Page:Domestic Life in Palestine.pdf/96

Rh together, and skimmed over the water to the sailing-boat, which awaited us outside the rocky barrier. I found it was divided into three parts—the central portion being like an uncovered hold, four feet deep and eight feet square. The decks fore and aft were incumbered with the ship's tackle, and crowded with sailors, who were singing lustily. The hold, lighted by two lanterns, was matted and set apart for passengers and luggage. Our portmanteaus and carpet-bags served us for a couch, and the monks sat on their saddle-bags, wrapped in their comfortable-looking hooded robes. Poor Katrîne, who had never been on the sea before, was very much alarmed. She rolled herself up in her cloak, stretched herself full length by my side, and was happily soon fast asleep. Our kawass smoked his pipe in company with the Reis above, and an Italian, who had smuggled himself and his baggage aboard, in the hurry and darkness, kept aloof with the sailors. The sky was bright with stars; the south wind was strong, and filled the sails, and by fits and starts I dozed till dawn of day. Then I roused myself, and watched the little group around me, the hooded monks sleeping soundly, my brother at my feet, leaning against a hamper, and Katrîne so enveloped that I could not distinguish her head from her heels.

The favorable wind had ceased, and the sailors were busy taking in sail. By the time the sun appeared above the low coast hills the wind had shifted to the west, and we were in danger of being driven on the rocks. It then suddenly veered to the north, and blew so violently that the Reis was obliged to cast anchor, and we were tossed on a heavy sea, near to a desolate coast, where there was no possibility of landing. By nine o'clock the sun was very powerful. An awning made of the now useless sails was thrown over the hold. We found our quarters far from comfortable, but we were determined to make the best of them. By noon the heat was intense and suffocating down in the hold, so I climbed on to the deck, and sat on a coil of rope, clinging to the mast. The strong wind and the