k of gathering in the figs was carried on,
earnestly and steadily, with the aid of the workers whom Simon had
hired in the town and, in two days, the trees were all stripped,
and strings of figs hung to dry from the boughs of all the trees
round the house.

Then the gathering of the grapes began. All the inhabitants of the
little fishing village lent their aid--men as well as women and
children--for the vintage was looked upon as a holiday; and Simon
was regarded as a good friend by his neighbors, being ever ready to
aid them when there was need, judging any disputes which arose
between them, and lending them money without interest if misfortune
came upon their boats or nets, or if illness befell them; while the
women, in times of sickness or trouble, went naturally to Martha
with their griefs, and were assured of sympathy, good advice, and
any drugs or dainty food suited to the case.

The women and girls picked the grapes, and laid them in baskets.
These were carried by men, and emptied into the vat; where other
men trod them down, and pressed out the juice. Martha and her maids
saw to the cooking and laying out, on the great tables in the
courtyard, of the meals; to which all sat down, together. Simon
superintended the crushing of the grapes; and John worked now at
one task, and now at another. It was a pretty scene, and rendered
more gay by the songs of the women and girls, as they worked; and
the burst of merry laughter which, at times, arose.

It lasted four days, by which time the last bunch, save those on a
few vines preserved for eating, was picked and crushed; and the
vats in the cellar, sunk underground for coolness, were full to the
brim. Simon was much pleased with the result; and declared that
never, in his memory, had the vine and fig harvest turned out more
abundant. The corn had long before been gathered, and there
remained now only the olives; but it would be some little time yet
before these were fit to be gathered, and their oil extracted, for
they were allowed to hang on the trees until ready to drop.

The last basket of grapes was brought in with much ceremony; the
gatherers forming a little procession, and singing a thanksgiving
hymn as they walked. The evening meal was more bounteous, even,
than usual; and all who helped carried away with them substantial
proofs of Simon's thankfulness, and satisfaction.

For the next few days Simon and his men, and Martha's maids, lent
their assistance in