"Mahmed!" sang out his master.
"Sahib?"
"You speak Swahili. Tell this man who we are and what we want."
Mahmed came over the side and approached the Arab captain. Apparently the former's attempt to speak Swahili was far from fluent, but the desired result was obtained.
"He for Dar-es-Salaam, Sahib," explained Mahmed "He promise passage one hundred rupees a head."
"He'll get it," replied Peter. "We'll give him one thousand rupees if he puts into Pangawani."
The Arab rejected the amendment. He was willing enough to give them a passage, but he was not going to put into an intermediate port even for the inducement of an addition three hundred rupees.
Preston was the next to board the dhow. He managed it practically unaided, for his lower limbs were regaining strength, and he was able to use his left arm. The Arabs showed considerable interest at his bandaged head, the captain going to the length of inquiring of Mahmed how the injuries were caused.
Mrs. Shallop and Olive followed.
The two lascars completed the transhipment. They brought with them the scanty personal belongings of the party, together with the water-beaker and the rest of the provisions.