in spite
of the disagreeable proximity of his guards, he was soon fast asleep;
his slumbers, however, were troubled, but he continued dozing on until
he was aroused by the Arabs summoning their followers to re-commence the
march.  Water had been brought from the river, but they started without
food, and it was not till late in the day that, reaching a village, they
compelled the inhabitants to supply them by threatening to burn their
huts if they refused.  Ultimately, crossing the river by a ford, they
proceeded for some distance towards the north.

Ned did not fail to be on the watch for an opportunity of escaping; he
thought that if he could hide himself away he might get down to the
coast, and have a chance of falling in with one of the boats.  He was,
however, far too closely guarded, he discovered, for this to be
possible.  He was still unable to conjecture for what object the Arabs
had carried him off.  For three days they journeyed on, the whole party
suffering greatly from want of food, and sometimes from thirst, when
long stretches of barren ground were passed over without a drop of water
to be found.  At last he discovered that they were directing their
course once more to the eastward, and in another day they came in sight
of the sea.  There was a high cliff on the right hand, sheltering a deep
bay in which three dhows rode at anchor.  On a signal being made the
dhows stood in towards the inner part of the bay, where a small creek
formed a harbour of sufficient size to contain them, so that they were
able to moor close to the shore.  Several Arabs landed from each of
them.  After the preliminary salaams had been gone through, business at
once commenced, which terminated apparently in a bargain being struck
for the purchase of the whole party of slaves, their price consisting of
bales of cloth, coils of wire, beads, and other articles, which were at
once landed; and this being done, the slaves were shipped on board the
dhows.  Ned almost hoped that he might be sent with them, as he thought
that he might thus have a better opportunity of making his escape than
he could expect to find should he be detained by his captors.  He was
greatly disappointed, therefore, on finding that he was still kept a
prisoner.  He looked seaward with a longing gaze, thinking it possible
that either the ship or the boats might appear in search of the dhows;
but not seeing them, he guessed that the cunning Arabs had taken the
opportunity of shipping the slaves while they remained off the mouth of
the river.  Several other Arabs had joined their party, which now
consisted of thirty well-armed men, besides nearly one hundred pagazis,
or carriers, hired from the neighbouring villages to convey the goods
into the interior.  Among them was a finely-dressed individual wearing
on his head a large turban, and round his waist a rich scarf, into which
were stuck a dagger and a brace of silver-mounted pistols.  He appeared
to take the lead, and Ned discovered that he was called
Mohammed-ibn-Nassib.  He had not long joined the party when his eye fell
on Ned.  Pointing towards him he inquired who the young stranger was.
The answer he received appeared to satisfy him, and he turned away
without making any further remark.  The party being marshalled the march
began, the Arabs keeping a strict watch on the blacks carrying their
goods.

At nightfall they halted near the banks of a stream which evidently fell
into the main river.  As Ned observed its course, the thought occurred
to him that if he could find a canoe, or for want of one a log of
timber, he might float down with the current and reach the boats, which
he felt sure would be sent to look for him.  To do this, however, he
must first elude his guards, who were, he found to his satisfaction,
less watchful than at first, being apparently satisfied that he would
not attempt to escape.

It was terribly trying work to be alone, without any one to speak to who
understood a word he said.  Several fires were lighted in the camp,
which served both for cooking provisions and scaring away the wild
beasts.  Ned was allowed to sit near one, round which Mohammed and the
other Arabs collected.  Hoping to throw them off their guard, he assumed
as unconcerned an air as possible, endeavouring to make them believe
that he was reconciled to his lot.  He was still as much in the dark as
ever as to what they intended to do with him.  Their purpose could
scarcely be to sell him as a slave, but possibly they thought that by
exhibiting him as a prisoner to the black chiefs they might gain the
credit of having defeated the English.

In a short time their evening meal was brought by the attendants, one of
whom, when they were served, placed a bowl of rice, seasoned with red
pepper and salt, before him.  It was the food the slaves were fed upon.
Though aware of this, he was too hungry to refuse it, and trying to look
perfectly satisfied, he ate up the rice as if it was exactly the dish he
preferred, and then put out the bowl to ask for more.

Mohammed shook his head to signify that he must be content with the
share given him, while the rest seemed highly amused with his look of
disappointment.  After some time they retired to sleep in some rude
huts, which their attendants had put up for them, when he was led away
by his two watchful guards.  He was placed as usual between them, and
lay down, covering himself up with a piece of matting which one of the
Arabs more kindly disposed than the rest had given him.  Drawing the
matting over his head, he pretended to go to sleep, but he kept his eye
at a hole, through which he could partially see what was taking place.

He waited for some time watching his guards until their loud snores
assured him that their slumbers were not feigned, and at length all
sounds having ceased in the camp, he cautiously lifted up his head to
ascertain whether any sentries had been placed near him, but he could
see none either on the one side or the other.  The fires had burnt low.
"Some one will soon come to wake them up," he thought; "it will be
imprudent to move yet."  He waited for some time longer, but the flames
got lower and lower, and at last the glare they had thrown on the
neighbouring trees faded away.

"Now or never is my time to escape," he said to himself.  Creeping out
from under his mat, which he left raised up in the centre to appear as
if he was still beneath it, he crawled along for some distance on his
hands and knees.  He stopped, however, every now and then to ascertain
if any sentry, who might have been lying down, had risen to his feet and
was likely to discover him.  Thus advancing a few yards at a time, he
made his way towards the river.  His intention was then to continue down
along it until he could find a canoe.  He had nearly gained the water
when cries, shrieks, and loud shouts reached his ear, followed by the
sound of fire-arms.  Several bullets came whistling close to his head;
to avoid them he sprang behind the trunk of a large tree.  Scarcely had
he done so, when he heard close to him the crash of bushes, and a huge
animal bounded by carrying in its jaws what, seen through the gloom,
appeared to be the dead body of a man.  He heard a faint cry as if from
a human voice, followed by the continued crash of the underwood as the
creature rushed along the very course he had intended to pursue.  Hardly
had it disappeared than the cries and shouts, growing nearer and nearer,
showed him that a number of men from the camp were coming in pursuit of
the animal, and that he could scarcely avoid being discovered.  Even if
this should happen, he had reason to be thankful that he had not
attempted to make his escape sooner, or he would in all probability have
met the lion and fallen a victim instead of the man who had been carried
off.  He crouched down among the thick roots of the tree, hoping that
even now he might not be discovered; at the same time he felt that it
would be madness to attempt to pursue the course he had intended down
the river, as he should in all probability, if he did so, encounter the
lion which had carried off the man.  He waited, his heart beating
quickly.  The blacks came on, shouting at the top of their voices to
keep up their courage and to frighten the lion, but did not discover
him.  He must now decide what to do, either to return to the camp and
wait for another opportunity or to continue his flight.  Every day would
increase his distance from the coast and the difficulties he must
encounter to reach it.  The thought occurred to him that he might cross
the river and go down on the opposite bank, though he did not fail to
remember that crocodiles or hippopotami might be lying concealed in its
bed, but he resolved to run the risk rather than again place himself in
the power of the Arabs.  Not a moment was to be lost.  He sprang from
his place of concealment and ran towards the bank.  Scarcely had he
reached it than he heard the men coming back, shouting as before to each
other, for they had not ventured to follow the lion far, knowing that
their companion must by that time have been dead.  He did not therefore
hesitate.  Slipping into the water, he struck out across the stream.  He
had got nearly half-way over, when he became aware that the shouts he
heard were directed at him.  Not daring to look back, he swam on with
all his strength, hoping that no one would venture to follow him.

On and on he went.  Thoughts of crocodiles and hippopotami would
intrude, but he trusted that the noise made by the blacks would drive
them away.  No shots were fired at him.  Why this was he could not
tell--perhaps he was no longer seen.  Then the idea occurred that some
one might be pursuing him: still, undaunted, he continued his course.
Reeds flanked the opposite bank of the stream; should he be able to
force his way through them?  If he could, they would afford him
concealment.  He could distinguish them rising up like a wall before
him; he at last reached them, and began to struggle through the barrier.
It was hard work, for the water was still too deep to allow him to
wade, and the reeds bent down as he clutched them; still, as those he
first grasped yielded, he seized others, and hauled himself along.  At
length his feet touched the bottom, and he was able to make somewhat
better progress.  He had not time to consider what he should do when he
had gained the firm ground.  There might be other lions in the way, but
he resolved not to be deterred by the fear of encountering them; he
dreaded far more falling into the hands of the Arabs.  He expected every
moment to reach the shore, when one of his feet stuck fast in the mud.
He endeavoured to obtain a firmer foothold by pressing down the reeds so
that he might stand upon them, but this caused considerable delay, and
in his efforts he was nearly falling on his face into the water.  At
length he succeeded in drawing out his foot, and once more he struggled
on.  The noise made by the bending reeds had prevented him from hearing
a loud rustling at no great distance which now struck his ear.  It might
be caused by one of the huge inhabitants of the river.  Should an
hippopotamus have discovered him, he must seek for safety by climbing
the nearest tree he could reach.  The idea incited him to fresh
exertions.  He sprang forward, his hand touched the firm ground.  He
drew himself up the bank, but was so exhausted by his efforts that he
had scarcely strength sufficient to run for a tree.  As he stood for a
few moments endeavouring to recover himself, he fixed on one a short
distance off, a branch of which hung down sufficiently low to enable him
to swing himself up by it.  He took one glance also behind him.  The
darkness prevented him from seeing the figures of this Arabs on the
opposite side, but he could hear their voices still shouting loudly.
Having recovered his breath, he once more started off in the direction
of the tree.  Should he there find that he was not pursued, as he
expected, he intended to continue his course along the bank of the
river.  He reached the tree, and was on the point of grasping the bough
when he heard men shouting behind him, and, glancing over his shoulder,
he distinguished amid the gloom three dark figures coming on at full
speed.  He hoped, however, that he might not have been seen, and that,
if he could once get into the tree, they might pass by.  He made frantic
efforts to draw himself up, and had just succeeded when he felt his foot
seized by a human hand.  He in vain endeavoured to free himself.  The
gruff voice of a black shouted to him, and he recognised it as that of
one of his former guards.  The man pulled away at his leg with such
force that he was compelled to let go his hold, and would have fallen
heavily to the ground had not his other pursuers, who came up, caught
him.  Once more he found himself a prisoner.  His captors, he judged by
the way they spoke, were abusing him, though he could not understand
what they said.  Further resistance was useless, so he resigned himself
to his fate.  What they were going to do with him he could not tell;
whether they would recross the river or remain on the side he had
reached.  They led him down to the bank, from which a large amount of
shouting was exchanged.  This finally ceased, and he found himself being
led up the stream, as he concluded, towards a ford, or to some spot
where a crossing might be more easily effected than at the place where
he had swum over.  He was right in his conjectures, for after some time
torches appeared on the opposite side, and his captors, dragging him
along, plunged into the stream, and began to wade across, shouting and
shrieking at the top of their voices as they did so, and boating the
water with some long sticks to drive away the crocodiles.  Several Arabs
and blacks with torches received the party as they landed, casting
scowling looks at poor Ned, who had abundance of abuse heaped upon him
for his futile attempt to escape.  On being led back to the camp,
however, he was allowed to dry his wet clothes before the fire, which he
did by taking some of them off at a time.

It was a sore trial to him to be all alone without any human being to
whom he could speak.  At last the blacks led him back to the very spot
from which he had escaped, and he was allowed to cover himself up again
with his mat.  He saw, however, that one of the men was sitting by his
side to keep watch.

He was too much exhausted to think over his disappointment, or to fear
any evil consequences from remaining so long wet.  He soon fell into a
deep slumber, from which he was aroused by one of the blacks shaking him
by the shoulder, while another brought a bowl of rice and a cup of
coffee.

On looking round he perceived that the caravan was preparing to march.
The pagazis had shouldered their loads, and the Arabs were girding
themselves for the journey.  Knowing that he would have to accompany
them, he got up ready to obey the summons to move.  He was surprised to
see Mohammed, the leader, approaching him.  The Arab chief spoke a few
words, laughing heartily, slapped him on the shoulder in a familiar way,
and Ned concluded that he was complimenting him on the manner he had
attempted his escape.  He then lifted his gun as if about to shoot, and
put it into his hands, making signs that he was to use it, and Ned
surmised that it was intended he should fight for the Arabs.

After this Mohammed seemed much more friendly than before, and invited
him frequently to march by his side.  The river was crossed by the ford,
and the caravan proceeded westward.

Ned cast many a lingering look behind as he got further and further from
the stream by means of which he had hoped to rejoin his friends.  He was
too strictly watched, however, to have the slightest chance of escaping.
The country near the coast had been almost depopulated, and very few
villages or habitations of any description were passed.  As the caravan
advanced more people were met with, and several large villages were
seen, to the chiefs of some of which the Arabs paid a sort of tribute in
beads and wire, and occasionally cloth, for the sake of retaining their
friendship.

Shortly afterwards they were joined by another caravan, containing even
more men than their own, and together they formed a large party.  He was
introduced formally to the new-comers, who seemed to look at him with
much interest and treat him with respect.  Though allowed to wander in
the neighbourhood of the camp he found that one of the blacks was always
strictly watching him, and that even had he intended to escape he should
have no opportunity of so doing.  He now observed that the Arabs marched
more cautiously than heretofore, that scouts were sent out and returned
frequently to report what was going on in front.  At last one day the
caravan halted earlier than usual, and the pagazis were immediately set
to work to cut down young trees, with which stockades were formed round
the camp, and every man remained under arms.  The Arab leaders, seated
on carpets outside their huts, held long consultations, which, though
Ned attended them, he was unable to understand a word that was said.  He
guessed, however, from their gestures and the expression of their
countenances, that some were counselling peace and others war--that the
advice of the latter prevailed he judged from the excited tones of their
voices, while the chief's touched the hilts of their swords, or drew
them from their scabbards and flourished them in the air.  The opinion
he came to from all he heard and saw was that some potentate or other,
through whose country they desired to pass, had prohibited their
progress, and that they had determined to force their onward way in
spite of his opposition.  That many of the chiefs had for some time been
prepared for this Ned was convinced from the preparations they had made.

Leaving a garrison within the camp to guard their goods, the next
morning the little army commenced its march, each chief dressed in his
gayest attire, attended by a lad carrying his gun, drums beating,
colours flying, and musical instruments emitting strange sounds, while
the black followers of the Arabs chanted their various war songs in
discordant tones.  Mohammed had sent for Ned, and by signs made him
understand that he was to be his armour-bearer, and to accompany him to
battle.  Ned was very much inclined to decline the honour.  He
questioned whether the Arabs had any right to insist on marching through
a country claimed by others.  Whatever quarrel might exist it was no
concern of his.  Then came the point, should he refuse, he would be
looked upon with contempt and treated as a slave, and would have less
chance of escaping; as to the danger, it did not enter into his
calculations.  "The Arab insists on my accompanying him, and will make
me promise to fight, so fight I must," he thought.  "I do not see how I
can help myself."  He therefore nodded and patted the gun handed him,
showing that he knew well how to use it.  The chiefs marched forward in
high spirits, congratulating each other beforehand on the victory they
expected to achieve.  Ned kept by Mohammed's side, carrying the chief's
gun as well as his own, an honour he would gladly have dispensed with.

About noon the force halted to dine, and two hours afterwards they came
in sight, from the top of slightly elevated ground, of a stockaded
enclosure, the interior filled with huts on the side of a gentle slope.
The chiefs pointed towards it and addressed their followers, who replied
with loud shouts.  Ned guessed that it was the place about to be
attacked.  No other enemies had been seen, and the village did not
appear capable of holding out against so formidable a force.  The Arabs,
expecting to gain an easy victory, advanced in loose order to the
attack.  While one party rushed at the gate to break it open, the
remainder halting fired their muskets, but as the stockades were thick
no injury was inflicted on the garrison.  Not a missile was shot in
return.  Emboldened by this they were advancing close up to the
stockade, when suddenly a shower of bullets, accompanied by a flight of
arrows, came whistling about their heads.  Several of the attacking
party fell dead, pierced through and through, two or three of the chief
Arabs being among them, while others were badly wounded.

Mohammed, taking his gun from Ned's hand and shouting his battle cry,
rushed forward, firing as he advanced.  In the meantime the gate had
been opened.  Many of the Arabs and a large number of their followers
sprang in.  No resistance was offered.  Others were about to follow when
the gate was shut, and directly afterwards the sharp rattle of musketry
was heard, mingled with the shouts of the Arabs and the shrieks and
cries of the negroes, but not a shot, was fired at those outside.  Then
there came an ominous silence.  Suddenly it was broken by renewed
firing, but this time the shots were directed towards the assailants,
who were still pressing on to the walls.  In vain they attempted to
force the gate, numbers were falling; already half their number, with
those cut to pieces inside the village, were killed or wounded, and
Mohammed, calling his followers round him, retreated, leaving all the
dead and many of the worst wounded behind to the mercy of the victors.
They hurried on until they were beyond the range of the muskets of the
fort, when they halted, and Mohammed asked whether they would renew the
attack and revenge the loss of their friends or retreat.

The point was settled by the appearance of a band of black warriors
armed, some with shields and spears and others with muskets, issuing
from the gate.

The retreat was continued, and Mohammed had the greatest difficulty in
preventing it from becoming a disorganised flight.  Bravely he faced
about, and setting the example to his men fired his musket at the
advancing foe; but the latter, halting when the Arabs stopped, kept out
of range, again advancing as soon as they moved on.

Ned remained with Mohammed, who shook his head mournfully as if
acknowledging his defeat.  He had reason to look grave.  The distance to
the camp was great, they were in an enemy's country, and there was more
than one defile to pass through, while the thick woods and tall grass on
either side might conceal large bodies of their foes.  Again and again
the Arab called on his men to keep together, and not to be disheartened,
though he himself showed his apprehensions by the expression of his
countenance.  For a couple of hours the retreating force had marched on,
the dark band of savages hovering in their rear, but not venturing near
enough to come to blows.

Mohammed continued to cast anxious glances on either hand, and retained
his musket instead of giving it back to Ned to carry for him.  Ned
longed to be able to ask him what hope there was of getting back safe to
the camp, but when he made signs the chief only gave in return an
ominous shake of the head.

One of the denies they had to pass through was entered, Mohammed gazed
round even more anxiously than before, scanning every rock and bush
which might conceal a foe.  While their pursuers were still in sight,
the narrowest part was gained.  The chief had inspired Ned with his own
apprehensions, and every moment he expected to be assailed by a shower
of arrows and javelins.  He breathed more freely when they once more
entered the open country.  As they advanced they looked behind, hoping
that the negroes would not have ventured through the pass, but they were
still pursuing.  The Arabs dared not halt to rest or take any
refreshment, for it was all-important to reach their camp before
nightfall.  Once there, as it was well stored with provisions, they
might wait for reinforcements.

A thick wood, however, was before them and another rocky defile.  As
they approached the wood, Mohammed again showed his anxiety.  Several of
the men now gave in, the wounded especially suffered greatly, and one by
one they dropped, no attempt being made to carry them on.  The wood,
however, was passed, and next the defile appeared.  Their figures cast
long shadows on the ground, and the entrance to the gorge looked dark
and threatening.  The fugitives were too much fatigued to climb the
heights to ascertain if any foes lurked among them.  "On, on!" was the
cry, Mohammed and the other chiefs leading.  Ned cast one look behind,
and saw that the negroes were pressing forward in their rear at a faster
pace than before; the move was ominous.  The pass was entered.  The men
went on at a sharp run, each eager to get through.  Not a shout was
uttered, the tramp of many feet alone was heard, when suddenly the
comparative silence was broken by fierce shrieks and cries, and from all
sides came showers of arrows and javelins, while from the heights above
their heads rushed down a complete avalanche of rocks and stones.  Ned
saw Mohammed pierced through by an arrow; all the other chiefs the next
instant shared the same fate.  There was no hope of escaping by pushing
forward, as the path was barred by a band of shrieking savages, while on
every side lay the dead or dying, crushed by stones or pierced by arrows
and darts.  In the rear he could distinguish the few survivors
endeavouring to cut their way out by the road they had come, fighting
desperately with the band of warriors who had pursued them, but they too
were quickly brought to the ground, and not half a dozen of his
companions remained standing.  He was looking round to see whether any
overhanging rock or hollow would afford him shelter, when a stone struck
his head and he sank almost senseless to the ground.  The next instant
the savages in front came rushing on, while others, descending from the
heights, leapt into the ravine.  He gave himself up for lost.  The
savages sprang forward, uttering cries more of terror than victory.  No
one attempted to strike the fallen.  Some climbed up the rocks, others
rushed at headlong speed through the ravine.  The cause was evident,
they were being pursued.  A rattling fire was opened upon them, the
bullets striking either the rocks or the ground close to where Ned lay,
he being partly protected, however, by the bodies of the Arab chiefs,
none hit him.  The savages continued their flight until they joined the
party at the western end of the pass.  Here they turned about,
encouraged by their friends, to meet the fresh body of Arabs.  A fierce
fight now took place, and the Arabs had cause to repent their imprudence
in so hurriedly pushing forward.  Several of their leaders fell, and
they in their turn retreated.  Ned saw them coming, and at the same time
he observed that a number of the savages had again climbed the heights
and were preparing to assail them as they had Mohammed's party.
Fortunately for the Arabs, the Africans had expended most of their
missiles.  Ned implored the first who passed in their retreat to lift
him up and to carry him with them, for he fully expected to be trampled
to death should he not be killed by the falling rocks or the arrows of
the savages.  His cries were unheeded; already the greater number had
passed by, when he saw an Arab, evidently a chief, bringing up the rear,
and encouraging the men under him by continuing their fire to keep the
foe in check.  Ned recognised him as the Arab whose life he had saved
from the sinking dhow.

"Sayd, Sayd!" he shouted, "don't you know me?  Do help me out of this."

"Yes, yes, I will save you," answered the Arab.  There was no time for
further words, and stooping down Sayd lifted Ned in his arms and, with
the aid of one of his followers, bore him on through the pass, while his
men, as before, kept their pursuers at bay.

The open country was at length gained.  The savages, although they might
rightly claim the victory, having suffered severely, showed no
inclination to continue the pursuit.

Of the whole force, however, which had marched out in the morning with
Mohammed not a dozen remained alive, and most of those were badly
wounded.  Ned was unable to speak to Sayd until the fortified camp was
gained.  No sooner had they arrived than their ears were deafened by the
wailing cries of the women mourning for their husbands and relatives
slain, and it was some time before Ned could obtain the rest he so much
required after the injury he had received and the fatigues he had gone
through.



CHAPTER TEN.

After resting some time Ned recovered sufficiently to converse with
Sayd, who, coming up, seated himself by his side.

"I had heard that a young white man had set out with
Mohammed-ibn-Nassib, and was acting as his gun-bearer, but little did I
expect to find that you were the person spoken of.  How came you to be
with him?  Have you run away from your ship?" he inquired.

"No, indeed," answered Ned; and he explained how he had been made
prisoner and ill-treated, until Mohammed took him into his service.
"And how came you to be here?" asked Ned.  "Surely you have not joined
company with these men-stealers?"

"Men-stealers!  O no; my friends and I are on an expedition to purchase
elephant tusks from the natives far away in the interior, where they are
so plentiful that people make their door-posts of them, and we all
expect to become immensely rich."

"I hope that you will succeed," said Ned; "but I would rather have heard
that you were returning to the coast, that I might accompany you, as I
am very desirous of getting back to my ship.  Can you, however, assist
me?"

"You ask what is impossible.  If you attempt to go alone, you will be
murdered by the robbers through whose territory we have passed.  No
white men can travel among these savages, unless in considerable numbers
well-armed.  If we meet with a caravan on its way seaward you may put
yourself under its protection; but I should be sorry, now we have met,
to part with you, and would advise you to accompany us until we have
accomplished our undertaking."

"I thank you for the offer; but, if it is possible, I must go back to my
ship," said Ned.

"But I say that it is impossible," answered Sayd, who evidently did not
wish to part with Ned.  "Make up your mind to come with us, and you
shall receive a portion of my share of the profits of the expedition."

Ned again thanked Sayd, adding--

"But I have no goods with which to trade, and I would not deprive you of
your gains.  My captain will, however, I am sure, repay any one for the
expenses of my journey."

"But you can do without goods; you have Mohammed's musket, and with it
you may shoot some elephants; besides which, it is just possible that we
may have to attack some villages if the inhabitants refuse to supply us
with tusks or provisions.  It is very likely that some will do so, in
which case you will have a right to the booty we may obtain."

"I thought, friend Sayd, that you were going on a hunting and trading
expedition?"

"It is the Arabs' way of trading when the negroes are obstinate,"
answered Sayd, with a laugh.

Ned, on hearing this, became somewhat suspicious of the intentions of
the Arabs, but he feared he should be unable to help himself.  He
resolved, however, that should an opportunity offer, to get back to the
coast at all risks.

The caravan to which Sayd belonged was far larger than that of Mohammed.
It was under the command of a magnificent fellow in appearance,
Habib-ibn-Abdullah, to whom his followers looked with reverential awe.
There were numerous other chiefs, each attended by fifty or more black
free men or slaves, some armed with muskets or swords, and the rest with
spears and knives, or bows and arrows.  Sayd had about fifty of these
men under his orders, entrusted to him by his father and other relatives
at Zanzibar.

The caravan waited in the entrenched camp, expecting every hour to be
attacked; but the negro chiefs had gained information of the number of
the garrison, and thought it wiser not to make the attempt, intending
probably to way-lay the caravan on its march, and cut it off should an
opportunity occur.

Several days passed by; no enemy appearing, Abdullah, mustering his men,
ordered the march to begin.  With drums beating, colours flying, and
trumpets sounding, they marched out in gallant array, the armed men
guarding the pagazis, who carried the bales of cloth, boxes of beads,
and coils of wire.  Though they looked so formidable, Ned, after the
disgraceful defeat suffered by Mohammed, did not feel that confidence
which he might otherwise have experienced.  To avoid the defiles which
had proved so disastrous to their friends, Abdullah took a course to the
northward, which, after being pursued for a couple of days, was changed
to the westward.  Ned looked out anxiously in the hopes of meeting a
return caravan; still none appeared, and he was convinced that it would
be madness to attempt returning by himself without the means of even
paying for his food.  Sayd was as kind and attentive as he could desire,
generally marching alongside him, when they managed to converse freely
together, the young Arab eking out his English by signs.  A strict watch
was kept night and day for enemies, but none ventured to attack them.
Abdullah, however, consented to pay tribute to the various chiefs
through whose territory the caravan passed.  It consisted of so many
yards of cloth, with a string or two of beads or several lengths of
wire.  Although muskets, powder, and shot were in demand, the Arabs
refused to part with them, suspecting that the weapons might be turned
against themselves when any difficulty might arise.  The country of the
more warlike tribes having been passed, the Arabs marched with less
caution than before, their hunters being sent out to kill game, which
appeared in great abundance--elephants, giraffes, buffalo, wild boars,
zebras, and deer of various species, besides guinea-fowl, pelicans, and
numerous other birds.

Ned had a great inclination to join these hunting parties, but Sayd
persuaded him to remain in camp, indeed, on most occasions, he felt too
much fatigued to take any unnecessary exercise.

An ample supply of meat put the caravan in good spirits, and they
marched on, shouting and singing, feeling themselves capable of
conquering the world.

"We have now a country before us very different to any we have yet
traversed," observed Sayd.  "The slaves will not sing quite so loudly."

They had just arrived at a small stream.  Here Abdullah issued the order
that every man should fill his water-bottle.

"We will carry a gourd apiece in addition, it will be well worth while
bearing the extra weight, for before many days are over we shall esteem
a few drops of water of as great value as so many pieces of gold,"
observed Sayd.  "See how leaden the sky looks yonder, and how the air
seems to dance over the surface of the earth."

Some of the chiefs desired to camp where they were, but Abdullah was
eager to push on, as they had marched but two hours that morning.  A
water-hole, he said, would be found before nightfall, or the people
might dig and the precious fluid would be discovered beneath the earth.

After a short halt, therefore, they recommenced their march.  The
chiefs, who did not carry even their own muskets, found it easy enough,
but the pagazis groaned under their heavy loads as they tramped over the
baked ground.  Scarcely a tree was to be seen, and such shrubs and
plants only as require little water.  The sun sinking towards the
horizon appeared like a ball of fire, setting the whole western sky
ablaze.  Not a breath of air fanned the cheeks of the weary men.  Ned
did not complain, but he felt dreadfully tired, and had to apply so
frequently to his gourd that it was nearly empty.

"We have not yet got half-way over the desert," observed Sayd.  "I
advise you, my friend, to husband that precious liquid."

"But Abdullah believes that there is a water-hole before us."

"His belief will not bring it there!" answered Sayd.  "It may by this
time be dried up, and we may have many a long mile to march before we
reach another."

A few minutes after this a line of trees appeared ahead.  The blacks
raised a shout of joy, supposing that beneath their shade the looked-for
water would be discovered.  Worn out as many of them were, they hastened
their steps until even the carriers broke into a run, and the whole mass
rushed eagerly down the bank, but as they reached the bottom a cry of
bitter disappointment escaped them; not a drop of liquid was to be seen,
only a smooth mass of black mud, with cracks across in all directions,
showing that the water had evaporated.

Water must be had at every cost, or the whole party might perish.  Their
numbers, their arms, their courage would not avail them.  Those who had
before traversed the country immediately set to work with pointed sticks
to dig along the bed of what was once a stream, in the hopes of
obtaining water, and many dug holes of five and six feet deep, but no
water appeared.

"Then, men, you must dig deeper," shouted the chiefs as they went about
among their people.

A little thick liquid bubbled up, the labourers shouted with joy, and
several of the more thirsty rushed in, and kneeling down lapped it up,
although it was of the consistency of mud.

The men again set to work, and at length a sufficient quantity of water
came bubbling up to enable their companions to obtain a few mouthfuls.
The camp fires were then lit, and the men gathered close round them, for
it was a locality where a prowling lion was very likely to pay them a
visit.

Sayd and Ned had a sufficient amount of water to prevent them suffering.
As Ned looked out over the dark plain, he could see objects flitting
by.  Sayd thought that they were deer, which, fleet of foot, were
passing across the desert to some more fertile region.  Several times
the roars of lions were heard, but none ventured near the camp, being
scared by the bright blaze kept up.

At an early hour all were again on foot, and eagerly descended into the
holes, which now contained rather more water than on the previous
evening, but still barely sufficient to quench their thirst.  There was
none to fill their water-bottles.  The Arabs, kneeling on their carpets,
joined by the Mohammedans among their followers, offered up their
prayers to Allah as the first gleam of the sun rose above the horizon;
then the morning meal being hastily taken, the pagazis shouldered their
loads and the march commenced.

As Sayd had predicted, no songs, no shouts were heard; even the merriest
among the blacks were silent.  Scarcely a word was uttered as the
caravan moved forward, the dull sound of human feet treading the baked
earth alone broke the silence.  On and on they trudged; the sun, as he
rose, got hotter and hotter, striking down with intense force on their
heads.  Ned marched alongside Sayd.  The latter had two favoured
followers--young Hassan, partly of Arab birth, who acted as his
gun-bearer; and a huge negro, a freed man, Sambroko by name, possessed
of prodigious strength and courage.  These two had followed their
master's example, and supplied themselves with gourds of water, two of
which the negro carried slung round his neck.

For some hours the caravan proceeded as rapidly as at first.  It was
hoped that a stream would be found soon after noon, where Abdullah
promised to halt to give the men the rest they so much needed; but noon
was passed, already the sun was in their eyes, and no stream was seen.
To halt now would be to lose precious time.  With parched lips and
starting eyeballs the men pushed on, and, instead of songs and jokes,
cries and groans were heard on every side.  Now a weary pagazi sank
down, declaring that he could carry his load no longer; now another and
another followed his example.  In vain the Arab leaders urged them to
rise with threats and curses, using the points of their spears.  The
hapless men staggered on, then dropping their loads attempted to fly.
Two were shot dead as a warning to the rest, and their masters
distributed their loads among the others who appeared better able to
carry them, but, ere long, others sinking down, stretched themselves on
the ground and were left to die in the desert.  Time would have been
lost in attempting to carry them.

"Is this the way you Arabs treat your followers?" asked Ned, who felt
indignant at the apparent cruelty of the chiefs.

"They are but slaves," answered Sayd in a careless tone.  "Necessity has
no law; let us go forward, or their fate may be ours."

"Onwards, onwards!" was the cry.  The chiefs shouted to their people to
keep together, for already many were straggling behind.  They had
started, feeling confident that by their numbers all difficulties would
be overcome, but had they mustered ten thousand men the same fate by
which they were now threatened might have overtaken them.  Even young
Hassan, generally so joyous and dauntless, began to complain; but
Sambroko took him by the arm and helped him along, every now and then
applying his water-bottle to his lips.

Among the pagazis Ned had observed a young man of pleasing countenance,
who had always been amongst the merriest of the merry, though his load
was heavier than that of many.  He had never complained, but was now
staggering along endeavouring to keep up with the rest.  Ned, seeing how
much he was suffering, offered him a draught from his own water-bottle.

"Stop!" cried Sayd.  "You will want it for yourself."

"I cannot disappoint him," answered Ned, as he poured the water down the
lad's throat.

The young pagazi's countenance brightened, and he uttered an expression
of gratitude as he again attempted to follow his companions.

"I should like to carry some of his load," said Ned.  "He is younger
than the rest, and it is too much for him.  Here! let me help you
along," he added, making signs of his intention.

"You will bring contempt on yourself if you do that," observed Sayd.
"No Arab would demean himself by carrying a load."

"An Englishman thinks nothing derogatory when necessary," answered Ned,
taking the package off the shoulders of the youth, who, while he
expressed his gratitude, seemed much astonished at the offer being made.

Ned trudged on with it manfully for some minutes, but soon began to feel
the weight oppressive.  Sambroko observed him, and, taking hold of the
load, swung it on his own back and carried it a considerable distance.
Then calling to the young pagazi bade him carry it forward.

Ned begged Sayd to thank Sambroko, who answered, that though he could no
longer bear to see his master's friend thus fatigue himself, the young
pagazi must expect no further help from him.

"But I must try and help him, for I could not bear to see the poor
fellow sink down and die as so many are doing."

"There is nothing strange in that," remarked Sambroko.  "I once crossed
a desert larger than this, and one half our number were left behind; but
we got through and returned during the wet season with large cargoes of
ivory, and our masters, for I was then a slave, were well content."

Sayd translated to Ned what was said.

"I wonder the Arabs venture into a country where so many lose their
lives," said Ned.

"The profits are great," answered Sayd.  "Men will dare and do anything
for gain; each hopes to be more fortunate than his predecessor."

The young slave, greatly rested and refreshed by the water, and even
more by the sympathy shown him, marched forward with an almost elastic
step.

"O young master!" he said, looking at Ned, "my heart feels light.  I
thought no one cared for poor Chando; but I now know that there are kind
men in the world."

Sayd explained the meaning of the black's words.

"Chando!" repeated Ned.  "I have heard that name before.  Inquire where
he comes from, and how long he has been a slave."

Sayd put the questions.

"From the village of Kamwawi in Warua," answered the young pagazi
without hesitation.  "It is far, far away from here.  It is so long ago
since I was taken that I could not find my way back; but were I once
there, I should know it again.  The hills around it, the beautiful lake,
into which falls many a sparkling stream, rushing down amid rocks and
tall trees.  Would that we were there now instead of toiling over this
arid desert.  How delightful it would be to plunge into some cool and
sheltered pool where no crocodile or hippopotamus could reach us.  What
draughts of water we would drink," and the black opened his mouth as if
to pour some of the longed-for fluid down it.

Sayd imitated the movement of his lips as he translated what was said.

"Chando!  Chando!" repeated Ned.  "Ask him if he had a father or mother
living when he was carried off to become a slave."

"I had a mother, but whether or not she escaped from the slaves I cannot
say.  I never saw her again.  I once had a father, whom I remember well;
he used to carry me in his arms, and give me wild grapes and sweet
fruit.  He was either killed by a lion or an elephant, or was captured
by the slave hunters, who, it was said, had been prowling about in the
neighbourhood at that time, though they did not venture to attack our
village, which was too strong for them."

Ned became very much interested in the account Chando gave of himself.
"Inquire whether he can recollect the name of his father."

Sayd put the question.

"Yes, I remember it perfectly well.  It was Baraka."

Ned gave a shout of joy, and forgetting his danger and fatigue, and all
that was still before him, he rushed forward, and, grasping Chando's
hand, exclaimed--

"I know your father; I promised him that I would search for you, and now
I have found you.  There can be no mistake about it.  He told me that
his son's name was Chando, and you say your father's name was Baraka,
that he disappeared, and has never since come back.  I would far rather
have found you than made my escape, or returned to the coast the
possessor of hundreds of elephants' tusks."

Sayd's exclamations of surprise somewhat interrupted Ned's remarks as he
translated them to Chando.  The latter almost let his load drop in his
agitation as he asked, "Is Baraka--is my father still alive?  O my young
master, can you take me to him?  Can you find my mother, that we may be
together and be once more happy as we were before he was carried away to
become a slave?"

"The very thing I wish to do," answered Ned.  "I will try to get your
master to give you your freedom at once; or, if he will not now do so,
as soon as we return to the coast."

So deeply interested were Ned and his companions in the discovery he had
made, that they forgot for a time their fatigue and their thirst.  Even
Sambroko and young Hassan listened eagerly.

"I know where Kamwawi is!" exclaimed the huge black.  "It is to the
north-west, but it would take many days to reach.  It is a fine country,
and the people are brave and warlike; though the slave hunters sometimes
go there to trap the natives, they seldom venture to attack the
villages."

"It is true, it is true!" answered Chando.  "I was captured whilst out
hunting elephants with some other lads.  They all died--I alone lived;
and after being sold several times became the slave of Abdullah.  It was
better than being sent away on board a dhow to be carried to some far
off land, where I might have been ill-treated by strangers, and have no
chance of meeting with any of my own people."

"We must try to reach Kamwawi, and endeavour to ascertain whether
Chando's mother is still alive.  I promised her husband to bring her
back as well as her son if I could find them.  It would be a glorious
thing to rescue both," exclaimed Ned.

"To do that would be impossible," answered Sayd.  "Abdullah will not
lead the caravan so far away for such an object.  Even should we reach
the village you speak of, we should be looked upon as enemies, besides
which, the woman is by this time dead, or is married to another husband,
and she would not wish to quit her home to go to a distant country for
the mere chance of finding her husband alive.  You must give up the
idea, my friend; the undertaking, I repeat, is impossible."

Ned made no reply, there was too much truth, he feared, in Sayd's
remarks.  For some time he tramped on, thinking over the matter.  At
last he again turned to the Arab--

"Sayd," he exclaimed, "I want you to do me a favour--to obtain Chando's
liberty.  If you have to purchase his freedom, as I suppose you must, I
will promise, when we return to the coast, to repay you the cost,
whatever it may be."

Sayd smiled at the request.

"Abdullah is not the man willingly to dispose of a healthy slave, who
will be able to carry a whole tusk on his shoulders back to the coast,"
he answered.  "Perhaps when the journey is over he may be ready to talk
over the matter, but he will demand a high price, of that you may be
certain."

"I will pay him any price he may ask.  I am sure I shall find friends
ready to help me to advance the money until I can send it to them from
England."

This answer showed that, although Ned was tramping over the desert in
the interior of Africa without a penny in his pocket, or any equivalent
in his possession, he had not lost his spirits, and was as sanguine as
ever as to getting home some day.  As he looked round, however, at the
haggard countenances of the Arab leaders and their armed followers, as
well as at those of the pagazis, he might with good reason have dreaded
that none of them would ever reach the fertile region said to lie beyond
the desert.  Already many more had fallen, and their track was strewn
with the bodies of dead or dying men.

The survivors staggered on, well knowing that to stop was certain
destruction.  The Arabs no longer attempted to drive them forward, or to
distribute the loads of those who sank down among the rest.  They
themselves were too eager to reach a stream where they might quench
their thirst and rest their weary limbs.  They would then send back to
recover the loads, and pick up any of the men who might still be alive.
But hour after hour went by, and the hot sun glared in their faces like
the flame from a furnace, almost blinding their eyes.  Darkness came on,
but still they pushed forward.  The same cry resounded from all parts of
the caravan: "They must march through the night."  Should they halt, how
many would be alive in the morning?  Ned had told Chando to keep close
to his side, and had supplied him every now and then with a few drops of
water.  Had others seen this, Ned would have run the risk of having his
bottle taken from him.  He would, indeed, have been glad to share the
water with his companions, but he knew that, divided among many, it
would avail them nothing.  Not a word was now exchanged among any of
Sayd's party, but they kept compactly together.  At length Ned caught
sight of some objects rising up ahead.  They were tall trees with
spreading branches.  They would not grow thus unless with nourishment
from below.

The Arabs and their followers raised a shout, and pressed forward.
Every instant they expected to come upon a stream.  Several of the trees
were passed, and none was seen.  At length they reached a bank below
which the stars were reflected as in a mirror.

"Water! water!" was the cry, and Arabs and soldiers and slaves dashing
forward, their strength suddenly revived, plunged their faces into the
pool, regardless of the danger they ran.  Some, more prudent, drank the
water from their hands, or from cups they carried, but several,
exhausted, fell with their heads below the surface.  Some of these were
rescued by their comrades, but many were drowned before they could be
drawn out.  The leaders now issued the order to encamp, and the pagazis,
piling their loads, were compelled to search for wood.

On the different bands being mustered by their respective chiefs, nearly
half were found missing.  Ned set out to search for Chando, and brought
him to Sayd's fire to hear more of his adventures, but, though generally
talkative, he was scarcely able to utter a word.  Directly the scanty
meal had been consumed, the weary blacks as well as their masters were
asleep.  A few hours only were allowed them to rest, when, their
strength being somewhat recovered, a large party with water-bottles were
sent along the way they had come to the relief of any who might have
survived, and to bring in their loads.  A few lives were thus saved, and
much of the property dropped was recovered.

Sayd had lost several of his men, but he took the matter very coolly,
observing "that it was the will of Allah, and could not be avoided."

Heavy as the loss of life had been, the Arabs were still sufficiently
numerous to march forward to the rich country where they expected to
obtain all their hearts desired.  A halt, however, of several days was
absolutely necessary to recruit their strength.  As Sayd was less
fatigued than any of the other chiefs, he undertook to go out hunting in
order to obtain food, which was greatly required.  Ned offered to
accompany him.  He took Sambroko, Hassan, and three more of his own
followers, and having permission to select any experienced hunters from
among the rest of the men, recollecting what Chando had said, he fixed
among others on him.  All were well-armed with muskets, or bows and
arrows and spears, and with darts or long knives.  Chando, being the
most experienced elephant hunter, was sent ahead to look out for game.

The nature of the forest caused the party to become somewhat separated.
Ned kept as close as he could to Sayd.  Some time had elapsed, when Ned
heard a loud trumpeting coming from the forest in front of them.

"That's an elephant," shouted Sayd, who was some distance off.  "Move
carefully forward, and when the creature appears fire steadily, and then
spring on one side, but beware lest he sees you, or he may make a rush
at you."

Ned resolved to follow this advice.  Again they advanced.  Ned saw Sayd
enter an open glade.  He had got but a few yards along it, when a
crashing sound from the opposite side was heard, followed by a loud
trumpeting.  With trunk erect and open mouth a huge elephant dashed out
of the cover, catching sight as he came into the open of the Arab.  Ned
had his gun ready, and, as the animal drew near, steadying his weapon
against the trunk of a tree, he fired.  The bullet struck the creature,
but still it advanced, trumpeting loudly, its rage increased, with its
keen eyes fixed on Sayd.  The Arab saw it coming, and knowing that, if
its progress was not stopped, his destruction was certain, fired at its
head, and then, his courage giving way, turned round to fly.  Ned gave
up his friend for lost.  The huge brute would break through all
impediments to reach his victim.  Just then Ned saw a black form
emerging from the wood and springing over the ground at a rate
surpassing that of the elephant, against whose thick frontal bone Sayd's
bullet had been ineffective.  With trunk uplifted the animal had got
within ten paces of the Arab, when the black overtook it, a sharp sword
in his hand; the weapon flashed for an instant, and descended on the
elephant's left hinder leg; then springing on one side the black
inflicted another tremendous gash on the right.  The monster staggered
on, and was about to seize the Arab with its trunk, when, uttering a
shriek of pain and baffled rage, down it came with a crash to the earth.

Sayd, stopping in his flight, turned and saw that his deliverer was the
pagazi Chando, while Ned at the same moment springing forward
congratulated him on his escape.  Chando, without speaking, plunged his
sword in the neck of the elephant.  The rest of the party on hearing the
firing made their way up to the spot, and complimented Chando on his
achievement.

"I am grateful, and must see how I can reward you," said Sayd to the
young pagazi.

As meat was much wanted at the camp, the party immediately commenced
cutting up the elephant, while messengers were despatched to summon
carriers to convey the flesh and tusks.  As soon as it was sent off the
hunters continued the chase.  Ned shot a zebra, which raised him in the
estimation of his companions.  A giraffe was also seen, and creeping up
to it among the long grass the party surrounded it.  Before it could
escape a bullet from Sayd's gun wounded it in the shoulder, when spears
and javelins thrust at it from every side soon ended its life.  There
was great rejoicing when this meat was brought into camp, and the Arabs
and their followers feasting luxuriously forgot their toils and
sufferings.



CHAPTER ELEVEN.

Again the caravan was on the move.  For many days they marched on with
varied fortunes, sometimes meeting a friendly reception at the villages
they passed, but more frequently being refused admittance, and having to
purchase provisions at a high cost, or to pay tribute to the petty
chiefs, many of whom, possessing fire-arms, were too formidable to
offend.  Abdullah declared that they had had enough of fighting, and
could not afford to lose more men in unnecessary battles.  Hitherto but
a small quantity of ivory had been procured, the villagers having
disposed of all they possessed to other traders.  At this the chiefs
were evidently greatly disappointed, and frequent consultations were
held among them.

Sayd did not tell Ned the result, but he seemed dissatisfied, and more
than once expressed a wish that he had not undertaken the expedition.
"But then you would not have found me, and I should not have discovered
Chando, so that I am very thankful you came," answered Ned.

Some days after this he observed that they advanced with even more
caution than before.  Scouts were sent out, who from time to time
brought back the intelligence they had obtained.

At length one evening the caravan halted on the confines of a wood
through which they had passed.  As Ned looked ahead he could
distinguish, as the sun set, a large scattered village below them,
surrounded by fields and fruit-bearing trees, situated on the borders of
a shining lake, a picturesque circle of hills beyond.  It was a smiling
scene, and spoke of abundance and contentment.  Sayd appeared more
unhappy than before.  Ned again asked him what was about to be done.

"You will see before the night is over," he replied.  "My companions
have departed from the original intention of our expedition, and I feel
much disposed to separate from them, but yet if I do I shall gain no
profits, and my friends will have cause to complain."

"Is Abdullah going to trade with the inhabitants of yonder village?"
asked Ned.

"No," answered Sayd; "he and the other leaders have devised a plan for
acquiring not only all the wealth it contains, but at the same time
bearers to convey it to the coast.  We have already lost so many pagazis
that we shall be unable to transport more than a small portion of what
we may purchase."

"Do they, then, intend to attack the village and make slaves of the
unfortunate people?" asked Ned.

"It is that they propose to do.  It is bad, very bad," answered Sayd.

"Then let me urge you to take no part in the proceeding," said Ned.  "If
you cannot prevent them from committing the crime they contemplate,
separate yourself at once from the caravan, take a different route, and
endeavour to obtain the friendship of the natives.  I have heard that
they look with respect on Englishmen, who always treat them justly.  I
may, therefore, be of some use to you, as, when they see an Englishman,
they will know that we wish to be at peace, and desire to deal fairly
with them."

"You are right," observed the Arab; "I will order my people to be
prepared for marching in the direction I may determine on."

Ned was satisfied as far as Sayd was concerned.  He desired also,
however, if possible, to prevent Abdullah from carrying out his infamous
project, but how to do so was the question.  An attempt to warn the
villagers of Abdullah's designs would be very difficult.  He could not
speak to the Arab leader himself, and Sayd declared that he had already
said all he could to dissuade him.  He had, therefore, to wait the
course of events.  The caravan remained concealed in the wood, watching
the village, until all the lights were extinguished and it was supposed
that the inhabitants had gone to rest.  In perfect silence the Arabs
marshalled their forces, several of the pagazis being also armed, while
the remainder, with a small guard over them, were left in the wood with
the goods and provisions.

Sayd, on seeing this, true to his word, drew off his own men, greatly to
the anger of Abdullah and the other chiefs.  Ned accompanied him, but
Chando was obliged to remain in the camp.  It was better than being
employed in attacking the villagers.  Ned was much concerned at having
to separate from him.  Again he implored Sayd to try by some means or
other to obtain Chando's liberty; he received the same answer, "It is
impossible."

"Tell him then from me that he must try and join us.  He would be
perfectly justified in running away if he has the opportunity, and that
may occur."

Sayd did as Ned begged him, and then drawing off his men formed a
separate camp at a distance from that of Abdullah.

In the meantime the main body of the Arabs, with their armed followers,
were creeping down towards the village, keeping concealed among the
rocks and shrubs so that they might not be discovered until they were
close up to it.

Some time elapsed, when the stillness of night was broken by the rattle
of musketry, followed by the shrieks and cries of the Arabs.  The
flashes appeared on all sides except that of the lake, showing that the
Arabs had almost surrounded the place.  Ned could only picture in
imagination the cruel deed taking place below him.  Presently flames
burst forth, now from one part of the village, now from another, until
in a short time the whole was in a blaze, while by the ruddy light he
could see the dark figures of the inhabitants endeavouring to escape by
flight, pursued by their relentless invaders.  Still the firing
continued, showing that the work of death was going on.  At length it
ceased.  After some time a large mass of people could be seen by the
light of the flames, while the Arabs were distinguished rushing here and
there, lance in hand, driving their frightened prisoners before them.
The cruel act had been accomplished; upwards of a hundred of the
villagers had been captured, and the Arabs, exulting in their victory,
returned to their camp.  Ned accompanied Sayd, who desired to have a
parting interview with Abdullah.  As they approached the camp they saw
the prisoners, men, women, and children, sitting on the ground, the
armed guards standing round them, while the remainder of the Arabs'
followers were employed in forming forked poles to place on the necks of
the refractory, and in preparing the ropes by which the others were to
be bound together.

The meeting between Sayd and his former leader was more stormy than
might have been supposed, the latter abusing him in no measured terms
for his desertion, and threatened his destruction and that of his
followers should he try to proceed through the country.  To attempt to
obtain Chando's liberty under these circumstances would have been
useless.  Sayd and Ned therefore returned to their own camp.  Ned did
his utmost to keep up Sayd's spirits, pointing out to him that he had
acted rightly and would have no cause to repent his decision, though he
himself was bitterly disappointed at having to leave Chando, whom he had
hoped some day to restore to his father.

"In what direction do you propose to proceed?" he inquired of Sayd.

Having consulted Sambroko: "I intend to march northward and then to turn
to the east.  He tells me that we pass near many villages inhabited by
elephant hunters, who are sure to have a good supply of ivory; and as
the Arabs have not gone through that part of the country for a long
time, we shall obtain it at a moderate price, besides which, the people
are likely to prove friendly."

At daybreak Sayd's small caravan commenced its march, Sambroko uttering
a farewell shout to their fate companions, who replied by derisive
cries.  "They may shriek as they like," he observed, "but they will
before long change their tone.  They will either have to recross the
desert, or will have to go a long way round to avoid it, when they will
find enemies in all directions through whom they will have to fight
their way."

Ned would have rejoiced at getting free of Abdullah had Chando been with
him, though he did not despair of recovering the young slave on his
return to Zanzibar.  Still he knew that many circumstances might prevent
this.  Chando might succumb to the fatigues of the journey, as many
others had done, or might be killed should the caravan be attacked by
hostile natives, or Abdullah might ship him off with other slaves on
board a dhow, should they reach the coast.  All Ned could do, therefore,
was to hope that none of these events would occur.

There was but little time for thought.  Sayd was anxious, by forced
marches, to get away from the neighbourhood of the village which had
been so treacherously treated, lest the inhabitants of other villages--
supposing that he and his followers had been engaged in the proceeding--
should attack them and revenge themselves on his head.  They marched on
therefore all day, with only a short halt to take some food, water being
abundant and the tall trees protecting them from the hot sun.  At night
they encamped under a gigantic sycamore, the boughs of which would have
shaded twice their number from the rays of the sun.  Near it was a
stream from which fresh water could be procured, and Sayd would gladly
have halted here some days had not Sambroko advised that they should
push on.

At daybreak they were again on the march.  They had, however, to supply
themselves with food, but so plentiful was the game that the hunters had
not to go far out of their way to obtain it.  Sambroko, who was their
chief hunter, succeeded in killing a zebra, which afforded meat to the
whole party, and the next day, whilst stalking at the head of the party,
he brought down a magnificent giraffe, which he managed to surprise
before the animal had taken alarm.  It was of the greatest importance to
reach a village, which Sambroko said must be passed before the news of
the Arab raid could get there, and at length it came in sight, standing
on a knoll surrounded by palisades, above which the roofs of the houses
could be seen.

As they approached, Sambroko set up a cheerful song announcing that
friends were drawing near and desired peace.  The result was anxiously
watched for.  Should the gates remain closed, the caravan would have to
pass by as far as possible from the village with the prospect of being
attacked in the rear.  Greatly to their satisfaction, however,
Sambroko's song produced a favourable effect, and the villagers came out
shouting a welcome.

Sayd thought it wise, however, not to enter, but gave notice that he had
brought goods with which to purchase ivory and provisions.  An active
barter was soon going forward.  Eight tusks were procured and an ample
supply of provisions.  Sayd also obtained information from the natives
that several villages were situated in the direction he wished to go,
the inhabitants of which were likely to prove hostile.  They offered to
furnish guides who would conduct his party through the jungle to a
distance from them.  This offer he gladly accepted, confident that no
treachery was intended.  After a short rest the caravan again moved
forward.  The carriers marched in single file, the path not allowing two
to walk abreast.

Sayd and Ned, accompanied by Hassan, led, Sambroko bringing up the rear,
the other armed men being equally distributed in the line, while the two
guides kept ahead.  The party were soon buried in the depths of the
forest.  Perfect silence was preserved.  Now they emerged into a more
open country and pushed forward with rapid steps.  As darkness was
coming on, there was little risk of being seen from a distance.  Led by
their guides they continued through the early part of the night until
another forest was reached, where they lay down to rest, no fires being
lighted, no sounds being uttered.  The guards kept a strict watch lest a
lion might spring out on the slumbering party.  Before dawn they were
again on foot and moving forward as on the previous evening.  For three
days they thus advanced, until the guides assured them that they might
continue to the eastward without fear of molestation until they reached
the village of Kamwawi.

"You must be cautious how you approach it," they observed; "the people
are brave and warlike, and if they think you come as enemies they will
be sore to attack you, but if they consider you are friends they will
treat you with kindness and hospitality."

"Kamwawi!" exclaimed Ned, when he heard the name; "that surely is the
village to which Chando told us he belonged?"

"Yes, but there are others with similar names, so that we can never be
certain," answered Sayd.  "I find that the one spoken of is four days'
journey from hence, and as we must camp to procure food it may be longer
than that before we reach it."

The provisions held out another day after they had parted from their
friendly guides, and they had now only their own judgment to depend
upon.  Once more they were encamped.  No human habitations were visible,
no signs of cultivation.  The country around appeared to be deserted.
They would have, however, in consequence a better chance of meeting with
game, and Sambroko promised that he would bring enough food to feed the
whole party for several days.  Ned offered to accompany him, but Sayd
was too tired after his morning march to leave the camp.  Hassan and
another freed man followed, carrying spare guns.  It was difficult to
say beforehand what game might be met with, whether elephants, or
buffaloes, or giraffes, or zebras, or deer, but the hunters were
prepared for any one of them.  Sambroko declared that all game were
alike to him, that he knew their ways and habits.  Ned, however, was the
first to shoot a deer, which they came upon suddenly before the animal
had time to fly.  While the blacks were employed in cutting it up, Ned
walked on ahead in the hopes of finding some large game.  Feeling
confident that he might easily make his way back to the camp again he
crept cautiously on, looking to the right hand and to the left, and
endeavouring to peer over the bushes in front.  At length he saw some
dark objects moving up and down above the tops of the branches directly
in front of him.  He crept on and on; getting a little closer he saw
that they were elephant's ears.  Ambitious of shooting the true monarch
of the wilds, Ned, regardless of the danger he was running, crept on,
hoping to plant a bullet in a vital part of the animal before he was
discovered.  He had got within twenty yards of the huge creature, when
he stepped on a rotten branch, which broke beneath his foot.  The noise
warned the elephant that an enemy was near.  Up went its trunk.  It
began breaking through the intervening brushwood.  Ned, retaining his
presence of mind, stood watching until he could get a fair shot,
intending then to follow the advice which Sayd had before given.  The
head and shoulders of the animal came in sight.  Now was the moment to
fire; he pulled the trigger.  Without waiting even to see the effect of
his shot, for had he remained where he was he would the next instant,
should it have failed to take effect, have been crushed to death,
springing on one side he ran for shelter behind a tree which he had just
before noted.  The elephant, with trunk uplifted, broke through the
brushwood, trumpeting loudly in its rage.  Looking about and not seeing
its enemy it stopped short.  Ned in the meantime reloaded as fast as he
could, and stepped out to fire again.  The quick eye of the elephant
detected him.  To fly was now impossible; he must bring down the
creature, or run a fearful risk of being caught.  He fired, when the
elephant rushed towards him with extended trunk.  Ned saw that the
branch of a tree hung just within reach above his head.  By a desperate
effort, which under other circumstances he could scarcely have made, he
swung himself up on to the bough, and ran, as a sailor alone can run,
along it until he reached the stem, up which he began to climb with the
rapidity of a squirrel.  The elephant had, however, seen him; even now
he was scarcely beyond the reach of its trunk, which, looking down, he
saw extended towards his feet.  In vain he tried to spring up to the
nearest branch.  He felt the end of the creature's trunk touching his
legs; should they once be encircled he would be drawn hopelessly down.
He involuntarily uttered a loud shriek, and endeavoured to draw up his
feet.  It was answered by a shout from Sambroko and the other blacks; at
the same instant he heard a shot.  The elephant's trunk was no longer
touching him, but the exertion he had made was beyond his strength; his
hands relaxed their hold, he felt himself falling.  Consciousness,
however, did not desert him.  He expected in another instant to be
crushed to death by the creature's feet, or to be dashed by its trunk
against a tree.  He fell heavily to the ground.  All he could see for a
moment was a dark form above him.  He made a desperate effort to
struggle out of its way, but his limbs refused to aid him.  He closed
his eyes, resigned to his fate.  But the death he expected did not come.
A shout sounded on his ear.  Looking up he saw the black stooping over
him, while a few paces off, lay the elephant which Sambroko's shot had
brought to the ground.

"Well done, young master, well done!" cried the black.  "You are not
much hurt.  We will carry you to the camp, and send the people to bring
in the meat and tusks.  We shall have fine feasting, and all will be
grateful to you for having supplied us with meat."  Such was what Ned
understood the black to say.

He was very thankful to find himself placed on a litter, composed of a
couple of poles and some cross pieces cut down from the neighbouring
trees, when his bearers immediately set off towards the camp.  The men,
on hearing of their success, uttered shouts of joy, while half their
number set off to bring in the tusks and elephant meat and venison.
Sayd attended to Ned's hurts.  One of his ankles was severely injured by
his fall, and his shoulder was also sprained.  It was evident that he
would be unable to march for several days.

"You must remain here until you have recovered your strength," said
Sayd.  "The people will be in no hurry to move while they have such an
abundance of meat.  If you cannot walk after a few days, they must carry
you, and they will be ready to do so, as they owe their feasting to you.
Sambroko tells me that one, if not both, of your shots mortally wounded
the elephant, though it was his which saved your life, for had he not
fired the moment he did you would probably have been destroyed by the
beast."

"I am very thankful to him, at all events," said Ned; "but I am very
sorry to detain you when it is so important to push forward."

"Allah wills it, we must not repine," answered Sayd; "and as we have to
remain, we must lose no time in fortifying our camp to protect ourselves
against wild beasts as well as human foes."

In accordance with this intention he ordered his men to cut down stakes
and to collect a large quantity of prickly pear-bushes which grew in the
neighbourhood.  A square fence was then formed with stakes, the
interstices being filled up by masses of bushes, making it perfectly
impervious, so that even elephants would hesitate before attempting to
break through it.  Within the circle rude huts were built for the
accommodation of the garrison, one of which, of rather better
construction, was devoted to Ned's use.  He had hardly taken possession
of it when he felt a painful sensation come over him, and he was
conscious that he was attacked by fever.  Fearful fancies filled his
brain, hideous forms were constantly flitting before him, while during
his lucid moments he endured the greatest depression of spirits.  He
gave up all hope of ever again seeing those he loved or his native land.
Hour after hour he lay racked with pain.  Sayd sat up by his side,
continuing to assert that he would recover.  Still not only hours but
days and weeks went by, and he heard Sayd acknowledge to Sambroko that
he feared the young master would die after all.  The very next day,
however, Ned felt himself better, though too weak to walk.  Sayd had
hitherto borne the delay patiently, but he now again became anxious to
proceed.  Sambroko, though at first successful, had of late shot but a
small quantity of game.

At length Sayd ordered a litter to be formed, and directed four of the
pagazis to carry Ned, giving their packs to others, who grumbled greatly
at the increased weight of their loads.  Sambroko having fortunately
killed an eland, the people were restored to good-humour, and consented
the next morning to commence the march.

Again the little caravan moved on, and as the men had been well fed they
made good progress.  About an hour before sunset they once more prepared
to camp, a spot near a thick wood having been selected, with a stream
flowing at no great distance.  Ned had been placed on the ground, and
the people were scattered about collecting branches for huts and fuel
for their fires, when suddenly loud cries burst from the forest, and a
band of fierce-looking savages, armed with spears and javelins, burst
out from among the trees.  The men had left their arms in the centre of
the spot chosen for their camp; near them lay Ned on his litter, with
Sayd seated by his side.  The young Arab immediately rose, and lifting
his rifle, pointed it at the foremost of the savages.  A fight appeared
imminent.  Should Sayd or Sambroko fire, the next instant the blacks
would be upon them, and the rest of the party, having only their axes or
knives, could offer but a feeble resistance.  The intruders held their
ground in spite of the warning shouts of Sayd and Sambroko.  Ned,
unwilling to die without attempting to strike a blow, was crawling
towards the arms to possess himself of a musket, when one of the savages
raised his spear to dart at him.  At that instant a shout was heard
proceeding from the forest, out of which Ned saw a person rushing
without weapons in his hands.  The black who was about to hurl the spear
hesitated, and the next instant Ned recognised Chando, who, coming
forward, turned round and addressed his countrymen, for they were of his
tribe, signing also to Sayd and Sambroko to lower their weapons.  The
savages, who just before appeared bent on the destruction of the
travellers, now advanced, uttering expressions of good-will and welcome.
Seeing peace established, Chando knelt down by Ned's side, pouring out
expressions of joy at having found him, and inquiring anxiously the
cause of his being unable to walk.  Sayd replied, and then eagerly asked
how he himself happened to arrive at so fortunate a moment.  As Sayd
listened to the account Chando was giving him his countenance expressed
deep concern.

"What has happened?" asked Ned, when the black at length ceased.

"What I am not surprised to hear," answered Sayd.  "Abdullah had
proceeded but three days' journey with his newly-captured slaves, and
some sixty tusks or more which he had obtained, when a large force of
negroes, who were lying in ambush, burst out on the caravan.  The Arabs
and some of their followers fought bravely, and, with a portion of their
slaves and pagazis, escaped to a height where their enemies dared not
follow them; but the remainder of the carriers threw down their loads
and tried to escape through the forest.  Some were killed, but Chando,
with a few others, got free, and came on in this direction, till they
fell in with a hunting-party of his own tribe, from whom he learned that
an attack was to be made on a small caravan, which he at once
conjectured was ours.  Hastening on, he arrived just in time to prevent
a fight, which would probably have ended in our destruction."

Chando nodded his head and smiled as Sayd was speaking.  He appeared to
have another matter, to speak about which he evidently considered of the
greatest importance.  He at once communicated it to Sayd.

"What does he say?" asked Ned.

"That his mother is alive and one of the most important people in
Kamwawi.  That her brother is the chief, which is a fortunate
circumstance, as he undertakes that we shall be received in a friendly
way and escorted by his people as far as the influence of their tribe
extends."

The two parties encamped together, the hunters bringing in an ample
supply of venison and elephant flesh.  The next morning they proceeded
towards Kamwawi.  Ned had now no longer any difficulty in obtaining
pagazis, each of Chando's friends wishing to have the honour of carrying
him.  In two days they reached Kamwawi.  Messengers having gone ahead to
announce their coming, the gates were thrown open, and the villagers
streamed forth to welcome them, headed by their chief; near him walked a
woman, superior in appearance to the other females of the party.  No
sooner did Chando see her than he rushed forward and threw himself at
her feet.  She lifted him up, embraced him, bursting into tears.  She
was his mother--Masika.  At length, when released from her arms, the
chief welcomed him in almost as affectionate a manner.

The whole party were then received in the usual native fashion, and
Sayd, without hesitation, accepted the chief's invitation to remain at
the village as long as he might desire.

Great was Masika's astonishment at hearing that her husband was alive,
though she hesitated about accepting Ned's offer to take her and Chando
to England.  She bestowed, however, every care on her white guest, and
contributed much by her skill to restore him to health.

Whenever she and her son could get Sayd to interpret for them, they
would come and sit by Ned's couch, listening eagerly to the accounts he
gave them of Baraka, as well as to the adventures he himself had met
with.

"Wonderful, wonderful!" exclaimed Masika.  "Chando says he must
accompany the young master, and I will go also.  I will find my husband
and bring him back; he will be a great man here.  He has become so wise,
so good!"

Masika at last made up her mind to undertake the expedition, and
occupied herself in making such preparations as she considered
necessary.  It was some time, however, before Ned recovered the use of
his feet, and could walk about without pain.  The fever, too, had left
him very weak.  He was thankful for the rest he obtained.  Sayd now
became anxious to proceed, though his followers were in no hurry to
leave their present quarters.  He had purchased a large number of tusks
from the villagers, and had engaged a dozen of them to assist in
conveying his property to the coast.  He had, indeed, by honest commerce
made a far more profitable expedition than, in all probability, had
Abdullah, even though he should succeed in reaching the coast with his
captured slaves.

During the stay of the caravan at Kamwawi, Chando and a number of
people, excited by the prospect of selling their ivory at a good price,
several times went out hunting and succeeded in bringing in six elephant
tusks, and four from the jaws of hippopotami, which they had slain.

After a stay of several weeks, the caravan, considerably increased in
size, marched forth from the gates of the village with colours flying,
drums beating, horns sounding, and people shouting their farewells and
good wishes.  Ned felt in better spirits than he had done for a long
time, as he was once more able to march alongside Sayd, Chando, who was
now not only a freed man, but was looked upon as a person of
considerable consequence, being generally in their company.  Masika,
carried in a sort of litter by four bearers, followed close behind them.

They had a long journey before them, and many dangers and difficulties
to encounter.  Sayd confessed to Ned that his stock of ammunition had
run very low, and that should they encounter an enemy they might be
unable to defend themselves.  They hoped, however, to find the natives
friendly, and that they should march forward without interruption.

He had still retained a sufficient amount of goods to purchase
provisions and to pay the usual tribute to the chiefs through whose
territory they would have to pass.  Sayd issued strict orders to his
people to expend none of their powder and shot unless in a case of
absolute necessity.

Day after day they marched on, sometimes being received as friends, at
others finding the gates of the villages closed against them, especially
when they reached the districts through which the Arab caravans had
passed.  Still, they were two hundred miles or more from the coast.
Fifteen miles was the very utmost length they could perform in one day's
journey, and generally they did not get through more than ten miles.
Thus, with the necessary halts for hunting or purchasing provisions, and
the detention they might meet with from chiefs, it would still take them
three weeks before they could reach the coast.

Three weeks, after so many months spent in the interior, seemed nothing
to Ned, and he would not allow himself to think of the many other delays
which might occur.  They had rivers to ford, swamps to cross, dense
forests to penetrate, and occasionally a desert region to get over, on
which occasions, in spite of the heat of the sun beating down on their
heads, they pushed forward as fast as they could move.  Once they ran
short of provisions, but a successful hunt the following day restored
the spirits of the party.  When game could not be procured they obtained
supplies of honey from the wild bees in the forests, as well as fruits
of various descriptions, including an abundance of grapes from the
vines, which grew in unrestrained luxuriance along the borders of the
forest, forming graceful festoons on the projecting branches of the
trees.

From the character they had received of the natives they had reason to
expect an unfriendly reception from the inhabitants.  They did their
best to avoid these villages; or, when compelled to pass near, Sayd,
without hesitation, paid the "honga," or tribute demanded.  The people,
however, generally treated them in a friendly way on observing that they
had no slaves, no chains, or men with forked sticks to their necks, and
Sayd explained that their mission was peaceable, their object being to
carry on a fair trade.  There appeared, indeed, every prospect of a
satisfactory termination of their journey.

They had encamped earlier than usual one day in order to allow Sambroko,
Chando, and the other hunters to go out in search of game.  In the
meantime huts were built, wood collected, and fires were lighted to be
ready for cooking it.  They were expecting the return of the hunters,
when Sambroko and Chando were seen rushing at headlong speed towards the
camp, where they arrived almost breathless, exclaiming--

"To arms! to arms!  The enemy are upon us.  No time to lose; before many
minutes they will be here.  We saw them coming in this direction."

Sayd, on further questioning the two hunters, was convinced that their
report was true.  To encounter a horde of savages on the open ground on
which they were encamped would be dangerous; but near at hand was a
knoll with trees on its summit, which Ned had observed.  He advised Sayd
to retreat to this spot, as they might there, should they be attacked,
defend themselves with greater hope of success.  The pagazis shouldering
their loads, the cooks snatching up their pots and pans, and the armed
men their runs, the caravan beat a hurried retreat and quickly ascended
to the top of the knoll.  Ned, on surveying it, advised that a
breastwork should be thrown up with such trees and bushes as could be
quickly cut down, and which would enable them to defend themselves
against any enemies destitute of fire-arms.  Every man, therefore,
capable of using an axe was set to work, and several tall trees being
brought down were piled one above another on the most accessible side of
the knoll.  Where the ground was soft stakes were driven in, and in
other places thick branches were heaped up, so that in a short time a
breastwork was formed calculated greatly to strengthen their position.
The people were still labouring at it, when from out of the forest to
the north issued a band of warriors with long spears in their right
hands and shields on their arms, their heads bedecked with zebra manes,
above which waved plumes of ostrich or eagle feathers, while their robes
of skin, as they rushed on, streamed behind them.  Rings were round
their legs, to which bells were suspended as they ran.  On either side
of the main body were skirmishers.  They shouted and shrieked
vehemently, and flourished their weapons as if to inspire terror in the
hearts of those they were about to attack.  On they came, fresh bodies
appearing until they might have been counted by hundreds.  Ned watched
them with no small anxiety.

If determined to conquer at the sacrifice of life, they could not fail
to succeed; but he had seen enough of black warriors to know that when
met with determination they were not likely to persevere.  Sayd seemed
to be of the same opinion.  He spoke to his people, and urged them to
fight to the last.  Masika also addressed her followers, reminding them
of their character for courage, and urging them to fight bravely in
defence of their white friends, and of her and her son.  The men
responded with loud cheers, which were heard by their advancing foes.
It had the effect of making the latter halt just as they came within
gun-shot, when the chiefs, who were known by their tall plumes and the
leopard skins round their waists, were seen speaking to their followers,
apparently urging them to the attack.

"Would that we had the means of letting them understand that we have no
wish to injure them, and desire only peaceably to pass through their
country," observed Sayd.

"Haven't we got something to serve as a flag of truce?" asked Ned.  "A
piece of white calico at the end of a spear would answer the purpose."

"They would not understand it," answered the Arab.

"I should like to try," said Ned.

"You would probably be speared as soon as you approached."

Scarcely had he spoken when once more, with loud shrieks and cries, the
warriors came on.

"Fire, my brave men!" cried Sayd, and every gun was discharged, Sambroko
picking out one of the chiefs, who fell wounded, as did several more,
though none were killed.  Still other chiefs led the way; undaunted they
advanced in spite of another volley, the defenders of the knoll loading
and discharging their muskets as fast as they could.  In vain Ned set
them the example, and Sayd urged them to take better aim.  Except
Sambroko and a few of the more disciplined men, they fired at random.

Their assailants had almost reached the foot of the knoll when some of
Sayd's men cried out that their ammunition was expended and asked for
more.  In vain Hassan was sent to look for it.  Package after package
was turned over, but none was to be found.  Three or four rounds at the
utmost remained in the pouches of any of the party; when they were
expended there would be nothing but the breastwork to stop the progress
of their foes.  Sayd entreated those who had cartridges not to throw a
shot away.  On the enemy pressed; they had begun to climb the side of
the knoll, hurling their javelins at its defenders.  Sayd, in spite of
the desperate state of affairs, exhibited the coolest courage, his fire
checking several times the advance of the foe; but he and Ned had both
discharged their last round.  The chief leading the way had almost
gained the breastwork, when Sambroko, leaping over it, dealt him a blow
on the head with his clubbed musket, which sent him falling back among
his followers.  Others, however, were rushing on to avenge his death.

In another instant they would have been up to the breastwork, when a
loud shout was heard and a body of men, bearing an English ensign in
their midst, was seen emerging from the wood to the south-east.  As they
advanced a British cheer was heard, which was replied to by Ned, and
echoed, though in a somewhat strange fashion, by his companions, who,
picking up the javelins aimed at them, hurled them back on their foes.
The latter seeing a fresh body approaching to the assistance of those
they were attacking, and dismayed by the fall of their chief, retreated
hastily down the knoll, and on reaching level ground took to flight to
avoid a volley fired at them by the new-comers.  On came the British
party.  Ned, with his heart leaping into his mouth, rushed down the hill
to meet them.  In another instant his hand was being grasped by
Lieutenant Hanson and his old messmate Charley Meadows, while Tom
Baraka, springing forward, clasped him in his arms, exclaiming--

"O Massa Ned, we find you at last!  I always said dat you 'live.
Hurrah! hurrah!  Now him tink him die happy."

"Don't talk about dying," said Ned, "for I have found some one else whom
you will rejoice to see, and I will tell you all about it presently; but
I want to know first about my uncle and Aunt Sally and Mary?"

"Dey all well, an' de lieutenant he off dis berry coast in fine schooner
which bring us here."

Lieutenant Hanson and Charley then explained more fully what had
occurred.  How they had come out in the "Hope," and how they had heard
from an Arab, one of the few belonging to Abdullah's caravan who had
escaped, that a young Englishman answering Ned's description was up the
country, and was very unlikely ever to find his way down to the coast.
They had accordingly hired the most trustworthy men they could obtain,
and set off without delay to his rescue.

"And very thankful we are to find you," exclaimed Mr Hanson.

"You could not have arrived more opportunely, for never since I have
been in Africa have I been in so great a danger of losing my life; and
now I want to break the news I have to communicate to my faithful friend
Tom Baraka," said Ned.

In the meantime Chando, prompted by curiosity to look at the white men,
had descended the hill.  Ned seeing him, took his hand and led him up to
Baraka.

"Tom," he said, "I promised to find your son if I could.  What do you
think of this young man?  Are you ready to acknowledge him as your
little boy Chando?"

Tom gazed into Chando's face for a few seconds, then grasping his hands,
he rapidly uttered a few words which Ned could not understand.  The
young black replied, and the next instant they were clasped in an
affectionate embrace.  Tom's paternal feelings assured him that he had
found his long-lost boy, but a still greater surprise was in store for
him.  In another minute he and Chando were rushing up the hill together.
Ned and his friends followed, and were just in time to see the meeting
between Tom and his wife.  Though so many years had passed away since he
had parted from her, he appeared to know her immediately, and if he
exhibited his feelings in a more exuberant manner than a white man might
have done, they were not the less affectionate and genuine.

Ned introduced Sayd, expressing his gratitude for the protection he had
received.  Mr Hanson and Charley at once recognised him as the young
Arab who had been saved from the sinking dhow.  It was necessary now to
arrange what was to be done next.  The two parties agreed to camp
together on the knoll, and resolved to proceed to the coast by the route
Mr Hanson and his people had followed, thus avoiding the savage
warriors who had just been defeated, and who would undoubtedly seek for
an opportunity of revenging themselves.  An important point, however,
had to be settled.  Would Tom return with his son to Kamwawi, or would
they accompany the English back to the coast?

"Me lub him wife, him son too; but him lub Massa Pack, an' Baraka's
heart break if he not say good-bye.  And Missie Sally an' Missie Mary!
Oh! what shall him do, what shall him do?"

Tom had some difficulty, it appeared, in persuading his wife and Chando
to proceed to the coast, but the descriptions he gave of the wonders
they would see overcame their objections.  Still, Chando expressed the
not unreasonable fear that he might be seized by Abdullah and carried
off again into slavery, and very nearly turned the scale the other way.
Mr Hanson, however, through Sayd, promised him protection, and his
mother's fears on that score were quieted.

The two parties now united forming a strong body, marched through the
country without opposition, except from the natural difficulties which
presented themselves.

The "Hope" was found at anchor in the harbour, where Lieutenant Pack had
promised to wait for the expedition, having returned there the previous
day.

His joy at recovering his nephew may be supposed.  Sayd, who had
expected to be obliged to carry his ivory to Zanzibar, was delighted to
find that Mr Pack was ready to purchase the whole of it at a far higher
price than he could have expected to have obtained at that market.
Leaving his people encamped under the command of Sambroko and Hassan, he
accepted an invitation to return on board the "Hope" to Zanzibar to
purchase fresh stores for another expedition, and he promised Ned that
he would not only never again have anything to do with slave-trading,
but, after the experience he had gained, would keep aloof from all those
who engaged in that barbarous traffic.  Tom Baraka, his wife, and Chando
also came on board, Tom having inspired Masika with a curiosity to see
the wonders of the island, as Zanzibar is called.  The great desire of
his heart was accomplished.  From the commencement of the journey he had
instructed her in that faith which had afforded him support and comfort
during his long exile from the home he had expected never again to see.
Though she did not at first understand all Tom said, her mind, as well
as that of her son, became gradually enlightened, and he had the
happiness of seeing them both baptised before they left Zanzibar under
the escort of Sayd, who undertook to protect them and to restore them
safely to their native village.  It cost Tom, however, much to part from
his old master and Ned, though he was reconciled to the separation by
the belief which they had taken care to instil into him, that he might
prove an unspeakable blessing to his countrymen by imparting to them the
truths of the Gospel and instructing them in the arts of civilisation.
He and Sayd were the last persons to quit the "Hope," as, with a full
cargo of ivory and other African produce, she sailed for England.

Though the voyage was long, Ned had scarcely finished the account of his
adventures when the schooner reached the Thames, and the two
lieutenants, richer men than they had ever before been in their lives,
accompanied by Ned and Charley, set off to report to Mr Farrance the
success of their undertaking.  On reaching the house they were greatly
surprised at hearing that he, with his brother, had a few days before
started for Triton Cottage.

On this Lieutenant Pack, bidding farewell to Mr Hanson, accompanied by
Ned and Charley, immediately set off for home.  As they approached, Ned,
looking out of the carriage window, saw a young lady leaning on the arm
of a gentleman who bore a strong resemblance to Mr Farrance.  It needed
not a second glance to convince him that the young lady, though much
taller than the Mary he remembered, was Mary herself, and calling the
post-boy to stop, in a moment he was out of the chaise and running
towards them.

"It is--it is Ned!" cried Mary, and forgetting her advanced age, and
many other things besides, she threw her arms round his neck and burst
into tears; but as she looked up directly afterwards and saw Lieutenant
Pack coming stumping eagerly towards them, the bright smile which
overspread her countenance showed that they were tears of joy.  The
lieutenant took her in his arms and kissed her cheek again and again.

"How is sister Sally--all right I hope?"

"She is at home with Uncle Farrance; and here is my papa," she added,
pointing to a gentleman standing near her.

"Your papa, Mary?" exclaimed the lieutenant putting out his hand.  "I am
happy to see you, sir, whatever claim you have to that relationship,
although you shall not carry off our Mary if I can help it."

The gentleman smiled faintly.  "You certainly, sir, have a superior, if
not a prior claim, from all the loving-kindness which you and your
sister have shown her, and I should indeed be ungrateful were I to act
contrary to your wishes," answered the stranger.

"Well, well, come along, we will settle that by-and-by," said the
lieutenant, as he walked hurriedly on.  "I want to see my good sister
Sally and assure her that I am as sound in health and limb as when I
went away."  He had let go Mary's hand, and she and Ned now followed,
Charley having got out some time before to take a shorter cut to the
coast-guard station, where he expected to find his father.

Miss Sally did not go into hysterics, as Mary had so nearly done, on
seeing the lieutenant and her nephew, but received them both as her
affectionate nature prompted, though as she looked up into Ned's face
she declared that, had not he come back with his uncle, she would have
had some doubts as to his identity.

Mr Farrance now came forward and more formally introduced his brother,
assuring the lieutenant of the proofs he had obtained to his entire
satisfaction that he was Mary's father, "though," he added, as he took
him aside, "I fear, from the trials and sufferings he has endured, his
days on earth are destined to be few."

This, indeed, when the lieutenant had an opportunity of observing the
elder Mr Farrance, he thought likely to be the case.  The lieutenant
and Ned were too much engaged--the one in describing his voyage, and the
other his adventures in Africa--to inquire after any of their
neighbours, though it was very evident that Miss Sally had a matter of
importance which she wished to communicate.

"Come, Sally, what is it?" exclaimed the lieutenant.  "Has Mrs Jones
got twins? or is Miss Simpkins married? or is poor old Shank dead and
not left enough to bury him, as I always said would be the case?"

"Hush, hush," said Miss Sally, looking towards Mary and her father, who,
with Ned, were seated at the window.  "It is about Mr Shank I wish to
tell you.  The old man is dead, and it was partly about his affairs that
Mr Farrance came down here, or they would have sent for Mary and me to
London.  It is a very extraordinary story.  He was once a miser, and
although suffering apparently from poverty, had no less than thirty
thousand pounds, which he has left to our dear Mary.  He did so before
he knew he was her grandfather, which he turns out without doubt to have
been.  His only daughter married Mr Farrance, and was lost in the
Indian seas on board the ship from which you saved Mary and Tom.  Mary
was with the old man until his death, and was a great comfort to him,
but she had not the slightest suspicion that he intended to leave her a
sixpence.  From what our friend Mr Thorpe had said, however, I was not
so much surprised as I might otherwise have been.  Mary had so
interested him in the sufferings of the Africans, caused by the slave
trade, that he left a note expressing his hope that she would employ
such means as she might have at her disposal to better their condition,
especially by the establishment of missions, which he expressed his
belief would prove the best way for accomplishing that end."

No one would have supposed from Mary's manner that she had suddenly
become an heiress.  Indeed no one was more astonished than Ned when he
heard the account Miss Sally had given his uncle.  It seemed, indeed, to
afford him much less satisfaction than might have been supposed.  Her
wealth, however, was not increased by her father's death, which occurred
a short time afterwards.

Several years passed away; by that time Africa had been explored by the
many energetic travellers who have so greatly benefited its people by
acting as pioneers to the missionaries who have since gone forth to
carry to them the blessings of the Gospel.

Mary had to wait until she was of age before she inherited her
grandfather's property, when she became the wife of honest Ned Garth,
then a commander, and who, greatly to his surprise, found that Mr
Farrance had settled on him a sum equal to her fortune.

Mary did not forget Mr Shank's wishes, nor did Ned the scenes he had
witnessed in Africa, both ever showing a warm interest in its
dark-skinned races by contributing liberally towards the support of
every enterprise for their benefit.

THE END.






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