Dhow Chasing in Zanzibar Waters - The Search For Mecca

134 DHOW-CHASING.
around liim begging to
be allowed to go awaj
in tlie
life-boat to rescue a shipmate, perhaps a
messmate, and who, though they do not see it,
are ready to leave the responsibility of their
lives
in their commander's hands, without considering
the
consequences,—to be compelled to
come to the decision that the powerful smmmer
must sink, knowing that to lower a boat would
be certain death to many more. It was the
second time that I had been so painfully
situated, once in the " Pantaloon," and now
again in the " Daphne." It was now dark,
and blowing harder than ever, and with sadder
feelings than I can express, I left the deck,
giving orders that the ship should be steered
her course again. Thus the career of one who
promised to be one of the best of officers was
prematurely and most painfully ended.
We remained at Annesley Bay the greater
part of the time, entering the
Red Sea on the
night of the 31st December, 1867 ; we did not
leave it again until the 18th June, 18C8, w^hen
the expedition was ended, and the troops had
been re-embarked.