laves on
board, and the dhow was becoming leaky, and they had to throw the cargo
into the sea," said Hamed.

"Then inquire why he ran away from us," said the lieutenant.

Again Hamed and the skipper had a long talk. "The negoda says he was in
a hurry, and thought the brig was a pirate," said Hamed.

"Very likely. You don't think he speaks the truth?" observed the
lieutenant.

"He speakee lie," said Hamed.

"Tell him we, at all events, intend to search his vessel," said the
lieutenant, "and we shall judge whether she's leaky or not, or whether
there's any foundation for his statement."

Lanterns had been brought in the boat. While one-half of the English
kept watch over the villains on deck, the others descended with Tom and
Needham into the horribly-smelling hold. A large quantity of bamboos
were found, the remains of slave-decks, with a larger supply of rice,
millet, and water than the Arabs were likely to carry for themselves.
There was a miscellaneous cargo below under the slave-deck, which had
certainly not been interfered with. There was evidence sufficient to
condemn the vessel, but not a proof that the slaves had been murdered,
though there could be no doubt that, if not lately landed, they must
have been disposed of by foul means.

"I fancied I heard a groan," said Tom, as he was groping about. Needham
came to the spot, and eager hands were soon engaged in removing some of
the cargo; when, from beneath it, in a hollow space, they drew forth a
human being, a boy ten or, twelve years of age, fearfully emaciated.
One of the seamen carried him on deck, his appearance causing a
considerable agitation among the Arab crew. Hamed addressed the lad,
who replied to him in a faint voice. Even the interpreter's
unattractive countenance expressed horror.

"He say he got loose, and hide away because he hear the cries of the
rest of the slaves. The Arabs cut their throats, and tumble them into
the sea. He sure they were two hundred or more this morning, men and
women and children, and now he alone remain," said Hamed. No further
evidence than this was necessary to condemn the Arab crew, and the
lieutenant immediately ordered them into the boats, and sent them on
board the brig, leaving Tom with four hands to take charge of the dhow.

On their arrival Jack immediately held a court to try the accused, with
himself as judge, and his two lieutenants as assistants. The evidence
of the slave boy was considered