The Adventures of Herbert Massey in Eastern Africa (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1888 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IV. The Seychelles--Charles Dupuis--H.M. Brig Arab--Captain Galbraith and Mr. Hudson--A Ball--Marling and Beadle. HE Seychelles are a small archipelago now in the possession of the English, but which were originally settled by the French, and the inhabitants consist of French Creoles and negroes, some of the latter being descendants of the slaves owned by the whites before the emancipation of slaves, and the others of liberated slaves landed by British cruisers. When the Good Intent arrived there was one of these cruisers, the brig Arab, lying in the inner harbour, which is formed by a series of coral reefs, and the entrance to which is so narrow and intricate that with an unfavourable breeze ships had to be towed or warped in and out. As soon as the Good Intent was brought to an anchor her small sails were unbent, and her upper yards and masts sent down in preparation for a regular refit and overhaul of all her rigging. A boat came off from the shore, which brought on board the inspector of police, who, next to the commissioner and doctor, was the highest official in the island, and, in the absence of the latter, did his duties as health officer. Pratique was granted at once, and a jolly little French creole who was in the boat came on deck and announced himself as Charles Dupuis, and said he would be glad to provide for all the wants of the ship, and that if any persons desired to live on shore he could arrange to get them a house and provide them with all they required. Charles Dupuis was astonished to find that both the captain and his son spoke French, and he strongly recommended them to come on shore, as there were beautiful walks, and all manner of pleasant things to be seen and done. The scenery indeed was lovely, the high rocky peaks of Mah...