"
Maso shook his head, but he made no answer. After a brief pause, in which
he seemed to study the heavens still more closely, he went to the spot
where the patron yet lay lost in sleep, and shook him rudely.--"Ho!
Baptiste! awake! there is need here of thy counsel and of thy commands."
The drowsy owner of the bark rubbed his eyes, and slowly regained the use
of his faculties.
"There is not a breath of wind," he muttered; "why didst awake me,
Maso?--One that hath led thy life should know that sleep is sweet to those
who toil."
"Ay, 'tis their advantage over the pampered and idle. Look at the heavens,
man, and let us know what thou thinkest of their appearance. Is there the
stuff in thy Winkelried to ride out a storm like this we may have to
encounter?"
"Thou talkest like a foolish quean that has been frightened by the
fluttering of her own poultry. The lake was never more calm, or the bark
in greater safety."
"Dost see yonder bright light; here, over the tower of thy Vevey church?"
"Ay, 'tis a gallant star! and a fair sign for the mariner."
"Fool, 'tis a hot flame in Roger de Blonay's beacon.
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