rvant.

As Jerry ladled out the contents of the kettle, it was seen to contain
every article with which he had been furnished; the fowls and beef cut
up into small bits; peas, biscuit, flour, preserved vegetables, emitting
a most savoury odour. No one had cause to complain, for Jerry had added
a seasoning which all acknowledged to be superior to anything they had
ever tasted.

"I knew you'd like my `kettler,'" he observed, with a self-satisfied
air, as he sat down with his messmates, who gathered round him.

The rogue had wisely beforehand consulted Adair, who had approved of his
proposal on the subject, and so excellent was his "kettler" pronounced,
that from henceforward it was the everyday meal of the party; and though
others tried to surpass him when their turn came, they all confessed
that they could never do it, and it was voted that it was unequalled by
the best Scotch hotch-potch, which it much resembled.

They were not long, however, allowed to lead so pleasant a life on
shore. Adair sent off one of the boats across the channel to the
mainland to be in readiness to pounce down on any dhows creeping up on
that side, while he himself went away in the pinnace to the southward,
accompanied by Gerald and Archie, leaving Jos Green in command of the
island. Jerry Bird formed one of the crew, so the party on shore lost
their cook. Pango also, one of the escaped slaves, went as interpreter,
he having by this time acquired enough English to make himself
understood and to understand what was said to him. The boat was
provisioned for three weeks, and Adair hoped, by getting fresh food and
vegetables from the shore, to be able to stay out longer if necessary.
He had on board several articles for barter, and, in addition, a store
of empty beer-bottles, for which he had heard the natives have an
especial fancy.

Adair's intention was to examine every opening and indentation in the
coast in which a slave dhow could take shelter. He accordingly steered
for the mainland, towards the first bay to the south of Angoxa, into
which it was possible one of the hoped-for prizes might have crept
during the night. On reaching the bay, however, no vessel was to be
seen, and the pinnace accordingly stood out again with a light breeze,
which enabled her to stand down the coast. The day was passed much as
men-of-war's men are accustomed to spend their time on boat expeditions;
the meals were cooked in one pot, common to officers