37

It was harvest time, perhaps Josephus's favorite season.

when the days were pleasantly warm, the nights cool and

comfortable, and the air was filled with the earthy smells of

newly scythed wheat and barley and fresh apples. He gave

thanks for the bountiful proceeds from the fields surrounding the abbey walls. The brothers would be able to restock

the dwindling stores in the granary and fill their oaken

barrels with fresh ale. While he abhorred gluttony, he be-

grudged the rationing of beer that inevitably occurred by

midsummer.

The conversion of the church from wood to stone was

three years complete. The square, tapering tower rose up

high enough for boats and ships approaching the island to

use as a navigational aide. The squared-off chancel at the

eastern end had low, triangular windows that beautifully illuminated the sanctuary during the Offices of the day. The

nave was long enough not only for the present community,

but the monastery would be able to accommodate a greater

number