The fourth day out, and the Astroea--so the galley was named--speeding through the Ionian Sea.

The sky was clear, and the wind blew as if bearing the good-will of all the gods.
As it was possible to overtake the fleet before reaching the bay east of the island of Cythera, designated for assemblage, Arrius, somewhat impatient, spent much time on deck.

He took note diligently of matters pertaining to his ship, and as a rule was well pleased.
In the cabin, swinging in the great chair, his thought continually reverted to the rower on number sixty.
"Knowest thou the man just come from yon bench ?" he at length asked of the hortator.
A relief was going on at the moment.
"From number sixty ?" returned the chief.
"Yes." The chief looked sharply at the rower then going forward.
"As thou knowest," he replied "the ship is but a month from the maker's hand, and the men are as new to me as the ship." "He is a Jew," Arrius remarked, thoughtfully.
"The noble Quintus is shrewd." "He is very young," Arrius continued.
"But our best rower," said the other.

"I have seen his oar bend almost to breaking." "Of what disposition is he ?" "He is obedient; further I know not.

Once he made request of me." "For what ?" "He wished me to change him alternately from the right to the left." "Did he give a reason ?" "He had observed that the men who are confined to one side become misshapen.