The Bronze God of Rhodes

Dawn of our fourth day showed us a long, slim line of yellow beach, topped by a band of green, between sea and sky. Python strode up to the bow.

"Onas!" he said. "What part of the African coast is that?"

The Egyptian, who had been glum and despondent as a result of being parted from his wife, roused himself. "I know not, sir. From the Pelusiac mouth to Cyrene the coast of Egypt looks much the same."

"Berosos, do you know where we are?" said Python.

The Babylonian spread his hands. "I should guess, sir, that the strong west winds of the last two days have eastward borne us."

"East of Alexandria?"

"Who but the gods should know? But I do think so."

"Then would you sail westward until you came to a town where we can ask?"

"Aye, sir."

"How about you, Onas? Do you agree?"

"Aye, sir, but I would also take soundings, as the water along this coast is shoal."

Python: "Have you any ideas, Chares?"

"Nothing to add to what these men have said, sir."

Python looked around uncertainly, then went away, issuing his commands.

As we neared the coast, the Halia put about and headed westward. Presently a sailor came up to the bow with a sounding lead, which he whirled by its cord and threw ahead of the ship from time to time.

My first impression of Egypt, whereof so many romantic tales are told, was of flat, dreary monotony. Ever stretched the beach, and beyond it the low sky-lining mass of palms and reeds. After a while the sameness was broken by a fishing village. Python turned inshore to question the villagers. As we approached, however, the Egyptians fled.

"They think us slavers," explained Onas.

The lookout in the bow called: "It's shoaling!"

The next instant the Halia grounded with a creak of timbers. The mast swayed like a reed in the wind; men who had not braced themselves were sent staggering.

"What in the name of the Dog?" yelled Python. "I will flay that lookout alive!"

The officers rushed forward, shouting at the lookout as he reeled his lead in. The terrified sailor said:

"But I did call out, sir; indeed I did, sir; these men heard me, but the ship kept on, sir—"

"Your pardon, sirs," said Onas, "but were it not well to get off soon? The folk in these parts live by brigandage, and if they see us stranded, they will swarm out to assail us."

"Oh," said Captain Python. "Come aft, everybody. Coxswain, put the full crew on the oars."

We went aft to raise the bow by shifting our weight. The rowers, braced themselves, two to each oar, and backed water with all their might. After they had made several strokes without moving us, Python called a halt.

"We dare not wear them out," he said. "Who has an idea?"

The executive officer said: "If the rowers make their strokes alternately, first on one side and then on the other, we may wriggle off."

"Good," said Python, and commanded the coxswain.

This time the men pushed first on one side, so that the ship swung about its bow as about a pivot; then on the other side, so that it swung back. After a few strokes somebody shouted:

"She moves!"

The Halia backed off the shoal, turned, and continued along the coast, while the first lieutenant went below to look for new leaks. The catapult crew returned to its post.