It was a large and handsome boat, built of cedar-wood and richly gilt, with an image of John, the patron-saint of the family, for a figure-head.

The nimbus round the head was a crown of lamps, and large lanterns shone both at the bows and stern of the vessel.

The Mukaukas George was reclining under an awning, his wife Neforis by his side.

Opposite to them sat their son and a tall young girl, at whose feet a child of ten sat on the ground, leaning her pretty head against her knees.

An older Greek woman, the child's governess, had a place by the side of a very tall man, on an ottoman beyond the verge of the awning.