ral 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, exami