Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/35



night was stormy, and rough winds swept over the sea of Tiberias, raising the waves and scattering their spray as if it had been the sand of the desert. The moon had set, and the stars were fading before the grey dawn which began to open in the east, while the deep shadows yet lay upon the face of the waters. Even at this hour, when the wild animals were couched in the caves of the rock, and the birds nestled on the pine boughs which were tossed by the blast, man was abroad to contend with nature. In the midst of the deep there were vessels rocking and pitching upon the waves, and men were labouring, with oar and rudder, to master the strength of the elements. In one of these lay Sadoc, the son of Imri. He had toiled at the oar with his companions during part of the night. About the fourth watch he became weary, and giving his place to another, he retired to the stern, to