368 



RETURN TO ZANZIBAR. 



February 24, 1859, the Batela's head north- 

 wards. Though the wet season did not set in till 

 March 20, the weather was especially vile, — a 

 succession of pertinacious calms, violent torna- 

 does of wind and rain, and cloudv weather with 

 not enough of blue sky to make a ribbon. At 

 last, after nine days of thorough discomfort, Ave 

 ran into Zanzibar harbour before the mildest of 

 sea-breezes. 



As we approached the city file-firing was 

 heard day and night : we thought that there was 

 fighting, but it proved that the people were 

 keeping their Thursday, our Friday eve, with all 

 the honours. The place was full of armed men, 

 and for a fortnight, during which the wildest 

 rumours flew abroad, all was excitement and 

 suspense. Although Mr Ezkel bin Yusuf, 

 British agent at Maskat, had omitted to report 

 the embarkation of Sayyid Suwayni on February 

 11, yet the invader was known to be en route. 

 The European officials at Zanzibar stood undecided 

 how to act except in the matter of pacification. 

 The French Consul, whose protection had been 

 sought by Sayyid Majid, held to the doctrine 

 that all peoples (except the Spaniards?) have a 

 right to elect their rulers. The loss of Lieut.- 

 Colonel Ilamerton was severely felt : the English 



