“I will see about it,” answered Mr Hanson. “I suppose you and Meadows wish to go together to keep each other out of mischief.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Ned, “we’ll look after each other at all events; it won’t be our fault if we don’t take a dhow or two.”
“You are always zealous, Garth, and the commander will, I know, be glad to favour your wishes,” answered the lieutenant, in a tone which encouraged Ned to hope that he would be sent on the expedition. While the ship was standing towards the African coast orders were received to prepare the three largest boats—the launch, pinnace, and cutter. The second lieutenant was to go in one with the assistant surgeon, the master in another, and Rhymer was to have charge of the third. The commander, who held him in more estimation than his messmates were wont to do, spoke to him on the quarter-deck.
“I intend to send two of the youngsters with you—Meadows and Garth. You will look after them, and see that they come to no harm; the experience they may gain will be of advantage to them.”
“Of course, sir, I am always glad to be of service to youngsters, and will take good care of them,” he answered aloud, muttering to himself, “especially as one of these days I may find them passed over my head.”
“Very well, then, Rhymer, I will give you the necessary directions for your guidance; but remember you will on no account allow your men to sleep on shore on the mainland, and you must avoid remaining at night up any river into which you may chase a dhow.”
Rhymer, of course, undertook to act according to the commander’s directions.
Next day the ship came in sight of an island, three or four miles from the mainland, the western side rising some fifty or sixty feet above the summit of the water, and covered with trees. On the north side was a deep bay, into which the ship stood, and came to an anchor. Here she was hid both from the people on shore or from any passing dhows. The island formed one of a group, extending along the coast at various distances, most of them, however, were low, and many were mere sand-banks, with a few casuarina bushes growing on the higher portions. They would all, however, afford sufficient shelter to the boats, and conceal them till they could pounce out and capture any dhows passing near. The boats were now lowered, each with a gun in the bows, well stored with provisions and tents for living in on shore, while the crews were well-armed, and were at once despatched to their several destinations. The second lieutenant was directed to go to the northward, and Rhymer was to proceed to the most southern limit, and in case of necessity they were to rendezvous at the spot from whence they started. The ship then sailed on a cruise to the northward, the commander promising to return in the course of a fortnight to replenish their provisions, and take charge of any dhows which might have been captured. Ned and Charley were in high glee at the thoughts of the work they were to be engaged in. Old Rhymer had lately been more pleasant than usual, and they hoped to get along pretty well with him. He was fond of his ease, and in fine weather was likely to entrust the boat to them, while he took a “caulk” in the stern sheets; indeed, when away from his superiors, and in command himself, he was always more amiable than on board ship.
For some time after the boat had shoved off all on board were employed in re-stowing the stores, getting her into trim, and placing the articles most likely to be required uppermost. When everything had been done according to his satisfaction, he addressed the two midshipmen.
“Now, youngsters,” he said, “recollect, I must have implicit obedience, and all things will go well; if not, look out for squalls. I’ll take one watch, you, Meadows, another, and you, Garth, the third.”