Presently quiet settled about the galley again; quiet full of vague dread and expectation, which, interpreted, means READY.
At a signal passed down from the deck, and communicated to the hortator by a petty officer stationed on the stairs, all at once the oars stopped.
What did it mean?
Of the hundred and twenty slaves chained to the benches, not one but asked himself the question.

They were without incentive.

Patriotism, love of honor, sense of duty, brought them no inspiration.

They felt the thrill common to men rushed helpless and blind into danger.

It may be supposed the dullest of them, poising his oar, thought of all that might happen, yet could promise himself nothing; for victory would but rivet his chains the firmer, while the chances of the ship were his; sinking or on fire, he was doomed to her fate.
Of the situation without they might not ask.