Page 144 - A Knight of the White Cross

and in time one gets over even that. I have long ago told myself that if they
are not dead, at least they are dead to me. They have their livings to get,

and cannot be always mourning, and I have tried to forget them, as they
must have forgotten me."

"Do you work hard?" Gervaise asked.

"No. We who are in the galleys are regarded by the others with envy.
Sometimes -- often, indeed -- we have naught to do all day. We bask in the

sun, we talk, we sleep, we forget that we are slaves. But, generally, we go
out for an hour or two's exercise; that is well enough, and keeps us strong
and in health. Only when we are away on voyages is the work hard.

Sometimes we row from morning to night; but it is only when they are in
chase of another craft that we have really to exert ourselves greatly. Then it

is terrible. We may be doing our best, our very best, and yet to the
impatient knights it seems that we might do more. Then they shout to the
overseer, and he lays his whip on our backs without mercy. Then we row

until sometimes we drop, senseless, off the benches. But this, you
understand, is not very often; and though the work on a cruise is long, it is

not beyond our strength. Besides, when we are away in the galley there is
always hope. The galley may meet with four or five of our ships, and be
captured, or a storm may arise and dash her upon the shore; and though

many would lose their lives, some might escape, and each man, in thinking
of it, believes that he will be one of the fortunate ones.

"Take my advice: always look cheerful if you can; always put your hand on
the oar when the order is given, and row as if you were glad to be at work

again; and always make a show, as if you were working your hardest.
Never complain when you are struck unjustly, and always speak

respectfully to the overseer. In that way you will find your life much easier
than you would think. You will be chosen for small boat service; and that is
a great thing, as we are not chained in the small boats. Some men are

foolish and obstinate, but, so far from doing any good, this only brings
trouble on themselves; they come in for punishment daily, they are closely

watched, and their lives made hells for them. Even as a help to escape it
pays best to be cheerful and alert. We all think of escape, you know, though