“After some time perhaps, not now,” answered Sayd, without giving any further reason for not accepting the situation. He was as friendly as ever, and expressed his gratitude for the kindness he had received; he had, however, made up his mind to remain on shore, and having bade farewell to Ned and his other friends on board, he took his departure.
“I for one am glad to be rid of the fellow,” observed Rhymer, as he was seated at the head of the table in the midshipmen’s berth. “Like all Arabs, I have no doubt that he is a great rascal, though he is so soft and insinuating in his manners.”
“I hope that he is an exception to the rule,” answered Ned, not liking to have his friend run down.
“How dare you oppose your opinion to mine, youngster?” exclaimed Rhymer. “As you claim the credit of saving his life, you think it necessary to praise him; but if any of us fall into his power, he’d show his gratitude by cutting our throats with as little compunction as any other Arab would have.”
Charley sided with Ned; but the majority of those present thought Rhymer was not far wrong in the opinion he expressed.
The “Ione” having replenished her stores, again sailed on a cruise to the southward. Week after week, however, went by and not a prize was taken. It was very tantalising. Dhows were frequently seen and chased, but those which were overhauled proved to be legal traders. It was the old story over again. The Arabs were evidently too cunning to be caught; only those who had no cause to dread the British cruisers got in her way, and the rest kept out of it. That thousands of slaves were being embarked and carried northward there could be no doubt, but how to catch the dhows with slaves on board was the question. The commander resolved to try and outwit the Arabs. He had heard at Zanzibar that many of their vessels kept close in-shore, both to avoid the British cruisers and to fill up their cargoes with any negroes they might entrap. He accordingly determined to send the boats in with strong crews well-armed and provisioned to lie in wait among the small islands off the shore, that should any dhows appear in sight, they might pounce down on them and effect their capture before they had time to make their escape. As the commander had no reason for keeping his plans secret they were soon known about the ship, and every one in the midshipmen’s berth hoped to be employed in the service. Boat expeditions are always popular among men-of-war’s men, notwithstanding the privations they entail, as a change from the regular routine of life on board ship. As yet it was not known who was to go; Ned and Charley thought that they should have but little chance.
“If we ask Mr Hanson he will advise the commander to send us,” said Ned.
“There’s nothing like trying,” replied Charley; “but I am afraid it will be of little use.”
“I’ll speak to him,” said Ned. “It will show our zeal, and we can but be refused. I do not suppose that either you or I are likely to obtain command of a boat, but we may be sent with some one else, and the commander may be willing to give us an opportunity of gaining experience.”
Ned carried out his intention.