Dhow Chasing in Zanzibar Waters - The Search For Mecca

THE CRUISE OF THE " DArHNE." 215
tliem, but the only parts wliicli we coiild preserve
from tlie attacks of those destructive ants
which swarm into ships on the Indian station
were the talons, which were large enough
to extend over the top of an ordinary sized
breakfast-cup.
During the day or two that the ship remained
at this island, the boats were sent up
the river Antonio to obtain, if possible, information
of any slavers ; the Arabs informed the
interpreter that a dhow was about to leave
the river under French colours for Cape St.
Andrew, with a cargo of slaves. At one
part of this river on our boats entering it, although
only fifty-six miles from the Portuguese
island of Mozambique, and claimed by them as a
part of i^heir possessions, the Arabs and natives
came down and prepared to attack the boats,
which were obliged therefore to withdraw and
proceed to another town farther up.
From Mafamale we proceeded to Mayotta.
General Columb was at this time governor of
the island. We arrived on a great fete day : a
regatta was going on, and nil the principal