I stood up, and by resting
my heels upon a rib of the ship and my back against her side, I found
myself in a position whence I could see the feet of the passers-by on
the deck above.
Presently I saw that one of these wore a priest's robe, and guessing
that he must be my companion with whom I had escaped, I strove to
attract his notice, and at length succeeded. So soon as he knew who
it was beneath him, the priest lay down on the deck as though to rest
himself, and we spoke together. He told me, as I had guessed, that we
were becalmed and that a great sickness had taken hold of the ship,
already laying low a third of the crew, adding that it was a judgment
from heaven because of their cruelty and wickedness.
To this I answered that the judgment was working on the captives as well
as on the captors, and asked him where was Sarceda, as they named de
Garcia. Then I learned that he had been taken sick that morning, and I
rejoiced at the news, for if I had hated him before, it may be judged
how deeply I hated him now. Presently the priest left me and returned
with water mixed with the juice of limes, that tasted to me like nectar
from the gods, and some good meat and fruit. These he gave me through
the hole in the planks, and I made shift to seize them in my manacled
hands and devoured them. After this he went away, to my great chagrin;
why, I did not discover till the following morning.
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