^16 AT SEA. 
We have hired AlJi Nohri as an interpreter. He speaks but in- 
different Moors ; however, he writes Arabic ; and as he has been 
in the service of Mr. Pringle, ought to be more worthy of trust than 
a common servant. 
January ^. — Early in the morning our Httle dow was along side 
of us, and we received from the shore our last stock of vegetables. 
At eight we weighed anchor and steered for the Aroe Islands, so 
called in the charts, but probably a corruption of Jibbel Arish, the 
name of the largest island. We had a very stiff breeze, and a strong 
current to the northward. The swell lessened as we approached the 
African shore. This was the case during our last voyage, and it was 
satisfactory to find it the same at this season. Our vessel was so 
crank that we were obliged to carry only close-reefed topsails on the 
cap. We passed between the white rocks, which the pilot called 
the Children of Arish, and the islands, as on our return from Mas- 
sowah, iind were extremely surprised to find how incorrectly they 
were laid down in Sir Home Popham's chart of the Red Sea ; the 
Great Aroe having been left out, while the others were none of them 
in their true position. Captain Court expressed his surprise, that 
Mr. Maxfield had been able to lay the places down so accurately in 
his chart, from the little assistance he received. We went close to 
Rackmah, and upon the credit of Mr. Maxfield's chart, sailed all 
night. It blew very fresh, and there was a considerable following 
sea. The Panther was so light, that we could not make her go less 
than seven knots with a double reefed fore-topsail close to the 
cap. We kept rather without the line of the Antelope's course, and 
had deeper water, with sometimes no soundings. 
January 3. —Ras Kussar was in sight in the morning, and the 
