Page 187 - A Knight of the White Cross

rowing, an awning, which Gervaise had purchased, and which was rolled
up under the break of the poop, was, to their astonishment, drawn over

them.

"Don't you think you are spoiling your slaves, Sir Gervaise?" one of the
Spanish knights asked doubtfully.

"On the contrary, Sir Pedro, I hope that I am improving them. You have not
worked as a galley slave, but I have, and I can assure you that I used to feel

the hours when we were lying broiling in the sun, doing nothing, much
more trying than those during which I was at work. I used to be quite giddy
and sick with the heat, and on getting out the oars again had scarce strength

to work them. But this is not the most important point. In port the slaves
always sleep in the prison, but at sea they must rest on their benches; and to

do so with clothes soaked with the heavy dew must be a severe trial, and
most prejudicial to the health. The awning cost but a few ducats, and I
reckon that, putting aside the comfort to the slaves, it will be very speedily

repaid by their better health and capacity for labour. When away in the
galley with Sir Louis Ricord, I used to feel the greatest pity for the

unfortunate wretches when at daybreak, in their drenched clothes, and
shivering with cold and wet, they rose to commence their work. I then took
a vow that if ever I should come to command a galley I would provide an

awning for the slaves."

Two or three of the knights standing by expressed their warm approval of
what Gervaise said. There was, in those days, but little of that sentiment of
humanity that is now prevalent, and slaves were everywhere regarded as

mere beasts of burden rather than as human beings. When, however, they
had the question put to them, as Gervaise had done, they were ready to give

a hearty agreement, although it was the utilitarian rather than the
humanitarian side of the question that recommended it to them. After three
hours' rest the journey was renewed, and just at nightfall the galley

anchored off an islet lying to the north of Carpathos.

While the servants were laying the tables along the poop for the evening
meal, Gervaise went down to see that his orders were carried out regarding