 CHAPTER 10 A PLOT DISCOVERED The conversation between Gervais and his fellow slave was interrupted by the arrival at the side of the Quay of a party of knights. The knights instantly fell upon the slaves, all straightened themselves up to the oars, and prepared for a start. Among the knights who took their places on the poop Gervais saw with amusement his friend Ralf. He had no fear of a recognition, for the darkly stained skin and the black hair had so completely altered him, that when he had looked at himself in a mirror, after the application of the dye, he was surprised to find that he would not have known it to be his own face. Ralf was in command of the party, which consisted of young knights who had but recently arrived at Rhodes, and, as it was the first time he had been appointed as instructor, Gervais saw that he was greatly pleased at what he rightly regarded as promotion. The galliat once pushed off from the wharf, and rode out of the port. The work was hard. But as the slaves were not pressed to any extraordinary exertions, Gervais did not find it excessive. He congratulated himself, however, that the stain was, as he had been assured, indelible, saved by time. For after a few minutes' exercise he was bathed in perspiration. As the galley had been taken out, only the instruction might be given to the young knights. The work was frequently broken. Sometimes they went ahead at full speed for a few hundred yards, as if to chase an adversary. Then they would swerve aside the slaves on one side rowing while those on the other side backed, so as to make a rapid turn. Then she lay for a minute or two immovable, and then backed water, or turned to avoid the attack of an imaginary foe. Then for an hour she lay quiet, while the knights, divesting themselves of their mantles and armor, worked one of the guns on the poop. Aiming at a floating barrel, moored for the purpose a mile out at sea. At eleven o'clock they returned to the port. Bread and water were served out to the slaves, and they were then permitted to lie down and sleep, the galley being moored under the shadow of the wall. At four o'clock another party of knights came down, and the work was similar to that which had been performed in the morning. At seven o'clock the slaves were taken back to their barracks. Well, what do you think of our work? One of the slaves asked Gervais as they ate their evening meal. It would not be so bad if it was all like that. No, but I can tell you that when you have to row from sunrise to sunset, with perhaps but one or two pauses for a few minutes, it is a different thing altogether. Especially if the galley is carrying dispatches and speed is necessary. Then you get so worn out and exhausted that you can scarce move an oar through the water, until you are wakened up by a smart as if a red hot iron had been laid across your shoulders. It is terrible work, then. The whip cracks every minute across someone's back. You are blinded by exhaustion and rage, and you feel that you would give the world if you could but burst your chain, rush on your taskmasters, and strike if only one blow before you are killed. It must be terrible, Gervais said, and do you never get loose and fall upon them? The man shook his head, the chains are too strong, and the watch too vigilant, he said. Since I came here, I have heard tales of crews having freed themselves in the night, and fallen upon the Christians, but for my part I do not believe in them. I have thought, as I suppose every one of us has thought, how such a thing could be done, but as far as I know no one has hit on a plan yet. Now and then men have managed to become possessed of a file, and have by long impatient work sawn through a chain, and have when a galley has been lying near our own shore, sprung overboard and escaped. But for every attempt that succeeds, there must be twenty failures, for the chains are frequently examined, and will be to the man who is found to have been tampering with his. But as to a whole gang getting free at once, it is altogether impossible, unless the key of the padlocks could be stolen from an overseer, or the man bribed into aiding us, and that I suppose is impossible, Gurvey said, certainly impossible for us who have no money to bribe them with, but easy enough if anyone outside with ample means were too set about it. These overseers are many of them, sons of Turkish mothers, and have no sympathy, safe that caused by interest with one parent more than another. Of course they are brought up Christians, and taught to hold Muslims in abhorrence, but I think many of them, if they had their free choice, would cross to the mainland. Here they have no chance of ever being ought but what they are. Overseers of slaves, or small prison officials, they are despised by these haughty knights, and hated by us. While were they to reach the mainland and adopt their mother's religion, everything would be open to them. All followers of the Prophet have an equal chance, and one may be a soldier today, a Bey tomorrow, and a Pasha a year hence, if he be brave, or astute, or capable in any way beyond his fellows. Men like these boarders would be sure to make their way. They cannot have gathered much during their service, therefore the offer of a large sum of money would find plenty among them eager to earn it. But you see, they are but the inferiors. On our voyages on board the galley the knights inspect our fetters twice a day, and the keys are kept in the commander's cabin. For an hour or two, when we are not on a long passage, the padlocks are unfastened in order that we may jump over and bathe, and exercise our limbs, but at this time the knights are always on guard, and as we are without arms we are altogether powerless. It is the same thing here. The senior boarders, who all belong to the order, although of an inferior grade, come round, as you have seen, to examine our fetters, and themselves lock and bar the doors. If one or two of these could be corrupted, escape would be easy enough. But is it impossible to do this? Gervais asked eagerly. My father has money, and would I know be ready, if I could communicate with him, to pay a handsome sum, if sure that it would result in my obtaining my freedom. The man nodded significantly. There may be other means of doing it, he said. Perhaps it will not be long before you hear of it. You seem a stout fellow, and full of spirit, but as yet anything that may be going on is known but to a few, and will go no further until the time comes that all may be told. I think not so badly of men of our faith as to believe that anyone would betray this secret for the sake of obtaining his own freedom, and a big reward. But secrets, when known by many, are apt to leak out, a muttered word or two in sleep, or the raving of one down with fever, might afford ground for suspicion, and torture would soon do the rest. I myself know nothing of the secret, but I do know that there is something going on which, if successful, will give us our freedom. I am content to know no more until the time comes. But there are few save those engaged in the matter that know as much as this, and you can see that it is better it should be so. Look at that man opposite, he has been here fifteen years. He seldom speaks, he does his work, but it is as a brute beast. The spare has well night turned him into one. Thank you, that if such a man as that were to know that there is hope, he would not be so changed that even the dullest would observe it. I see you are a brisky young fellow, and I say to you, keep up your courage. The time is nearer than you think when you will be free from these accursed shackles. Each morning as he went out to work with his gang, Gervais saw the servant from the abourage standing here, but he made no sign. He was satisfied that his suspicions had been justified, and that he was not leading this life in vain, but he thought it better to wait until the week passed, and he was taken away to have his color renewed than to make a sign that might possibly rouse the suspicions of his comrades. On the eighth morning, when the door of the room was unlocked, the overseer said, Number thirty-six, you will remain here. You are wanted for other work. After the gang had left the prison, the overseer returned. I am to take you up to the English abourage. The knight who handed you over to me when you landed told me that you might be wanted as a servitor, and as it is he who has sent down, it may be that a vacancy has occurred. If so, you are in luck. The servitors have a vastly better time of it than the galley slaves, and the English abourage has the best reputation in that respect. Come along with me. The English abourage was one of the most handsome of the buildings standing in the great street of the knights. Its architecture was gothic in its character, and although the Lang was one of the smallest of those represented at Rhodes, it vied with any of them in the splendor of its appointments. Sir John Boswell was standing in the interior courtyard. Wait here for a few minutes, he said to the overseer. The bailiff will himself question the slave as to his accomplishments, but I fancy he will not be considered of sufficient age for the post that is vacant. However, if this should not be so, I shall no doubt find a post to fit him ere long, for he seems a smart young fellow, and what is better a willing one, and bears himself well under his misfortunes. Then he motioned to Gervais to follow him to the bailiff's compartment. Well, Sir Gervais, Sir John Kindle exclaimed, as the door closed behind him, have you found ought to justify this cruel penance you have undertaken. As to penance, Sir John, it has been nothing unsupportable. The exercise is hard enough, but none too hard for one in good health and strength, and save for the filth of the chamber in which we are shut up at night, in the foul state of the rushes on which we lie. I should have not to complain of, no, I have as yet heard nothing of a surety, and yet enough to show me that my suspicions were justified, in that there is a plot of some sort on foot, and he related to the two knights the conversation he had had with the galley slave. By St. George, the bailiff said, you have indeed been justified in your surmises, and I am glad that I attached sufficient importance to your suspicions to let you undertake this strange enterprise. What think you, Sir John Boswell? I think with you that Sir Gervais has fully justified his insistence in this matter, which I own I consider to be harebrained falling. What is to be done next, Sir Gervais? That is what I have been turning over in my mind. You see, I may have little warning of what is going to take place. I may not hear of it until we are locked up for the night, and the affair is on the point of taking place. And it will, of course, be most needful, that I shall be able to communicate with you speedily. That, of course, is of vital importance, the bailiff said. But how is it to be managed? That is what I cannot exactly see, Sir John. An armed guard remains in our room all night, but in the first place he might be himself in the plot, and if not the slaves would almost certainly overpower him and kill him. As a preliminary to the work of knocking off their chains, is there a window to the room? At least, of course, there is a window. But is it within your reach? There are six small loopholes, one on each side of the door, and two in each of the sidewalls. They are but four inches across and three feet in length. There are two crossbars to each. They are four feet from the floor. At any rate, they are large enough for your arm to pass through, Sir Gervais, and you might drop a strip of cloth out. Certainly I could, Sir John, I could easily hide a piece of white cotton, a yard or so long in my clothes, scanty as these are, and could certainly manage unobserved to drop it outside the window. Then the rest is for us to contrive, Boswell. We must have someone posted in the yard of the prison, with instructions to go every ten minutes throughout the night, to see if a strip of white cotton has been dropped out. When he finds it, he must go at once to William Neve, the governor. He is a sturdy Englishman, and there is no fear of his having been bribed to turn trader. But it were well to take no one into our confidence. I think we cannot do better than employ Ahmet on this business, as he already knows that Sir Gervais is masquerading there. We will have William Neve up here presently, tell him that for certain reasons we wish Ahmet to pass the night for the present in the prison, and arrange with him on what excuse we can best best bestow him there, without exciting suspicion. Had any rate, Sir Gervais, that is our affair. He went to the closet, and took out a white mantle, tore a strip off the bottom and gave it to Gervais. It would be best not to keep you here any longer, he said. So renew your stain while I speak, as soon as you learn the details of the plot. You will drop this out from the loophole on the right-hand side of the door. That is to say the one on your right, standing inside. If the affair is not to come off at once, it were best for you to proceed as before. Ahmet will be outside when you go out with your gang. Standing on your nodding to him we will make some excuse to take you away on your return. I say this because if you see that the affair, whatever it is, is not imminent. You might think it better to remain with him longer, so as to learn their plans more fully. Instead of having the thing could I stop to at once. I understand, Sir John, that as I have said I do not think we should all be told until the blow is ready to be struck, as they would be afraid that someone might inform against them if time and opportunity were granted them. I think so too, Sir Gervais. This afternoon we will call upon the Grand Master, for we have no means of knowing how serious or how extended this plot may be. It may include only the crew of a single galley, and on the other hand the whole of the slaves may be implicated in it. It is evident, therefore, that the matter is too serious to be kept any longer from his knowledge. Three more days passed, on the thirtied knee after the allowance of broth and bread had been consumed, and the door was closed and locked upon them for the night. Three or four of the galley slaves, after talking eagerly together, back into the others to gather round them at the end of the room farthest from the door. Two of them took up arms full of the bedding and stuffed it into the side windows. Gervais saw in the dim light a look of intense excitement on the faces of the slaves. It had been vaguely known among them that a plot was in hand, although but a few had been admitted into the confidence of the leaders. Hither too all had feared that it concerted only a small number, but the preparations now made to ensure that they should not be overheard, showed that whatever the plan might be, all were to share in it. Thanks be to Allah, the all-powerful. One of the men began, My lips are unsealed, and I can tell you the great news that our hour for escape from bondage is at hand. We need not fear the warder there. He went on as several eyes were turned apprehensively towards the guard, who with his spear beside him was leaning carelessly against the wall at the farther end, leaning through the window into the courtyard. He is with us. You must know that for the last two months an agent from Constantinople has been on the island, and has been engaged in arranging this affair. Two of our taskmasters belonging to the Order have been bribed by large sums of money, and several of the overseers, who are half of our blood, have eagerly embraced the prospect of returning to their mother's country, and of avowing openly their belief in our religion. These again have brought over many of the guards, ours included, and tonight all will be ready for action. Those not of our party will be killed without ceremony. Duplicate keys have been made of all the padlocks of the fetters. The guards who are with us have each one of them. The others will have been slipped into the hands of one man in each gang as they return tonight from work. The overseers, who are in the plot will at midnight, go quietly round and unlock the doors and remove the bars from the outside. We have, therefore, only to overcome the eight or ten men who patrol the prison. And as we shall have the arms of the guards, some thirty in number, we shall make quick work of them. The two guards at the outside gates must, of course, be killed. Duplicates of the keys have been made, and will be hidden in a spot known to some of our party, close to the gate. Thus we have but to issue out and rush down in a body to the port, I and another, or to take the arms of our guard. And two others are told off in each room to do the same. That will give us sixty armed men. We shall make very short work of the guards at the gate leading into the port. Then twenty of us are to run along the mole to Fort St. Nicholas, twenty to the tower of St. Michael, and twenty to that of St. John. There will be at the most the three or four men keeping watch at each fort. And thus we shall have in our possession the three-fourths commanding the entrance to the harbour. There are, as you know, six galleys manned by crews from our prison there. The crew of each galley will embark upon it, and man the oars. The rest will divide themselves among the galleys. Before started we shall seize and set fire to all other galleys and ships in the port. The gangs and four of the rooms have been told off specially for this duty. They are firing them. They are to take out such provisions as they may find and transport them to the galleys. We who take the ports are provided with hammers and long nails to drive down the vent holes of the cannon. When we have done this we are to wait until one of the galleys fetches us off. Ten minutes should be ample time for all there is to be done. And even if the alarm is given at once we shall be away long before the nights can be aroused from sleep, buckle on their armour, and get down to the port. Exclamation of delight and approbation burst from his hearers. Then it is only we of this prison who are in the plot, one said. Yes, in the first place it would have been too dangerous to attempt to free all. In the second the galleys would not carry them. We shall be closely packed as it is, for there are over a thousand here. I hear that there was a talk of freeing all, and that we, instead of embarking at first, should make for the other prisons. Burst open the doors and rescue the others, but by the time we could do so the nights would be all in arms, and our enterprise would fail altogether, for as but a small proportion of us can obtain weapons. We could not hope to overcome them, were it not for the strong wall that separates their quarters from the town, we might make straight for their houses and slay them before the alarm could be given. As it is that would be impossible, and therefore the plan will be carried out as I have told you. The loss of all their galleys and of over one thousand slaves will be a heavy blow for them. Great pains have been taken to prevent confusion when we reach the port, the men in each room have been instructed as to the galleys on which they are to embark. As for you, you know precisely what is to be done. You will simply take your places and then wait until all are on board. No galleys to push out from the wharf until the last man of those employed in burning the ships has returned, with their provisions founded them. Then the order will be given by the man who has arranged all this, and the six galleys will put out together. What is to row to each of the forts to carry off the party that will have been engaged in silencing the cannon? Our galleys to row to St. Nicholas and take off the twenty men I shall lead there. There is no possibility of failure, everything has you seen been arranged. One of the overseers who is in the plot walked by my side as we returned from the port, and gave me the instructions, and all the others will have been told in the same way, or else by the guards in charge of them. The gang now broke up into little groups talking excitedly over the unlooked-for news, and exalting over the speedy advent of liberty. The galleys strolled carelessly to the window, and dropped out the wise strip of stuff. It was now quite dark, and there was no fear of anyone observing the movement. Then he joined the others. After an hour and a half had passed he heard footsteps approaching the door. There was a pause. Then the outside bars were taken down, and a key turned into lock. A deep silence fell on the slaves. Then a voice called. What is it? replied Gervais, without raising himself from his seat on the bedding. I have done my share of work today, and earned my night's sleep. It is a night from the English aburge. He has come to fetch you. It seems that you are to go there as a servitor. What a cursed misfortune! Gervais muttered in Turkish. That's when I rode, to freedom is open, I have a good mind to say I am ill, and cannot go till the morning. No, no, one of the others exclaimed, they would only drag you out, and when they saw that there was not the matter with you, would suspect that there must be some reason why you do not want to go. When, as everyone knows, the position of the servitors is in every way preferable to ours. Now then, why are you delaying? A voice said sharply, and a warder entered with a lighted torch. Get up, you lazy hound, it will be worse for you if I have to speak again. I am coming, Gervais grumbled. I was just asleep. He rose as if reluctantly, and went forward. The warder gave him an angry push, followed him out, and locked and barred the door after him. I suppose this is the right man. Sir John Boswell said, This is number thirty-six sir knight, the same who has taken over to your aburge the other day. And he held the light close to Gervais' face. Yes, that is the man, follow me. He added in Turkish. The gate of the courtyard was unbarred, and they passed out unquestioned. Sir John strolled on ahead. Gervais followed him a pace or two behind. Not until they had passed through the gate of the castle did Sir John turn. I have not spoken to you, he said, as we may have been watched. Keep your news until we reach the aburge. Upon entering they went up at once to Sir John Kindle's apartments. Well, sir Gervais, the strip of cotton was brought to us safely. What is your news? It is very serious, Sir John, and I have been in terrible anxiety since I dropped it out, lest it should not come to hand in time. As it is, you have till midnight to make your preparations. He then repeated the statement made by the galley slave. By my faith, Sir John Kindle exclaimed, This is a pretty plot, indeed, and had it succeeded as it certainly would have done but for your vigilance, it would have been a heavy blow to us. The burning of all our galleys would have crippled us sorely, and the loss of over a thousand slaves would have been a serious one, indeed, when we so urgently require them for completing our defenses. Get rid of those clothes at once, sir Gervais, and don your own. We must go straight to the Grand Master. You will find your clothes and armor in the next room. I had them taken there as soon as your token was brought to me. In a few minutes Gervais returned in his usual attire, and with his armor buckled on. The two knights were already in their coats of mail, and leaving the emperors they went to the Grand Master's palace. A servitor had already been sent to Diabasin to inform him that they were coming, and he advanced to meet them as they entered. Welcome, Sir Gervais, he said. Whether your news be good or bad, whether you have found that it is a general rising of the slaves that is intended, or a plot by which a handful of slaves may seize a boat and escape, the gratitude of the order is no less due to you through the hardships and humiliations you have undergone on its behalf. It concerns but one prison, that of St. Pelagius. The largest of them, the Grand Master put in. The whole of the slaves there are to be liberated at twelve o'clock tonight, or to seize the three water towers and to spike the guns, to burn all the shipping in the harbor, to make off with six galleys and destroy the rest. By St. John, Diabasin exclaimed, This is indeed a serious matter, but tell me all about it. There must be treachery indeed at work for such a scheme to be carried out. Gervais now told him all the details he had learned. So two of the order, though but of the inferior grade, are in the plot. The Grand Master said, And several of the overseers, one of the villains is, of course, the man you saw this Greek talking with. We must get hold of the other if we can. As to the slaves, now that we have warning, there is an end of the matter, though without such warning they would surely have succeeded, for the plans are well laid, and they would have spin at sea before we could have gathered in any force at the port. If it were not that it would cost the lives of many of the warders and of the prison guards, I should say we ought to take post outside the gate, for we should then catch the traitors who are to accompany them. As it is, we must be beforehand with them. A hundred men will be more than ample for our purpose. Do you take fifty of your nights, Sir John Kendall, and I will draw fifty of those of Avarney. At eleven o'clock we will meet at the gate leading down into the town, and we'll march to the private entrance of the governor's house. I will go in first with a few of you. Tell him what we have discovered, and post guards to prevent anyone from leaving his house. Then having admitted the others, we will go quietly out and place a party at each door of the overseer's house, with orders to cease any who may come out. The rest and small parties will then go round the prison, and entering each room show the slaves that their plot has been discovered. This we must do to save the lives of the guards who may be faithful to their trust. As to the higher officials engaged in the affair, we must obtain their names from the overseers or slaves. It is not likely that the two traitors will quit their houses, as they will leave the matter in the hands of the overseers, who, as you say, intend to first open the doors, and then to accompany the slaves in their escape. Do not warn the knights until it is nearly time to start, Sir John. The Lester made the better, for no one can say whether they may not have suborned some of the servitors to send instant news of any unusual movements in any of the Ubersias. At half past ten, Sir John Kindle went round among the knights, and made fifty of them arm themselves quietly, and proceed one by one down to the gate, and their await orders. Up to this time Gurves had remained in the bailiff's room, so as to avoid the questioning that would take place, and he went down to the gate with the bailiff and Sir John Boswell. The knights assembled rapidly. None were aware of the reason for which they had been called out at such an hour, and there was a buzz of talk in conjecture, until Sir John Kindle arrived. He was followed by four of the servants who at once lighted the torches they carried, when he proceeded to go through the roll and found that the muster was complete. Many of the knights had gazed in some surprise at Gurves, whose dark complexion altogether concealed his identity, and it was supposed that he must be some newly arrived knight, though none had heard that any ship had entered the harbor that day. Two or three minutes later, fifty knights of the Lang of Averny came down, headed by the grandmaster himself, whose appearance greatly heightened the surprise of the English knights. The torches were now extinguished, the gate thrown open, and the party descended into the town. Gurves had purposely fallen in by the side of Parkourt. You are but newly arrived, Sir Knight. The latter said as they moved off. Not so very newly, Ralph, Gurves replied. What? Is it you, Gurves? Parkourt exclaimed with a start of surprise. Why, I did not know you, though I looked hard at you in the torchlight. What have you done with yourself? Where have you been? Do you know what all this is about? I cannot tell you now, Ralph. You must be content to know that I have been in prison and working in the galleys. The Saints defend us. Why? What on earth had you done to entail such punishment as that? It is an outrage. The grandmaster and the council have the right to expel a knight from the order after due trial and investigation, but not to condemn him to such penalties as the galley. It is an outrage upon the whole order. And I would say so to the grandmaster himself. There was no outrage in it, Ralph. Wait until you hear the whole story. That I have not disgraced you, you may judge from the fact that I am in the armor and mantle of the order. And that, as you saw, I came down with Sir John Kindle himself. There were no people about in the streets, though the lights still burned on a few of the ropes. For a short distance the knights marched down towards the port, and then turned down a street to the right. After a few minutes marching they halted under a high wall, which all knew to be that of the prison of St. Pelagius. Six knights were posted at the main entrance, with orders that none should be allowed to leave the prison, and that any persons who came up to the gate were to be at once seized and made prisoners. The rest marched on to a small door leading into the governor's house. Here they were halted, and told to wait till called in. Six knights of England, and as many of Aberdeen, being told off to accompany the Grand Master and Sir John Kindle. A note had been sent to the governor, informing him that the Grand Master intended to visit the prison at 11 o'clock, but that the matter was to be kept an absolute secret, and that the governor himself was to be down at the gate to admit him. End of Chapter 10, read by Peter Strahm and Zabetha, Kansas, on December 27, 2018. CHAPTER 11 IN COMMAND OF A GALLI William Neve, the governor of the prison, looked astonished indeed when upon his opening the door the Grand Master and the bailiff of the English Lang, with the twelve knights behind them, entered. He had been puzzled when, four days before, he had received an order from the Grand Master that Ahmed, a servitor in the aburge of the English Lang, should be permitted to pass the night in his house, with authority to move freely and without question, at any hour, in the courtyard of the jail, and to depart at any hour secretly and without observation by the private gate. Still more had he been surprised when he received the message that the Grand Master would pay him a secret visit at 11 o'clock at night. Let no word be spoken, until we are in your apartments, the Abbasan said in a low voice as he entered, but first lead four of these knights and post them so that none can enter the jail from the house. If there are more than four doors or windows on that side, you must post a larger number. It is imperative that there shall be no communication whatever between your servants and the jail. As soon as this was done the rest of the party were taken to the governor's rooms. I can now explain to you all, the Grand Master said. The reason of our presence here. I have learned that at twelve tonight there will be a general rising of the slaves in this prison, and that aided by treachery, they will free themselves from their fetters, overpower and slaves such as the guards in their rooms as have not been bribed. Throw open the gates, make their way down to the port, burn all the shipping there, and make off in the six galleys menned by them. Having first overpowered the sentries and the three forts commanding the entrance and spiked the guns. Exclamation of surprise burst from the knights, who now for the first time learned the reason of their being called out. The governor listened with an expression of stupefaction, with all deference to your highness. He said hesitatingly, it seems to me that someone must have been deceiving you with this tale. It is altogether incredible that such a plot should have been hacked without a whisper of the matter coming to my ears. It could only be possible were there not one, but many traitors among the officials. If this is so, then indeed am I a dull ass, an unfit for my duty here of which I shall pray you to relieve me, and to order such punishment as the council may deem just to be allotted to me for having so signally been hoodwinked. My news is sure, the grandmaster said, but I deem not that you are in any way to blame in the matter. The plot has been matured, not as a consequence of any laxity of discipline in the prison, but from deliberate treachery, against which no mortal being can guard. The traitors are two of the officials who, being members of the order, none would suspect of connivance in such a deed. With them are several, I know not how many, under officials, warders and guards. All these have been bribed by an emissary from Constantinople, now in the town, and who is doubtless furnished with large means. It is well a deed for the order that this terrible act of treachery has been discovered in time, to prevent the plot from coming to a head. For the loss of all our galleys, to say nothing of the disgrace of having thus been bearded by slaves, would be a very heavy blow to it. Now that the house is safely guarded, William Neve, you can admit the rest of the knights who are waiting outside. Then you will, in the first place, conduct a party, and post them so that they may arrest as they come out to perform their share of the work, all officials, warders and guards, of whatever rank. When you have posted knights to carry out this, and I need not say that the operation must be performed as silently as possible, for it is above all things necessary that the men concerned shall have no suspicion that their plot has been discovered. You will conduct other parties to the various rooms occupied by the slaves. The guards on duty inside will be made prisoners, the doors will then be locked and barred as before. The appearance of the knights and the arrest of the guards will be sufficient to show the slaves that their plot has been discovered, and there will be no fear of their making any attempt to carry it into execution. I will myself post the main body of the knights in the courtyard. The arrest of the guards is to be carried out at once, as all those not concerned in the plot would be killed when the hour comes for the rising. Therefore this part of the business must be carried out immediately. I should not, however, lead the guards away to a cell, for the less tramping of feet the better. Therefore I shall place two knights in each room, and beg them to remain inside in charge until the traders outside are secured. The knights outside were now marched up. The grandmaster ordered half those of Avringey to go around to the main gate which would be opened for them by the governor. They were to enter quietly and remain in a body close to it until they received further orders. Sir John Kendall told off the rest of the knights to the various duties of watching the houses occupied by the officials and warders, and of entering the prison rooms and remaining in them on guard. The governor with his private servants, bearing a supply of torches, was to lead them to the various cells and unlock the doors. The knights were enjoined to move as noiselessly as possible and to avoid all clashing up arms against armor. The governor produced a number of cloths intended to be served out to the slaves. Strips of these were cut off and wrapped around the feet of the English knights, so as to deaden the sound of their boots on the stone pavement. Then accompanied by the Grandmaster and Sir John Kendall, he went the round of the cells. In some of these the slaves were found standing up in an attitude of eager expectation, which as the door opened, and the light of the torches showed a party of knights, changed into one of terror and consternation. Scarce a word was spoken, the guard was ordered to lay down his arms and to take one of the torches. Two knights placed themselves, one on each side of him with drawn swords. The door was again locked and barred, and the party proceeded to the next cell. In less than a quarter of an hour this part of the work was finished, and the Obeson, Sir John Kendall, and the governor then took up their station with a party of knights, who, concealed behind a buttress, were watching the doors of the official's houses. Ten minutes later one of these doors was heard to open, and five dark figures came noiselessly out. They were allowed to go a short distance in order to see if any others followed, but as no others came out, the governor stepped forward. Where are you going at this time of night? He asked. There was a momentary pause. A few hasty words were exchanged. Then the five men rushed towards him with bared swords or knives. But before they reached him, the knights poured out from their hiding place. We are betrayed! One of the men shouted in Turkish, Fight to the last! Better be killed than tortured and executed! With a yell of fury and despair they rushed upon the knights. So desperate was their attack that the latter were forced to use their swords, which indeed, burning with rage at the treachery of these men, they were not backward in doing. And in less than a minute the five traders lay, with cloven heads, dead on the pavement. It is as well so. D. Abbasin said, looking sternly down upon them. Perhaps better so, since it has saved us the scandal of their trial. We might have learned more from them, but we have learned enough. Since doubtless they have no accomplices among the warders, or they would have been with them. Now we will deal with the arch-traders. There is no need for further concealment. The noise of this fray will assuredly have been heard by them, for they will be listening for the sounds that would tell them the slaves had been liberated. Followed by the knights, he went to the door of the house occupied by the overseers, all of whom were members of the lower branch of the order. It was indeed evident that an alarm had been given there, for lights appeared at the windows. As they opened the door and entered the hall, several half-dressed men rushed down the stairs with drawn swords, two of them carrying torches in their left hands. As the light fell upon the figures of the Grand Master and the knights, they paused in astonishment. There is treachery at work in the prison. Diabasin said quietly, I pray you to collect your comrades and to assemble here at once. In a minute or two some twenty officials were gathered in the hall. Are all here, Diabasin asked the governor. The latter counted the men. There are two short. He said, Pietro Romano and Carl Schumann. They occupy the same room. Go and fetch them down, four of you. The four men nearest to the stairs at once wind up with two torches. They returned in a minute. The door is fastened on the inside and we can obtain no response. Fetch an axe and break it in. The Grand Master ordered, Sir John Boswell, do you with some other knights take post without? They may attempt to escape by the window, though as we hold the gates it would avail them little. Sir Gervais Trisham, do you follow us? Gervais who had been placed with the party watching the house, followed the Grand Master and Governor upstairs. A few blows with an axe splintered the door. Its fastenings gave way and they entered the room. The window was open and two figures lay prostrate on the ground near it. I half expected this. The Grand Master said. They were listening there. The conflict in the yard told them that the plot had been discovered. And as they saw us approaching the house they dared not meet the punishment of their crimes and have fallen by their own daggers. Put a torch close to their faces, Sir Gervais. Do you recognize in either of these men the official you saw in conversation with the Greek? Gervais stepped forward and examined the men's faces. This is the man, he said, pointing to one of them. I marked him so closely that I cannot be mistaken. That is, Pietro Romano, the Governor said. He was an able officer but discontented with his position and given to quarreling with his comrades. Have a hold, Doug, and bury them in the prison, Diabasin said. They have been false to their vows and false to their religion. They have chosen their own mode of death. Let them be buried like dogs, as they are, but let a careful search be made of their garments and of this room. It may be that they may have some documents concealed, which may be of use to us. The Grand Master then descended to the hall. Members of the order, he said to the overseers, your guilty companions have met death by their own hands, as the others concerned to this plot have met theirs by the swords of the knights. It were well that this matter were not spoken of outside the prison. The attempt has been detected and has failed, but were it talked of it might incite others to repeat the attempt and possibly with better success. Now, he went on turning to the Governor, our work is done here. Call up the other warders, let them take the men now prisoners in the rooms and place them in a dungeon. Let fresh men be placed on guard and let all the knights gather in the Courtyard. When this was done and all the knights again assembled, Diabasin said, Our work is nearly done, brothers. The traitors are all dead and the revolt is at an end. It remains but to capture the author of this attempt. But I believe he is already in our hands. I have given an accurate description of him to Daveshi, who has taken four knights with him and they probably will catch him down at the port. If not, he will be arrested the first thing in the morning. As to the slaves, they will be so utterly cowed by the discovery that there will be no fear of their repeating the attempt. I have ordered the officials of the prison to say not in the town of what has taken place. There can, however, be no concealment among ourselves. I shall of course lay the whole matter before the Council. The fact that a strong body of knights has, of so late an hour, started on some unknown mission is, of course, already known in the aversas of Abernie and England. No concealment of the facts is therefore possible. It is the most serious attempt at a revolt of the slaves that has ever taken place, and will be a warning to us that more vigilance must be exercised. As it is, we have only been saved from the loss of our galleys and slaves, by the acuteness of one of the youngest of our knights. Who in the first place noted a suspicious occurrence which would have been passed by without attracting a moment's notice by ninety-nine out of a hundred men. He laid the matter before his bailiff, Sir John Kendall, who accepted his offer to disguise himself as a slave, to enter the prison under circumstances that would excite no suspicion among the others, and to live and work among them in order to ascertain whether there was any plot on hand. This task, a painful one as you may imagine, he carried out, and for two weeks he rode as a galleyslave. His lot was as hard as that of the others, for, as he had reason to believe that some of the officials were concerned in the plot. It was necessary that all should be kept in ignorance that he was other than what he seemed to be, thanks to his perfect knowledge of Turkish. He was able to carry his mission through with complete success, and to obtain full particulars of the plot we have tonight crushed. The knight who has performed this inestimable service is Sir Gervais Trisham, of the English Lang. The action he has performed will be noted in the annals of the order as an example of intelligence and of the extreme of self-sacrifice, as well as of courage, for his life would have been assuredly forfeited had the slaves entertained the slightest suspicion of his real character. There was a murmur of acclamation among the knights, not one of them, but would have freely risked his life in the service of the order, but there were few who would not have shrunk from the idea of living as a slave among the slaves, sharing their tasks and subject to the orders of men of inferior rank, and often brutal manors. The knights now returned to their aversions. It was past midnight, but at the English House the lamps and flambeaux were lighted in the great hall. The servitors were called up, wine placed on the table, and the knights discussed the instance of the evening. When the meal had concluded, Sir John Kindle said, Brother knights, when the grandmaster bestowed the honour of secular knighthood upon this young comrade of ours, he predicted that he would rise to high distinction in the order. I think you will all agree with me that the prediction is already in a fair way of being fulfilled, and that the services he has rendered to the order justify us, his comrades of the English Lang, in feeling proud of him. I drink, brothers, to his health a loud shout rose from the assembled knights, for upon the return of the party who had been away, the rest of those at the aburge had hastily eroped themselves, and descended to the hall to gather the news. When the shout had died away, and the wine cups were emptied, Gervais, who was sitting on Sir John Kindle's right hand, would gladly have retained his seat, but the bailiff told him that he must say a few words, and after standing in embarrassed silence for a minute he said, Sir John Kindle, and brother knights, I can only say that I am very sensible of the kindness with which you have been pleased to regard what seems to me, after all, to have been a very ordinary affair. I saw a man, whom I knew to be a stranger in the island, speaking surreptitiously to a slave, and afterwards saw him conversing with a prison officer, that naturally struck me as curious, and I followed the officer to see to which prison he belonged. I would have thought, as I did, that such a thing was strange, if not suspicious, and the only way to find out whether there was anything in it was to mix with the slaves. As I spoke Turkish well enough to do so, I asked Sir John Kindle's permission to disguise myself. He gave me every assistance, and I shared their lot for a fortnight. There was no very great hardship in that, certainly nothing to merit the praise that Sir John Kindle has been kind enough to bestow on me. Nevertheless I am very glad to have gained your good opinion, and very grateful to him and to you for drinking to my health. Then he sat down abruptly. Sir John Kindle now rose, and the knights, following his example, betook themselves to their dormitories. The next morning notices were sent by the Grand Master to the bailiffs of the Abyrges, and the knights of the Grand Cross who happened to be in the island to assemble and counsel. Notice were also sent to Gervais, requesting him to repair at the same hour to the palace, as the council would probably require his attendance. Oh dear, I wish this was all over, he said to Ralph as the latter assisted him to buckle on his armor. I don't see anything to sigh about, Ralph said. I think that you are the most fortunate fellow in the world. I do not say that you have not well deserved it, because it is the tremendous way you birked at Turkish and gave up everything else that has enabled you to do this. Still, there was luck in your noticing that villain talking to the galley slaves, and then to one of the officers of the prison. Of course, as the Grand Master said last night, it isn't one in a thousand who would have thought anything more about it. And I am sure I shouldn't. So that, and all the rest, is entirely your own doing. Still it was a piece of luck that you noticed him talking with a slave. Don't think I envy you, Gervais, I don't a bit, and feel as much as anyone that you have well deserved the honor you have obtained. Still you know, it is a sort of consolation to me that luck had a little, just a little to do with it. In my opinion, luck had everything to do with it, Gervais said heartily. And I feel downright ashamed that there being such a fuss made over it. It was bad enough before merely because I had hit on a plan for our escape from those pirates. But this is worse, and I feel horribly nervous at the thought of having to appear before the Grand Master and the Council. Well, that brown dye will hide your blushes, Gervais. I can only say I wish that I was in your place. By the by, have you heard that they caught that rascal Greek last night? No, I have not heard anything about it. Yes, the knights hid themselves behind a pile of goods on the wharf. There was no one about, so far as they could see. But soon after twelve they saw a figure come up onto the deck of a fishing boat moored by the quay. It was the Greek who stood there for a minute or two listening, and then went down again. He did this five or six times, and at one o'clock they saw him throw up his arms as if in despair. He stepped ashore and was about to make his way up into the town when they rushed out and seized him. There is no doubt as to what his fate will be. I am sorry to say that I hear my friend Vratos has been arrested, but there can be no doubt about his loyalty, and he will assuredly be able to explain to the satisfaction of the Council how this man became a resident at his house. I am sorry I met him there, Ralph. It is a very unpleasant thing to have gone to a house, to have been received kindly, and then to be the means of bringing trouble upon it. Yes, I feel that a little myself, because I took you there, and yet I cannot regret it, for if you had not seen him and taken an objection to him, you might not have noticed him particularly when he spoke to one of the galley slaves. It is certainly curious that you should have doubted the man, for I have met him there several times, and even after your visit with me I could see nothing in him to justify your dislike. Gervais went up to the palace, and while waiting in the great hall until summoned before the Council, he was warmly accosted by several knights, some of whom were quite strangers to him, who all joined in congratulating him on the immense service he had done to the Order. It was upwards of an hour before he was called in. The Council have received Sir Gervais' treachery. The Grand Master said, full details from Sir John Kindle of the manner in which you first discovered, and have since followed up, the daring plot by which the slaves at Saint Pelagius were to have risen, slain the guards who were faithful, spiked the cannon in the three water forts, burnt the merchant shipping, carried off six galleys and burnt the rest, and in their name I thank you for having saved the Order from a great calamity. The members of the Council agree with me that you have shown an amount of discernment of the highest kind, and that you are a worthy of exceptional favor and reward for your conduct. I therefore in my own name appoint you to the Commandery of our Manor of Maltby in Lincolnshire, which having fallen vacant is in my gift, and I release it from the usual payment of the first year's revenue. Having that you desire to establish yourself here, the Council have at my request decided to make an exception of the general rule that a Knight, on promotion to a Commandery, must return and take charge of it in two years from the time the Grant is made to him. The Commandery will therefore be administered by the Senior of the Knights attached to it. The Council on their part have requested the Baeliff of Averdee as Grand Master of the Fleet to appoint you to the Command of the Galley now building. And approaching completion, this he has consented to do, feeling, as we all feel, that although such an appointment is unprecedented for a young Knight, yet in the present case such an exception may well be made. I may add that the Admiral has, in order that no Knight greatly or superior should be placed under your Command, determined that he will appoint to it only young Knights, who will we are assured, gladly serve under one who has so distinguished himself, feeling certain that under his Command they will have ample opportunities against the Infidels to prove themselves worthy of the Order. I may add also that the Baeliffs of all the Langs promise that they will select from among the young Knights, such as may seem best fitted for such service, by their skill in warlike exercises, by their ready obedience to orders, and good conduct. And I foresee that the Spirit of Emulation, and the desire to show that, though still but professed Knights, they are capable of performing as valiant deeds as their Elders, will make the Galley under your Command one of the most successful in the Order. As you are aware, it is a stringent rule, which even in so exceptional a case we should not be justified in breaking. The Day Knight must reside in the island for five years previous to being promoted to a Commandery. It is now two months more than that time since you were received as Page to the late Grand Master. And in promoting you to a Commandery, I have not, therefore, broken the rule. You may retire, Sir Gervais. Gervais, overwhelmed by the unlooked for honors, thus bestowed upon him, bowed deeply to the Grand Master, and the members of the Council, and then retired from the Chamber. He passed out of the palace by a side door, so as to avoid being accosted by the Knights in the Great Hall, and took his way out onto the ramparts, where he walked up and down for a considerable time before returning to the Aburj. He felt no hilarity at his promotion. He had never entertained any ambition for rising to High Office in order, but had hoped only to perform his duty as a true Knight, to fight against the Infidels, and some day, if need be, to die for the Order. The Commandery was he knew a rich one, and as its chief he would draw a considerable revenue from the estate. This afforded him no pleasure whatsoever, except insomuch as it would enable him, in his new command of the galley, to keep a handsome table, and to entertain well the Knights who served under him. It seemed to him, however, that the reward and honors were so far beyond his desserts, that he felt almost humiliated by their bestowal. The responsibility, too, was great. With these young Knights, the youngest of whom could be but a year his junior, serve willingly under his orders? And above all, would they be able to emulate the deeds of experienced warriors? And would the galley worthily maintain the fame of the Order? At the end of two hours he was joined by Ralph Harcourt. I have been looking for you everywhere, Gerbets. You seemed to have disappeared mysteriously. None had marked you leave the Council Chamber, or knew where you had gone. And after searching everywhere, I remembered your fondness for walks upon the walls. So I climbed to the top of St. John's Tower, and thence espied you. Well I congratulate you most heartily on the honors that have fallen to your share, especially that of the command of a new galley. It is too much altogether, Ralph. I feel ashamed of being thus thrust into a post that ought to be given to a Knight of Age and Experience. How can I expect a number of young Knights, of whom well I all must be my seniors in age, to obey me as they would an older man? What has age to do with it, Ralph said? You have shown that you have a head to think, and as you before proved, you have an arm to strike. Why, every Knight in the Order must feel proud that one of their own Age has gained such honor. It raises them all in their own esteem, and you will see that you will get the pick among all the professed Knights, and of a good many who have finished their profession, and are serving here in hope of someday getting promotion to a Commandery. Not such own one as you have got, that in the ordinary course of things does not fall to a Knight until he is well on in years, and has served in many Commanderies of smaller value. I can tell you, directly Sir John Kindle came back and told us that you had been appointed Commander of the new galley, and that it was to be man-holy by young Knights. There was not one of those serving their profession in the Aburge, who did not beg Sir John to put down his name for it, and ten or twelve others myself among them, who have obtained full Knighthood also. You don't mean to say that you have put down your name to serve under me, Ralph. It would be monstrous. I see nothing monstrous in it, Gervais. As I said just now, years have nothing to do with it, and putting aside our friendship I would rather serve under you than many Knights old enough to be your Father. I don't know whether I shall have the luck to be one of the chosen. As Sir John said, there were to be only seven from each lane, which will make forty-nine, with yourself fifty. If I am chosen, and knowing our friendship, I hope that the bailiff will let me go with you. It is likely enough I may be named your Lieutenant, as I shall be the only one beside yourself who is a secular Knight, and am, therefore, superior in rank to the rest. That would be pleasant indeed, Ralph, though I would rather that you had been made Commander, and I Lieutenant. But at any rate with you to support me I shall feel less oppressed by the thought of my responsibility. As Ralph had declared would be the case, the young Knights and the other Aburgias were as anxious as those of England to be enrolled among the crew of the new galley, and the bailiffs had some trouble in choosing among the aspirants. Very few were selected outside the rank of professed Knights, and as great pains were taken to comply with the Grand Master's wishes, that only young Knights of good conduct and disposition, and distinguished by their proficiency in warlike exercises, should be chosen. The crew was in every way a picked one. Most of them had made one or two of the three months voyages in the galleys, though comparatively few had had the good fortune to be absolutely engaged with the Muslim Pirates. To the great satisfaction of himself in Gervais, Ralph Harcourt was nominated Lieutenant of the Galley. The fact that so many had volunteered impressed all those who were chosen, with the sense that it was at once an honour and a piece of good fortune to be selected, and all were determined that the boy galley, as the elder Knights laughingly termed it, would do honour to the order. It was a fortnight before she was launched. Gervais had heard with great satisfaction that it had been decided by the council that no punishment should be inflicted upon the slaves for their share in the intended rising at St. Pelagius. All were guilty, and there was no means of saying who had taken prominent parts in the plot. The council felt that it was but natural that they should grasp at the prospect of freedom, for they themselves would have done the same had they been captives of the infidels. Even the warders and guards were allowed to go unpunished, although their offence was a much more serious one. Those who could have named the men who had accepted bribes were dead, and the lesson had been so severe a one that there was no probability of any again turning traitors. The author of the rising had been publicly executed. Seeing the hopelessness of denial, he had boldly avowed his share in the matter, and had acknowledged that he was acting as agent for the sultan, and had been supplied with ample funds before leaving Constantinople. He declared that he was absolutely unable to give any names whatever of those concerned in the plot, save those of the two overseers, as these had undertaken the work of suborning the warders and guards. Though he admitted that he had on several occasions spoken to slaves as the gangs were on their way back to the prison, and had told them to be prepared to take part in a plan that was on foot for their rescue from slavery. The torture had not been, as was the usual custom applied to extort information, partly because his story was probable, although more because the Grand Master in Council did not wish that more publicity should be given to the affair, and were glad that it should be allowed to drop without any further trial of the delinquents. In the city generally it was only known that a plot had been discovered for the liberation and escape of some of the slaves, and, outside the members of the Order, none were aware of its extent and dangerous character. To the satisfaction of Gervais and Rao, Freidos was able to produce letters and documents that satisfied the Council that he had been deceived as to the character of the Greek, and was wholly innocent in the matter. CHAPTER XII THE BOY GALLI Among those most pleased at the appointment of Gervais to the command of the galley was Sir John Boswell. Ever since the adventure with the pirates, the night had exhibited an almost fatherly interest in him, had encouraged him in his studies, ridden with him on such occasions as he had permitted himself a short holiday, and had, whenever they were together, related to his stories of war, sieges, battles, and escapes from which he thought the young knight might gain lessons for his future guidance. I doubt, Gervais. He said one day, as they were riding quietly along the road, whether our plan of life is altogether the best, we were bounded, you know, simply as a body of monks, bound to devote ourselves solely to the care of the sick, and to give hospitality to pilgrims in Palestine. Now this was monkish work, and men who devoted themselves solely to such a life of charity as that in our hospital at Jerusalem might well renounce all human pleasures. But when the great change was made by Master Raymond Dupu, and from a nursing body we became a brotherhood in arms, it seems to me that the vows of celibacy were no longer needful or desirable. The crusaders were many of them married men, but they thought no worse for that. It would have been far better, he thinks, had we been converted into an order pledged to resist the infidel, but without the vows of poverty and of celibacy, which have never been seriously regarded. The garrison here might be composed, as indeed it is now, principally of young knights, of those who have not cared to marry, and of the officers of the order whose wives and families might dwell here with them. This would have many advantages, among others the presence of so many ladies of rank would have the excellent effect of discountenancy and repressing extravagances and dissolute habits, which are but too common and are a shame to the order. Knights possessing commanderies throughout Europe would be no worse stewards for being married men, and scandals such as contributed largely to the downfall of the Templars would be avoided. The sole vow necessary so far as I can see would be that the knights should remain unmarried and disposable at all times for service until ten years after making their profession, and that afterwards they should ever be ready to obey the summons to arms, on occasions when the safety of Rose or the invasion of any Christian country by the Muslims rendered their services needful. When they would come out just as the knights of Richard the Lionheart would help as crusaders, I have spent half my life since I joined the order in commanderies at home, and a dull life it was, and I was glad enough to resign my last command and come out here. Had I been able to marry, I might now have had a son of your age whose career I could watch and feel a pride in. My life would have been far happier in England, and in all respects I should be a better man than I am now. Me thinks it would strengthen rather than weaken the order. As a fighting body we should be in no way inferior to what we are now, and we should be more liked and more respected throughout Europe, for naturally the sight of so many men leading a luxurious life in commanderies causes a feeling against them. But I suppose, Sir John, that there is no great difficulty in obtaining a dispensation from our vows. In this, as in all other matters, everything depends upon interest or money. Of course, dispensations are not common, but Daedalus any night when he had served his term of active service could, especially if his requests were backed by the Grand Master, obtained for the public dispensation of his vow. If he had a commandery it would make a vacancy and give the Grand Prior or the Grand Master or the Council and whosoever's gift it might be, an opportunity of rewarding services or of gratifying some powerful family. I agree with you that it would have been much better, Sir John. I can understand that monks, ever living a quiet life apart from the world, should be content so to continue. But among a body of war-like knights there must be many who, in time, must come to regret the vows they took when boys. The cadet of a noble family might, by the death of elder brothers, come to be the head of a great family, the ruler over wide domains. Surely it would be desirable that such a man should be able to marry and have heirs. Daedalus it could be managed in such cases, Gervais, but it is a pity that it shouldn't have to be managed. I can see no reason in the world why a knight, after doing ten years of service here, should not be free to marry, providing he takes a vow to render full service to the order whenever called upon to do so. Already the vow of poverty is everywhere broken, already in defiance of their oaths, too many knights lead idle and disillusioned lives. Already knights, when in their own countries, disregard the rule that they shall draw a sword in no cause save that of the holy sepulchre. And, like other knights in nobles, take part in civil strife or foreign wars. All this is a scandal, and if we're better by far to do away with all oaths, save that of obedience and willingness to war with the infidel, then do make vows that all men know are constantly and shamelessly broken. I am fond of you, Gervais. I am proud of you, as one who has brought honor to our landing, and who in time will bring more honor. I am glad that, so far as there could be between a young knight and one of middle age, there is a friendship between us. But see what greater pleasure it would give to my life for you, my son, for whom I could lay by such funds as I could well spare, instead of spending all my appointments on myself, and having neither kid nor kin to give a sigh of regret when the news comes that I have fallen in some engagement with the infidels. I often think of all these things, and sometimes talk them over with comrades, and there are few who do not hold with me that it would be far better that we should become a purely military order, like some of the military orders in the courts of the european sovereigns that remain as we are, half monk, half soldier, a mixture that, so far as I can see, accords with badly with either morality or public repute. However, I see no chance of such a change coming, and we must be content to observe our vows as well as may be. So long as we are willing to remain monks and try to obtain dispensation from our vows, should we desire to alter our mode of life, we ought either to ever make monks pure and simple, spending our lives in deeds of charity, a life which suits many men, and it gives which I should be the last to say anything, or our soldiers pure and simple, as were the crusaders, who arrested the holy sepulcher from the hands of the infidels. At present, Gervais, your vocation lies wholly in the way of fighting, but it may be that the time will come when you may have other aims and ambitions, and when the vows of the order will gall you. I hope not, Sir John, Gervais said earnestly. You are young yet, then I replied with an indulgent smile. Someday you may think differently. Now, he went on changing the subject abruptly. When will your galley be ready? This is my last ride, Sir John. The ship rides will have finished tomorrow, and the next day we shall take possession of her and begin to practice, so that each man shall know his duties, and the galley slaves learn to row well, before we have orders to sail. I wish you were going with us, Sir John. I shall like it, lad, in many respects. It does one good to see the enthusiasm of young men, and doubtless you will be a merry party. But on the other hand, unless I mistake, you will be undertaking wild adventures, and my time for these is well nigh past. When the Turk comes here, if he ever comes, and of that I have little doubt. I shall be ready to take my full share of the fighting, but I shall seek adventures no longer, and shall go no more to sea. Next only to the bailiff I am the senior Avara Burj, and, but this is between ourselves, lad, am like to succeed to the grand priory of England when it becomes vacant. And if not, I shall, as the grandmaster has told me, have the offer of the next high office vacant in the palace. Two days later, Gervais and his company of young knights went down to the port to take part in the launch of the new galley. This was the occasion of a solemn ceremony, the grandmaster and a large number of knights being present. A religious service took place on her poop, and she was named by the grandmaster the Santa Barbara. When the ceremony was over, Gervais was solemnly invested with the command of the galley by the grand marshal of the navy. Then the shores were struck away, and the galley glided into the water, amid the firing of guns, the blowing of trumpets, and the cheers of the spectators who had gathered at the port to witness the ceremony. The next morning a gang of galley slaves were marched down. A third of these had been drawn from the crews of other galleys, their place 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 Saint Pelagius, grateful to Gervais 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 on, and although his hair was still several shades darker than of old, it differed even more widely from the emin hue that it had been when he was in prison. Thus, although he recognized 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. The galley carried no sails, and the knights were soldiers rather than sailors, and fought on the deck of their ship as if defending a breach, or storming one held by the enemy. Moreover, as all of them had already made one or more voyages, they were accustomed to such duties as they would have to discharge on board. All were glad when an order was published for the galley to sail. On the eve of departure, Gervais was sent for by the grand master. The general of the galleys was with him when Gervais entered the room. The bailiff of Averni always held the position of grand marshal, and the bailiff of Italy, that of second in command. With the title of grand admiral. These officials however as heads of their respective lengths had many other duties to perform, and it was only on great occasions that they took any practical share of the work of which they were nominally heads. The real control in all naval questions rested with the general of the galleys who was elected by the council, but on the nomination of the grand master. His power when at sea with the fleet was absolute. He could suspend any officer from duty, and had unquestioned power of life and death over the crews. He had been frequently on board the galley since she had been launched, and had been pleased with the attention paid by Gervais to his duties, and with the ready manner in which the young knights carried out his orders. Sir Gervais treats him, he said. It is usual as you know to appoint each galley to a certain cruising drowned, to which it is confined during its three months absence. At present there is a galley on each of these stations, and as the last relief took place but a month since it is better that they should remain at the stations allotted to them. I have therefore, after consultation with his highness the grand master, decided to give you a free hand. You are as likely to meet with pirates in one quarter as in another, and you will pick up from vessels you may overhaul news of their doings, which will enable you to direct your course to the point where you will be most useful. In the first place, however, you will proceed to the coast of Tunis. This Contes galley is already there, but the coast swarms with corsairs, and we have had many complaints as to their depredations. The court of Spain has twice represented to us lately that the pirates have grown so bold that vessels have been carried off, even when coasting from one Spanish port to another. This Contes is especially watching the coast near Tunis, and you will therefore perhaps do better to proceed farther west, for every village from Tunis to Tangier is little better than a nest of pirates. I should imagine that you will find ample employment there during your three months cruise. When I say that you are free to choose your own cruising ground, I do not mean that you should go up the Levant, or to the east of the Mediterranean, but that you are not bound to keep close along the African coast. But May, should you obtain any information to warrant your doing so, seek the pirates along the shores of Spain, Sardinia, Corsica, or Sicily. I need not warn you to act with prudence, as well as courage, for you have proved that you possess both qualities. Do not allow yourself to be carried by the impetuosity of your knights. It is more often the duty of a commander to restrain than to encourage his crew, and with such young blood as you have under your command, the necessity will be greater than usual. Be kind to your slaves, but be ever watchful, yet this I need not tell you. Maintain a strict but not over severe discipline. You are all knights and comrades of the Order, and equals when on shore, but on board you are the captain, and they are your soldiers. I have this afternoon had a meeting of your knights, and have urged upon them very strongly, that having volunteered to serve under you, they must obey your orders as promptly and willingly as if you were the senior knight of the Order, and that it behooves them especially upon the present occasion, when the crew is composed entirely of young knights, to show themselves worthy of the honour that has been done to them, by entrusting a galley of the Order to their charge. I told them I should regard your report of their individual conduct with the same attention and respect, with which I should that of any other commander, and that they might greatly make or mar their future prospects in the order by their combat during the crews. I am convinced from what I know of you that you will exercise no undue harshness, but will act with tact and discretion, as well as firmness. I will try to do so your Excellency, I feel that it is a heavy responsibility, and will spare no pains to justify the unmerited honour that has been bestowed upon me. You have seen that the taking in of stores is complete, and that nothing is wanting for the voyage? Yes, sir, I stood by while the overseer of stores checked off every sack and barrel as it came on board. The water is to be brought off this evening, and as I was unable to be present, Sir Ralph Harcourt is there to count the barrels and see that all are full. Goodbye, Sir Gervais, the Grandmaster said, as the interview terminated. Hitherto you have given me from the time you reached the island, not but reason for satisfaction at my nomination of you as page. And I have no fear that you will fail this time. Remember that Valor, however great, cannot prevail against overpowering odds. You had a lesson of that when you served under record, though finally the affair turned out well. I do not say don't attempt desperate undertakings, but don't attempt impossible ones. Be careful of the lives of your knights. Remember that ere long every sword may be of the utmost consequence in the defense of roads, and that even the capture of pirates may be too dearly purchased, but that at the same time the honor of the flag of the order must be upheld at all hazards. Ah, he broke off, seeing a slight smile on the young knight's face. You think my order is contradictory. It may be so, but you know what I mean, and I fear not that you will blunder in carrying them out. Be prudent and yet not overprudent. I mean be not rash, unless there are such benefits to be obtained as would justify great risk in obtaining them. On returning to the Averge, gerbeys had a long chat with Rath. I think the admirals talk with us this afternoon had an excellent effect, gerbeys. I do not say that everyone was not before disposed to obey you in all things, willingly and cheerfully, but he put it so strongly to them that they had volunteered specially for service in this galleon, knowing well who was to be its commander, and the circumstance that the crew was to consist solely of young knights. It had therefore specially pledged their honor so to act, that the enterprise should be in all respects a successful one. To render it so, obedience was even a greater necessity than valor. This was the most important of all of vials taken by the knights of the Order, and it was only by the strictest and most unquestioning obedience on the part of all to the orders of their superiors, that the work of a vast community could be carried on. Passing over the fact that you were their superior in rank, both as being a secular knight and a knight commander of the Order, you had been specially appointed by the Grand Master and the Council, as well as by himself, and that they bestowed upon you while at sea, and in the absence of any officers of superior rank, their full powers and authority. You were in fact their representative and agent, and therefore to be regarded with the same deference and respect that would be due to the oldest knight similarly placed. Lastly, he said in a less serious tone, you must remember that this is an experiment, and as some think, a somewhat rash one, never before did a galley mend entirely from among the youngest of our knights put to sea, and you may be sure that unless successful the experiment is not likely to be ever repeated. You have been selected from among many other candidates, and you have not only to justify the choice, but to uphold the reputation and honor of the young knights of your Order, by all of whom your doings will be regarded with special interest, as reflecting credit not only upon yourselves individually, but as representatives and champions of them all. I can see that his words had a great effect. He had placed me beside him, and I marked their faces as he spoke. Each face lit up at his appeal, and I do not think there was one but silently registered who vowed to do all in his power to prove himself worthy of the competence placed in him, and his companions by the Grand Master and Admiral. I had before no shadow of fear that everything would not go well. I knew almost all of them personally, and if I myself had had the selection from among the whole body of knights and the convent, I could not have made a choice that would have suited me better. It seems to me that in each a burst the bailiff has endeavored to pick out the seven young knights whom he considered would most worthily support the honor of the line. Still, confident as I was before, I feel more so now, after the Admiral's address to us. I have no fear either, Ralph, though doubtless the Admiral's words will carry great weight with them. It was thoughtlessness rather than anything else that I dreaded, but now that the Admiral himself has spoken to them, there is no fear that anything will occur to give us trouble. I have particularly noticed that when we had been on board, and had been laughing and chatting together before we got underway, their manner changed directly the first order was given, and that all the commands were carried out with as much goodwill and alacrity as if they were under Richard himself. On the following morning the knights all went on board the Santa Barbara. Their baggage was carried down by slaves, and by the personal servants from each aburge, who were to go as their attendants during the voyage. The Grand Master had advanced scurveys a sum equal to half a year's income of his commandery, and with this he had purchased a stock of the best lines and various other luxuries to supplement the rations supplied from the funds of the order two knights went at sea. Gervais had to go around early to the Admiral to sign the receipt for stores and to receive his final orders in writing, all were there for on board before him, and when he arrived were drawn up in military order to receive him. Every night was in full armor, and as at a word from Ralph they drew their swords and saluted the young commander, Gervais felt with a thrill of pleasure and of confidence that with such a following he need not fear any encounter with a pirate force, unless in overwhelming numbers. The young knights were all, with the exception only of Ralph Harcourt, between the ages of 17 and 19, and their young faces free in most cases even from the suspicion of a mustache looked almost those of boys, but there was no mistaking the ardor and enthusiasm in their faces, and the lack of breath and weight that years alone would give to them was compensated by skill in their weapons acquired by long and severe training and by the activity and tireless energy of youth. Knights and comrades, Gervais said as after walking through the double line to the end of the poop he turned and faced them. I am proud indeed to command so gallant a body of knights, the success of our expedition depends upon you rather than upon me, and as I feel assured of your warm cooperation I have no fear as to what the result will be. If day and fortune will favor us by throwing in our way some of those scourges of the sea in search of whom we are about to sit out, many of us have already encountered them, and fighting side by side with older knights have borne our share of the work, while those who have not done so will I am sure do equally well when the opportunity arrives. We shall not this voyage have the encouragement and confidence inspired by the presence of those who have long and valiantly borne the standard of the order, but on the other hand we have to show that we are worthy of the confidence reposed in us and that the young knights of the order can be trusted to emulate the deeds of those who have rendered the name of the hospitalers, a terror to the infidel. A shout of approbation greeted the close of his address. Gervais then walked forward to the end of the poop and looked down upon the slaves, who with their oars out were awaiting the order to row. Men, he said in Turkish, it is my desire, while it is necessary that you should do your work, your lot shall be no heavier than can be avoided. You will not be taxed beyond your powers, save when the enemy is in sight, or there is supreme need for haste, but then you must be called upon for your utmost exertions. I wish your work to be willing, I abhor the use of the lash, and so long as each man does his fair quota of work, I have given the strictest orders that it shall never be used. I have at my own cost made provision that your daily ration shall be approved while under my command. Meat will be served out to you daily when it can be obtained, and for those of you who hold that the strict tenets of your religion may be relaxed, while engaged in such severe labor, a ration of wine will also be served out, and such other indulgences as are compatible with the discipline and safety of the ship will also be granted to you. There was a murmur of gratitude among the slaves. Gervais then gave the order to Roe, and the galleys started on her voyage. The knights had now fallen out from their ranks, and were soon laughing and talking gaily, being all of noble families in nightly rank. There was, except when on actual duty, a tone of perfect equality and good fellowship prevailing among them. French was the common language, for as the order was of French foundation, and three of the seven lengths belonged to that country, most of the high dignitaries being chosen from their ranks. It was natural that the French language should be the general medium of communication between them. Until noon the slaves rove steadily and well. Work was then stopped, for there was scarce a breath of wind stirring the water. Even under the awning that had as the sun gained power been erected over the poop, the heat was oppressive. The knights had all divested themselves of their armor, and most of them retired below for a siesta. As soon as the slaves stopped rowing, an awning which Gervais had purchased, and which was rolled up under the break of the poop, was to their astonishment drawn over them. Don't you think you are spoiling your slave, Sir Gervais? One of the Spanish knights asked doubtfully. On the contrary, Sir Pedro, I hope that I am improving them. You have not worked as a galley slave, but I have, and I can assure you that I used to feel the hours when we were lying broiling in the sun, doing nothing, much more trying than those during which I wasn't worked. I used to be quite giddy and sick with the heat, and on getting out the oars again had scarce strength to work them. But this is not the most important point. Import the slaves always sleep in the prison, but at sea they must rest on their benches, and to do so with close soap with the heavy due must be a severe trial, and most prejudicial to the health. The awning cost but a few ducats, and I reckon that putting aside the comfort to the slaves, it will be very speedily repaid by their better health and capacity for labour. When away in the galley with Sir Luis Ricor, I used to feel the greatest pity for the unfortunate wretches when at daybreak, in their drenched clothes, and shivering with cold and wet, they rose to commence their work. I then took a vow that if ever I should come to command a galley, I would provide an awning for the slaves. Two or three of the knights standing by expressed their warm approval of what Gervais said. There was in those days, but little of that sentiment of humanity that is now prevalent, and slaves were everywhere regarded as mere beasts of burden rather than as human beings. When however they had the question put to them as Gervais had done, they were ready to give a hearty agreement, although it was the utilitarian rather than the humanitarian side of the question that recommended it to them. After three hours rest the journey was renewed, and just at nightfall the galley anchored off an islet lying to the north of Carpathos. While the servants were laying the tables along the poop for the evening meal, Gervais went down to see that his orders were carried out regarding the food for the slaves. They were already eating their bread and meat with an air of satisfaction that showed how warmly they appreciated the unusual indulgence. While there were few indeed who did not hold up their drinking horns as a servant passed along between the benches with a skin of wine, Gervais spoke to many of them. Ah, my lord, one of them said, if we were always treated like this slavery would be indurable. For ten years have I rode in Christian galleys, but never before has an awning been spread to keep off the sun or dew. We shall not forget your kindness, my lord, and won't row our heart as cheerfully when you call upon us for an effort. There was a murmur of ascent from the galley slaves around him. May Allah be merciful to you as you are merciful to us, another slave exclaimed. The blessing of those whom you regard as infidels can at least do you no harm. On the contrary, it can do me good, Gervais said. The Gandhi Muslims and we Christians worship is, I believe the same, though under another name. Gervais had indeed during his long conversations with Suleiman Ali, often discussed with him the matter of his faith, and had come in consequence to regard it in a very different light to that in which it was viewed by his companions. There was faith in one god at the bottom of both Mohammedanism and Christianity. The Mohammedans held in reverence the law givers and prophets of the Old Testament, and even regarded Christ himself as being a prophet. They had been grievously led away by Mohammed, whom Gervais regarded as a false teacher, but as he had seen innumerable instances of the fidelity of the Muslims to their creed, and the punctuality and devotion with which the slaves said their daily prayers. Exposed though they were to the scorn and even the anger of their taskmasters, he had quite lost during his nine months of constant association with Suleiman Ali, the bigoted hatred of Mohammedanism, so universal at the time. He regarded Muslims as foes to be opposed to the death, but he felt that it was unfair to hate them for being hostile to Christianity, of which they knew nothing. End of chapter 12, read by Peter Strong on January 28th, 2019, in Catahena, Colombia.