"
A.Q., after reflection and a few words with Stephen Somers: "Can you
tell me, noble sir, if from your peaceful village you have yet sighted
the English man-of-war, /Crocodile/; I mean the steamer that is
engaged in watching for the dhows of wicked slavers? A letter from her
captain informed me that he would be in these waters by yesterday.
Perhaps, however, he has been delayed for a day or two."
If I had exploded a bomb at the feet of the excellent Hassan its
effect could scarcely have been more remarkable than that of this
question. He turned--not pale, but a horrible yellow, and exclaimed:
"English man-of-war! /Crocodile/! I thought she had gone to Aden to
refit and would not be back at Zanzibar for four months."
A.Q.: "You have been misinformed, noble Hassan. She will not refit
till October. Shall I read you the letter?" and I produced a piece of
paper from my pocket. "It may be interesting since my friend, the
captain, whom you remember is named Flowers, mentions you in it. He
says----"
Hassan waved his hand.
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