During the passage, every possible preparation was made for the
intended expedition; the firearms were looked to, cutlasses sharpened;
the surgeons packed up their instruments, bandages, and medicines. The
Arabs were not fellows to yield without a determined struggle, and some
sharp fighting was expected. About midway across the channel, a thin
wreath of smoke was observed to the southward. "A steamer in sight,
standing this way, sir," reported Adair to the commander. "The
commodore has made the signal to heave-to."

In a short time the steamer got near enough to allow her number to be
made out. "The _Busy Bee_" reported Archie, who was acting as
signal-midshipman. The commodore directed her to join company; her
boats would be an important addition to the proposed expedition. The
three vessels now stood on to the mouth of the river, off which they
brought up, for the depth of water on the bar was not sufficient to
allow even the _Busy Bee_ to enter. The boats were therefore
immediately lowered, those considering themselves most fortunate who had
to go in them; and it was hoped that by pulling up at once the Arabs
might be taken by surprise. The frigate sent four boats, the corvette
three, and the steamer two of her paddle-box boats and a gig. The
larger boats were armed with guns in their bows, capable of carrying
shell, grape, and canister, as well as round-shot. The crews were
provided with muskets, pistols, and cutlasses; and all formed a pretty
strong body, against which the Arabs were not likely to make any
effectual stand. All hands were in high spirits--there is nothing Jack
enjoys so much as an expedition on shore, whether for fighting or for a
game of cricket. Provisions for three days were stowed away in the
boats, with plenty of ammunition, and numerous articles, including pots
and pans for cooking, blanket-frocks and trousers, blankets and other
means for making themselves comfortable at night. The surgeons did not
forget a supply of quinine to mix with the men's grog, the only way in
which they could be induced to swallow the extract, albeit the only
reliable preventive for fever.

Jos Green was much disappointed at being compelled to remain in charge
of the corvette. "I fully expected to find some old friend or other
among the Arabs or captured slaves; however, give my kind regards to
anyone who knows me, and say I shall be happy to see them on board," he
exclaimed, as Terence went down the