e 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 whenc