cargo was iron ore, which could only be put on board in a particular way, and by hand, without the use of machinery. Less than 300 tons were then in, and although the utmost diligence was employed the remainder was not got on board until late in the sixth day afterwards. In short, she was not more than three-elevenths loaded, and the time of finishing was subject to all the contingencies of wind, weather, labor, and boats incident to an open roadstead on the northern coast of Africa. Certainly in this condition she could not be considered as ready to sail. At most she was only loading, with the time of her sailing to a great extent uncertain. It is true that the term "about" implies in such a connection the lapse of some time, but not enough, as it seems to me, in this case, to enable the vessel to do what was required of her to put herself in a condition to sail with cargo under her charter from Benizaf to Philadelphia.
It follows that the original libellants are entitled to recover, and that the cross-libel must be dismissed. A decree may be prepared accordingly.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW.
1. That the Whickham was not about to sail from Benizaf on the first of August, within the meaning of that term as used in the charter-party.
2. That Schumacker & Co. are entitled to recover from the defendants to their libel the sum of $1,988.25, and the interest thereon from September 11, 1879.
3. That the cross-libel of T. H. Davidson and others must be dismissed.
