Dhow Chasing in Zanzibar Waters - The Search For Mecca

52 DHOW-CHASING.
Starting from Ibo at daylight on the 15tli
of February, with a fair wind, in company
with the " Dee's " cutter, we steered to the
northward, inside the islands, and anchored at
noon under the lee of Maheto Island. From
the top of a ruin on this island, we observed
what appeared to be a large vessel steering
north, and immediately proceeded in chase
of her. We had received some information
relative to an armed American vessel in the
neighbourhood waiting for an opportunity to
escape with a cargo of slaves, and as we neared
the chase, it was soon pronounced to be a
barque; for two hours with a light wind and
oars did we pull to the northward and westward
after her, now apparently gaining, now
losing.
"It's a barque," said Jones; "she has just
set her royals, and hauled up more."
" Well, she's inside, out of the current, and
we are in the heart of it, and that's how slie's
gaining."
" If it's the Yankee she'll fight for it?'
" Mount the o-un."