ere referred to the fact that the period of the year allowed
by treaty for the "lawful slave-trade" of the Zanzibar dominions had
come to an end. That period extended over several months, and during
its course passes from the Sultan secured "domestic slavers" against the
British cruisers. After its expiration no export of slaves was
permitted anywhere; nevertheless a very large export was carried on,
despite non-permission and cruisers. Yoosoof meant to run the blockade
and take his chance.

"How many dhows have you got?" asked Yoosoof.

"Three," replied Moosa.

"That will do," returned the Arab after a few minutes' thought; "it will
be a tight fit at first, perhaps, but a few days at sea will rectify
that. Even in the most healthy season and favourable conditions we must
unfortunately count on a good many losses. We shall sail to-morrow."

The morrow came, and three dhows left the harbour of Kilwa, hoisted
their lateen sails, and steered northwards.

They were densely crowded with slaves. Even to the eye of a superficial
observer this would have been patent, for the upper deck of each was so
closely packed with black men, women, and children, that a square inch
of it could not anywhere be seen.

They were packed very systematically, in order to secure economical
stowage. Each human being sat on his haunches with his thighs against
his breast, and his knees touching his chin. They were all ranged thus
in rows, shoulder to shoulder, and back to shin, so that the deck was
covered with a solid phalanx of human flesh. Change of posture was not
provided for: _it was not possible_. There was no awning over the upper
deck. The tropical sun poured its rays on the heads of the slaves all
day. The dews fell on them all night. The voyage might last for days
or weeks, but there was no relief to the wretched multitude. For no
purpose whatever could they move from their terrible position, save for
the one purpose of being thrown overboard when dead.

But we have only spoken of the upper deck of these dhows. Beneath this
there was a temporary bamboo deck, with just space sufficient to admit
of men being seated in the position above referred to. This was also
crowded, but it was not the "Black Hole" of the vessel. That was lower
still. Seated on the stone ballast beneath the bamboo deck there was
yet another layer of humanity, whose condition can neither be described
nor conceived. Without air, without light,