t lieutenant; "but we can but look for
them." The ship's way was stopped, and a boat being lowered pulled
towards the shore. Here and there a few fragments of the wreck were
seen, but not a human being could be distinguished. After examining the
rocks on either side, of the spot where the dhow went on shore, Higson
returned to the ship; the boat was hoisted up, and a course steered for
the dhow which had at first been captured.

Jack had been looking out for the shore party; he saw them, as he
believed, still farther to the northward, making their way over the
sand. "A dreary march they'll have of it," he observed to Higson; "but
with the firearms they possess they will be able, I hope, to keep the
Arabs at bay, should any of the rascals take it into their heads to
attack them."

"It is fortunate that Hamed is with them, as he may be able to
communicate with any natives they may fall in with, and obtain them as
guides over the hills," said Higson.

"I would rather they should not fall in with any natives, who are more
likely to prove treacherous than to afford them assistance," answered
Jack. The attention of the officers was now, however, engaged in
looking out for the dhow; evening was approaching, and it was important
that they should pick her up before dark.

"There she is, right ahead," cried the look-out from aloft. With her
sail lowered she presented but a small object on the water.

The ship soon neared her; the officer in charge replied to Jack's hail,
"All's right, sir; but I hope that the blacks may be received on board;
for if you take us in tow, I doubt if the craft will hold together."

"The sooner they are out of her the better," answered Jack. The dhow
was accordingly brought alongside, and now began the task of removing
the unhappy beings to the ship. The men eagerly came forward to assist
in carrying the weak and helpless creatures up from the hold of the
slaver, the horrible odour from which was sufficient to overcome the
most hardy. So weak and emaciated from their long confinement, and
their still more dreadful overland journey, were most of the negroes,
that the greater number could not walk without assistance, and were
carried on deck in the strong arms of the seamen. With the greatest
tenderness and care did those gallant fellows carry their helpless
burdens, notwithstanding the mass of filth with which they were covered,
in consequence of their long imprisonment in the pestilenti