"I wish now I had sent in an application yesterday, for if I had done so, no doubt they would have sent me some more men.

However, this fellow will make up an even number, and he is strong and active, though at present he looks sulky enough under his bad fortune." A few of the slaves spoke to Gervaise as they were waiting for food to be brought them, but the majority dropped upon the rushes, too exhausted with toil and heat to feel an interest in anything.

The food consisted of rye bread, with thin broth, brought in a great iron vessel.

Each slave had a horn, which was used for soup or water, and which, when done with, he had, by the rule enforced among themselves, to take out to the fountain in the courtyard and wash, before it was added to the pile in the corner of the room.
The cool of the evening aided the meal in restoring the energies of the slaves.

Several gathered round Gervaise, and asked questions as to what he knew of the prospects of an early invasion of Rhodes; but as soon as the officer left the room, closing and locking the door after him, the slaves became for the most part silent.