Dhow Chasing in Zanzibar Waters - The Search For Mecca

48 DHOW-CHASIXG.
Early in the month of Fel^rnary we left
the island' of Mafamale for Mozambique,
where we remained with the " Dee " for some
days.
While the " Dee " was anchored in this harbour
it was our custom to bathe within the
paddle-wheels, for the harbour is so full of
sharks at all times that it is not an uncommon
occurrence for negroes at work on the beach,
when wading to the boats to clear them, where
the water is not more than two or three feet
deep, to be attacked and taken away by these
voracious creatures that may constantly be seen
around the ship. AYithin the paddle-wheels of
the vessel, however, we could bathe in safety.
On one occasion when Jones the second-master
and I were so engaged, some natives made their
canoe fast to the wheel and left it to go on
board the ship ; we both got into the canoe and
paddled away from the side, imitating the
native action and manner, but with a little too
much vigour, until we overturned the canoe,
which immediately filled with water and sank
under us. "We were then at some distance from