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 strang