aimed. A
time of anxious suspense passed by; now the canoe could be seen in the
surf, now she disappeared; but the gallant Kroomen could not be
discovered, though many an eye was looking out for them.

Jack took a hurried turn on deck, considering what was next to be done.
Higson proposed once more going in the large boat, and sending a line on
shore, so as to tow the people singly off. "They would be drowned
before they got half-way," said Jack.

"I fear they would," answered Higson; "and the dingy would never live in
such a sea, even with only one man in her."

Jack feared that he should have to remain till the next morning, but in
the meantime he would certainly lose the other dhow which had been seen
close inshore, while it was important to get hold of the first captured
before dark, and to carry her to an anchorage. While he and Higson were
discussing the subject, their ears were saluted by the report of three
muskets, fired in rapid succession. "Tom and his mate are safe, at all
events," he exclaimed; "and the best thing the party can do is now to
make their way overland to the bay. Having got arms, they will be able
to beat off any Arabs who may venture to attack them."

The proper signal was accordingly made to Archie, who showed that he
understood it by waving a handkerchief; and the whole party were seen at
once to put themselves into marching order, when they began moving to
the southward along the shore. The anchor was then weighed, and the
ship stood towards the spot where the dhow she had before chased was
last seen. The slaver, which had some time before hoisted her sail, was
seen standing to the eastward; but suddenly down came the sail.

"She's given in, finding it useless to attempt escaping," remarked the
doctor.

"I'm not so sure of that," said Higson. "See, up goes her canvas again;
there, she's standing for the shore on the other tack."

All hopes of cutting her off were vain; the ship dashed on, head to
wind, while the dhow bounded towards the rocky coast. "The madmen!"
cried Jack; "she'll be dashed to pieces in a few minutes. Throw a shell
ahead of her, it may induce the Arabs to haul down their sail."

The missile flew over the doomed vessel, but still she held on towards
the coast. "Try and hit her," he cried out; "it may be better to sink
her where our boats can pick up some of the poor wretches, than allow
them to be dashed to pieces on those cruel rocks--fire shot." Gun a