ade the blacks understand that they were to go
and sit down there. They put the women and children in the centre, then
the weaker-looking people and lads, and the stronger men outside of all.
They could thus better keep an eye on those most likely to try to
escape; and they managed to impress on their minds pretty clearly what
they intended doing, should they make the attempt. These arrangements
being made, they hoped to get through the night without losing any of
their prisoners, even should Mr Matson not arrive to their assistance.
They were, however, suffering considerably from hunger and thirst, and
at last Tim Nolan, touching his hat, offered to go off to the dhow and
bring on shore something to eat.

As there was still some daylight, Tom thought that he could manage to
keep the blacks in order, and agreed that Desmond should go, accompanied
by Tim, while he and the other two men kept a strict watch over their
charges. As the tide had already run out, the boat had but a short
distance to traverse. In a short time Desmond came to the bow of the
dhow, and shouted out that he had found plenty of food, and would bring
some kettles on shore to cook it.

"By all means," answered Tom. After a little time the boat returned
with several casks and bags, two large cooking-pots, and a quantity of
wood. These things were indeed welcome. Being carried up to a spot
somewhat inland, where the blacks sat, a fire was kindled, the pots put
on to boil; and a cask of water having been brought from the vessel,
with some bamboo cups, it was served round to the prisoners, after they
themselves had first drunk. It was difficult, however, to help them, as
the first who seized the mug would not pass it on, in spite of all the
seamen could do, until he had drained it to the bottom. The seamen
would not allow those who had already drunk to have any more till the
whole of the party had been supplied.

By the time the water had been served out, the contents of the pots were
sufficiently boiled. Now came the most difficult task--to divide the
food fairly among so many people. They would gladly have fed the
children and women first, but, placed as they were, that was impossible.
However, they were afraid to let them shift their positions; the moment
a basin was handed to one of the men, he would not give it up until he
had emptied it. Even when the men had been fed, they would scarcely
allow their weaker companions to receive their p