engine-room and inspect the
machinery, with as knowing a look as I can assume. I've a notion that
the engineer has found me out, but he is a discreet man, and doesn't
take advantage of my ignorance; so I expect to get on very well, and
hope that we shall catch no end of dhows, which will be unprepared for
our mode of making our way through the water."

Adair at once went on board the _Romp_, accompanied by Desmond, who took
Tom's berth. Thus the three young commanders found themselves all
together, each captain of his respective ship. Their great object was
the suppression of the slave-trade; for this purpose they laid their
heads together to concoct a scheme to carry it effectually out. Their
plan was to proceed along the coast, each taking up a position a couple
of hundred miles or so apart, and to send their respective boats' crews
north and south, thus keeping up the chain of communication, imparting
information, and the one aiding the other.

Jack was glad to find his old friend Higson first lieutenant of the
_Gauntlet_. He had become, if not a temperance man, at all events as
sober as a judge, and devoted to the duties of his position. His old
shipmates were glad to meet him. He dined with Murray and Adair the two
days they remained at Zanzibar, "the only times," he declared, "that he
had been out of the ship since she left England."

The three commanders had a consultation regarding the disposal of their
three young relatives. They agreed that as they were all well up in
seamanship, and knew nothing about steam, that it would be to their
advantage to remain for some time on board the steamer. "There's no
doubt that steam is making great progress, and for the sort of work on
which we are engaged, at all events, steamers will be universally
employed," observed Murray, with his usual forethought. "I should not
be surprised if we were to have all our larger as well as the smaller
vessels fitted with the auxiliary screw, and it is, of course, very
important that an officer should be well acquainted with its management,
as well as with the working of steam-engines in general."

"Faith, I believe you are right," answered Adair; "though I'm mighty
afraid that if steamers come into vogue, they will do away with all the
romance once upon a time supposed to belong to a naval life."

"I shall not make myself very unhappy on that account," said Murray,
laughing; "it will be a great thing not to have to depend on