As soon as it was dark, he lay down in a vacant space on the rushes.

Shortly afterwards talking ceased altogether, and there was quiet in the vaulted room.

With the first gleam of daylight they were astir, and, when the doors were opened, poured out into the courtyard, where all had a wash at the fountain.

Half an hour later, a meal, precisely similar to that of the previous evening, was served out; then the overseers called over the muster roll, the gangs were made up, and each, under its officer, started for its work.
Gervaise, with the men of his room, proceeded down to the port, and at once took their seats on the benches of the galley, one foot being chained to a ring in the deck, the other to that of a companion at the oar.

The slaves were more cheerful now.