Dhow Chasing in Zanzibar Waters - The Search For Mecca

CRUISE OP THE " CASTOR S BOATS. 69
cently took the bait, weighed and ran to the
northward to chase this phantom, one of many
such "Flying Dutchmen," but of course we
never found her, and were agreeably surprised
to find the old " Imaum " barge there, which
had been some time at Mozambique undergoing
repairs. We were not long in company with
her, however, as
she was ordered to cruise in a
different part of the coast.
We were now experiencing anything but
agreeable weather; at one time the sun was
fiercely hot, and again hidden by a storm-cloud
which brought down such squalls and showers
of rain, that literally we found it necessary to
jump overboard to keep ourselves dry.
The fact
was, we were limited in our costume to one day
and one night suit of clothes, and spreading
the rain-awning in
the daytime, in such squalls
qf wind, was not always practicable. The plan
we adopted was to leave two men in the boat
when under weigh, put our clothes under the
tarpaulin to keep them dry, and jump overboard
until the rain ceased. This we have done as
many as ten or twelve times a day ;
therefore it