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a snare. She promptly emptied the wine into the shrunken water barrels and bid the fruit and meat be cut up as small as would be practical and distributed as far as it would go. Those who missed this time would have first choice if another opportunity arose. |
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The expedient was of little help except to the spirits of the men. By Saturday night, nothing but slime lay in the water casks, and when they decided they must yield on the following day Alinor licked the tears she shed from her cheeks and fingers for the sake of the little moisture they provided. |
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"Let us go only when we can bear it no longer," she begged. "Let us at least hear Mass on ship. God will help us. God cannot desert us utterly." |
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To this Joanna agreed, but she cast anxious glances at Berengaria who seemed very frail and faint. It was a sad night, spent largely in prayers for rain. Those prayers remained unanswered. The sun rose next morning into a sky that showed not the smallest wisp of cloud. With dry and cracking mouths, crew and passengers heard the chaplain whisper the Mass. |
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Then slowly, reluctantly, a boat was made ready to send a messenger to the Emperor. First he was to ask for water; if that was refused, as they were sure it would be, he was to say the ladies would come ashore if the ships were victualed. Then this possibility and that possibility were discussed. Then the messenger was not fine enough. A richer cloak, another ring were sought out. When he was fittingly bedecked, all stood indecisively, trying to find some other cause for delay. |
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"Ship, ho!" the lookout called. "Ship ho!" |
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Berengaria grasped at Joanna and Alinor. "Let us wait," she cried. "It is Richard. I know it is Richard." |
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"I told you!" Alinor exclaimed joyously. "I told you God would not desert those who have the courage to help themselves." |
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