or 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