One was taken to each dhow, and the work of transhipping the cattle began at once.

These were in good condition for, although closely packed, they had been well supplied with food and water on the way down; and a herdsman with four men under him had been sent, in each boat, to take care of them, as Tom Pearson was very anxious that his first consignment should be reported upon favourably.

The animals were all landed in the course of the afternoon and, with the acknowledgment of their receipt, in excellent order, in his pocket, the contractor went off again, with Stanley, to his own dhow.
"I have told them to have everything in readiness to drop down the river with the tide, tomorrow morning.

It will turn just about sunrise.

That is a rare bit of business, Stanley; and I doubt if a contractor ever got his work through so quickly, before.