A third of these had been drawn from the crews of other galleys, their places being supplied by new hands.

The remainder were taken from the men employed on the fortifications.

Three weeks were occupied in teaching the rowers their work, and getting them well together.

They were a fine crew, for the governor of St.Pelagius, grateful to Gervaise for the discovery of the plot, had ordered the overseers to pick out from the various gangs men specially suited by age and strength for the work.
The dye by this time had entirely worn off his face, and although his hair was still several shades darker than of old, it differed even more widely from the ebon hue that it had been when he was in prison.

Thus, although he recognised three or four men upon the benches who had been fellow occupants of his cell, he had no fear whatever of their detecting in the commander of the galley their late companion in misfortune.
Only a portion of the knights had been out each day while the crew were learning to row, as there was but little for them to learn.