that effect, as he enveloped wife and baby in a huge embrace.

Of course he spoke in a dialect of ancient Greek, of which we render a
free translation.

The leave-taking was of the briefest, for just then a loud halloo from
his mate, or second in command, apprised the captain that all was ready
to set sail. But neither Penelope nor her husband were anxious souls or
addicted to the melting mood. The square baby was rather more given to
such conditions. In emulation of the mate it set up a sudden howl which
sent its father away laughing to the harbour.

"No sign of the young men," remarked the mate, as his superior came
within hail.

"It is ever the way with these half-fledged boys who think themselves
men while their faces are yet hairless," growled the captain, casting a
glance at his unfailing chronometer, the rising sun. "They have no more
regard for the movements of that ball of fire than if it was set in the
sky merely to shine and keep them warm, and had no reference whatever to
time. If this youth from Albion does not appear soon, I shall set sail
without him, prince though he be, and leave him to try his hand at
swimming to the Cassiterides. His comrade and friend, Dromas, assured
me they would not keep us waiting; but he is no better than the rest of
them--a shouting, singing, smooth-faced, six-foot set they are, who
think they inherit the combined wisdom of all their grandfathers but
none of their weaknesses; reckless fear-nothings, fit only for war and
the Olympic games!"

"Nevertheless, we could not do well without them," returned the mate,
glancing significantly at the ship's crew, a large proportion of which
was composed of these same stalwart fear-nothings of whom his leader
spoke so contemptuously; "at least they would make a fine show at these
games, and our ventures at sea would not prosper so well if we had not
such to help us."

"True, true, and I would not speak slightingly of them, but they do try
one's patience; here is the wind failing, and we all ready to hoist
sail," returned the captain with another growl, a glance at the sky, and
a frown at his vessel, everything about which betokened readiness for
instant departure. The crew--partly composed of slaves--were seated at
the oars; the fighting men and seamen were all on board arranging their
shields round the vessel's sides, and the great sail was cast loose
ready to hoist as soon as the mouth of the harbour should be cleared.

Ju