Two immense ropes passing across the bow marked the number of anchors stowed on the foredeck.
The simplicity of the upper works declared the oars the chief dependence of the crew.

A mast, set a little forward of midship, was held by fore and back stays and shrouds fixed to rings on the inner side of the bulwarks.

The tackle was that required for the management of one great square sail and the yard to which it was hung.

Above the bulwarks the deck was visible.
Save the sailors who had reefed the sail, and yet lingered on the yard, but one man was to be seen by the party on the mole, and he stood by the prow helmeted and with a shield.
The hundred and twenty oaken blades, kept white and shining by pumice and the constant wash of the waves, rose and fell as if operated by the same hand, and drove the galley forward with a speed rivalling that of a modern steamer.
So rapidly, and apparently, so rashly, did she come that the landsmen of the tribune's party were alarmed.

Suddenly the man by the prow raised his hand with a peculiar gesture; whereupon all the oars flew up, poised a moment in air, then fell straight down.