Page:Small-boat sailing; an explanation of the management of small yachts, half-decked and open sailing-boats of various rigs; sailing on sea and on river; cruising, etc (IA smallboatsailing01knig).pdf/296

 lee bulwarks, we shot by the other dhow as if she were standing still; and in a few minutes left her astern, out of sight in the growing darkness, for these happy-go-lucky dhows but rarely carry lights at night.

Then my proud and delighted skipper came up and shook hands with me heartily, and the crew hurried aft to congratulate me after the true Arab fashion. Discipline was cast aside for the nonce. The gigantic black mate at the helm alone took charge of the ship. The others expressed their triumph by the Arab fantasia of victory. A lantern was hung up, a tom-tom and stringed instruments were produced, and while four of the men squatted in front of me and played with furious energy on these instruments, the rest wildly danced and shouted and clapped their hands. This orgy lasted for