Ah! but I did worry.
CHAPTER XIII.
“THE WEEK OF SILENCE.”
The Sargasson method of taking rest was peculiar.
Absolute inactivity was to them the wildest excitement. It represented their daily life of anxiety and the constant menace to death. On the other hand, dancing and carousing brought to them perfect rest.
The first day of the “Week of Silence” opened with a wildly hilarious dance, entitled “The Glorification of the Sun.” In common with all the members of the Community, I was awakened at 3 o’clock. I dressed, and made my appearance upon the deck. There I found the entire ship’s company drawn up in line, each man standing upon a mass of freshly gathered seaweed, still damp with the ocean’s brine. They all faced the east, where signs of the coming day already could be detected.
Just as soon as the great golden orb appeared above the horizon the ship’s company broke into a hymn.
The music was in the minor key, and of a weird, monotonous character. The singing lasted for ten minutes, after which followed the Sun dance, in which everybody joined. It was somewhat after the fashion of the Roger de Coverley, and was accompanied by singing on the part of the dancers, that being the only music to which the feet of the dancers moved. The time was accentuated by the clapping of hands. A small wicker platter of shellfish was then handed around, each person taking one of the scallops in his fingers and eating it. The dish was passed and repassed, and many times replenished, until all had heartily feasted. Then everybody was sent to quarters, and the sleep of one week began.
This sleep is to the Sargassons the supreme idea of excitement. It is indecorous to awaken until the Kantoon of the ship has himself arisen and summoned has chief officers.
Fidette had not appeared during the morning ceremony. She watched the sun rise, however, from the window of her own cabin, and was thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the ceremony. She composed herself to rest contentedly, doubtless looking forward with cheerful anticipation to “Bantang,” or the “Day of the Awakening,” when her lover would be permitted to call upon her.