 Chapter 7. A First Command The first news that the knights heard on their return from their expedition was that the Grandmaster Orsini was seriously ill, and that at his advanced age the doctors feared there was little hope of his rallying. Gervais felt a keen regret on hearing that the kind and gentle old man, who had been for three years his master, was at the point of death. Nevertheless, it was generally felt among the knights that in view of the dangers that threatened Rhodes, it was for the good of the order that a strong and capable man, whom all respected, and who possessed their entire confidence, should at such a time be invested with absolute power. Diabason had indeed for some years been the real head of the community, but every question had, if only as a matter of form, to be referred to the Grandmaster in order to obtain his approval and signature. In the state of feebleness to which he had for some months passed fallen, much time was frequently lost before he could be made to understand the questions referred to him. Moreover, orders of Diabason could be appealed against, his views thwarted, and his authority questioned, and it was therefore felt that, much as they all respected the old Grandmaster, it would be an advantage to the order when the supreme authority passed into the hands of Diabason. Four days after the return of the expedition, Orsini died. A few hours later, the Grand Council was convened, and Diabason unanimously elected Grandmaster of the order. The ceremony of the funeral of his predecessor was an imposing one. Every night of the order in Rhodes was present, together with a number of the leading natives of the island, and although Gervais had, since his arrival on the island, seen many stately ceremonies, this far surpassed anything he had previously beheld. Gervais had, at one of his first interviews with Diabason after his arrival at the island, been advised by him to acquire some knowledge of Turkish. There are but few knights of the order who speak the language, he said, as a rule while young men are ready to devote any amount of time to acquiring dexterity in all martial exercises. They will bestow no labor in obtaining knowledge that may be fully as useful to them as skill in arms. In our dealings with the Turks, one or another party has to employ an interpreter, and it is often by no means certain that these men convey the full meaning of the speeches they translate. Again, we have large numbers of Turkish slaves, and it is highly to be desired that the knights should be able to give their orders to these men in their own language. Lastly, a knight who has been taken prisoner by the Turks, and even the bravest might meet with such a misfortune, would find it an alleviation of his lot, and might be able to plan and carry out his escape. Did he speak Turkish well? I should strongly counsel you to acquire a knowledge of the tongue. Gervais had intended to follow the advice of the grand prior, but the duties of his office as page, and the time required for his military exercises and his studies with the chaplain, had rendered it well my impossible during the first three years to turn his attention to learning Turkish. As soon as his page ship was at an end, he found that his duties included supervision of Turkish slaves. He felt a want of a knowledge of the language, and from that time devoted an hour a day to its study. Employing one of the servants of the Aburj, who was a man of rank and education at home to instruct him, while he conscientiously spent this amount of time at the work, it was the most disagreeable portion of this day's labor. The events, however, that had taken place during the expedition had impressed him greatly with the utility of a knowledge of Turkish, for had it not been for Sir John Boswell's possessing some acquaintance with the language, it would have been impossible to communicate with the rowers of their boat, or to have arranged the plan by which they had escaped the pirates. He had then and there determined that as soon as he returned to Rhodes, he would take the matter up in a very different spirit to that in which he before approached it. He had on the way home spoken to Sir John, who had highly approved of the determination. I myself, when I was a young knight of 18, was taken captive 26 years ago, at the time when the Egyptian fleet appeared before Rhodes. Our galleys advanced to attack them, but under cover of night they retired, and proceeding to the mainland took shelter under the guns of a Turkish fort. We attacked them there, it was a desperate engagement, but without any decisive advantage on either side. We lost no less than sixty knights, the Egyptians seven hundred men, and their fleet returned to Egypt. I and three others who were left wounded on the deck of one of their ships we had boarded, but failed to capture, were carried to Egypt, and remained there captive for six months. When we were ransomed by the order, during that time I learnt enough of their language, which is akin to Turkish, to be able to make myself understood and to understand what was said to me. I have kept up that much for intercourse with the slaves and servants at Rhodes, and have found it very useful. I consider then that you will do well to acquire their tongue. It will be useful not only to yourself, but to others. And when we get back I will, if you like, ask the bailiff to free you from all duty in order that you may devote yourself to it. The head of the Lang at once granted Sir John's request. I would, he said, that more of our young knights would give a portion of their time to study, but most of them look to returning home when their term of service here has expired. Many think only of amusement, and all imagine that advancement is best achieved by valor. Tratium has already distinguished himself very greatly, so much so that I think it would be well if he did not go on another expedition for a time, but stayed here while others have the opportunity of doing the same. Where we to send him out with the next galleys that start, I should be accused of favouritism, and the lad who is now deservedly popular with all, would be regarded with envy, and possibly even with dislike. At the same time, after what he has done, I should have difficulty in refusing where he to volunteer to sail in the next galley that sets out. The desire then, on his part to learn Turkish, is an always opportune. It will too, in the long run, be a great advantage to him in the order. It will give him weight, and bring him into prominence. I do not think there are six in the order who can fairly translate a Turkish document. There are but two who could write a reply in the same language. Inform him then that from the present time, he will be excused from all work, except of course, to join in ceremonials when all are required to be present. And if you, Sir John, will pick out from among the servitors here, one who is well instructed and educated, and capable of writing as well as reading his language, I will similarly relieve him of all other work, and place him at the disposal of young Tratium. Tell the lad that I hope he will persevere until he obtains a complete knowledge of the tongue. You can mention to him what I have said as to my opinion of the advantage the knowledge of it will be to him in the order. Gervais accordingly devoted himself to study. His instructor was a Turk of fine presence. He had been a large landowner in Syria, and held a high official position in the province. But he had been captured in a galley on his way to Constantinople. Whether he was proceeding on an official mission, he was delighted with his new post. Gervais, both as the youngest member of the community, and from the kind manner in which he always spoke to the servants, all of whom had acquired some knowledge of English, was a general favorite among them, and the Turk was glad that he was to be thrown with him. Still more he rejoiced at his being appointed his instructor, as it relieved him from all menial work, which although preferable to that which the bulk of the slaves were condemned, yet galled his spirit infinitely. Now that he had entered upon the work with the approbation of his superior, and a conviction of its great utility, Gervais set to the work with the same zeal and ardor which he had exhibited in his military exercises. During the heat of the day he sat in the shade reading and writing with his instructor. In the cool of the morning and afternoon he walked with him on the walls, or in the country beyond them. After sunset he sat with him in an unfrequented corner of the roof, all the time conversing with him, either of his own country, or that of his instructor. At first this was difficult, and he had to eke out the Turkish words he had acquired with English. His intercourse for ten or twelve hours a day with this Turk, and the pains taken by his instructor, caused him to acquire the language with extreme rapidity. Of course he had to put up with a great deal of banter from the younger knights upon his passion of study. Sometimes they pretended that his mania, as they considered it, arose from the fact that he was determined to become a renegade, and was fitting himself for a high position in the Turkish army. At other times they insisted that his intention was to become a Turkish dervish, or to win a great Turkish heiress and settle in Syria. But has he always bore their banter good temperately, and was ready occasionally to join them in the sport when assault at arms were carried on? They soon became tired of making fun of him. After nine months constant work, the young knights' studies were abruptly stopped by the receipt of a letter from the Pasha of Syria, offering a considerable sum for the ransom of his instructor. The request was at once acceded to, as it was the policy of the knights to accept ransoms for their prisoners, both because the sums so gained were useful, and because they were themselves compelled sometimes to pay ransom for members of the order. Suleyman Ali was, it was arranged, to be put on board an Egyptian craft bound for acre, a safe conduct having been sent for the vessel and her crew, and for a knight who was to receive the ransom from the Pasha. At any rate, sir Gervais, the Turks said when the young knight expressed great regret at his leaving them. Our position as instructor and pupil would have come to an end shortly. For the last three months there has been but little teaching between us. We have talked, and that has been all. Saved it for a short time each day you read and wrote. But there has been little to teach. You speak the native language now as fluently as I do, and would pass anywhere as Syrian, especially as there are slight differences of speech in the various provinces. I believe that in Syria you would not be suspected of being anything but a native, and assuredly you would be taken for a Syrian elsewhere. You have learned enough, and it would be but a waste of time for you, a knight and a soldier, to spend another day in study. On the following day Gervais was, to his surprise, sent for by the Grand Master. Except on the occasion of a few public ceremonies, he had not seen de Albacen since he had been elected to his present high dignity, and the summons to attend at the palace therefore came unexpectedly. We have become quite strangers, Trisham. The Grand Master said cordially when he entered. I have not forgotten you, and have several times questioned your bailiff concerning you. He tells me that you have become quite an anchorite, that savagely your meals, and for an occasional bout of dharmes, you are seldom to be seen. I was glad to hear of your devotion to study, and thought it better to leave you undisturbed at it. Yesterday evening I sent for your instructor. He is a man of influence in Syria, and I wish to know how he was affected towards us. Now that he is about to return there. We talked for some time, and I then asked him what progress you had made, and was surprised and pleased to find that in his opinion you could pass anywhere as a native, and that you were perfectly capable of drawing up and writing any document I might desire to send to the Sultan or any of his generals. This is far more than I had expected, and shows how earnestly you must have worked. Your knowledge may prove of much assistance to the order, and believe me the time you have spent in acquiring it may prove of much greater advantage to you in your career than if you had occupied it in performing even the most valiant deeds. And that at some future time it will ensure your appointment to a responsible office here. It was partly to assure you of my approbation that I sent for you, partly to inform you that I have appointed you to proceed with Suleiman Ali as the knight in charge of the vessel, and to receive the ransom agreed upon, upon your handing him over. The office is an honorable one and one of trust, and it is the first fruits of the advantage you will gain by your knowledge of Turkish. No, do not thank me, I am selecting you because you are better fitted than any knight I can spare for the mission, and also I may say because the choice will be pleasing to Suleiman Ali, whose good will I am desirous of gaining. Before now Turkish provinces have thrown off their allegiance to the Sultan. They have, I must admit, been usually reconquered, but such might not be always the case, and if such an event happened in Syria this man's influence and good will might be of great advantage to us, as it might well suit us to ally ourselves with Syria against Constantinople. I am glad to say that I found him at least as well disposed as any man could be who had been some years in slavery. He had admitted that for a slave he had been kindly and gently treated, and added that any unpleasant memories he might have retained had been obliterated by the nine months of pleasant companionship spent with you. When Gervais returned to dinner at the Abirj and informed Ralph Harcourt and the other young knights that he had been appointed to take charge of the vessel in which Suleiman Ali was to be conveyed to Acre, the statement was at first recede with incredulity. It seemed incredible that the youngest knight in the Lang should be chosen for such a mission, involving, as it did, a separate command even the older knights, when the news was passed down the table, were surprised. I must say that I am astonished at the grandmaster's choice. Gervais Trisham Dali distinguished himself greatly some months since, but from that time he has not been out with the galleys or indeed done anything that would seem to recommend him for so marked a favour as a separate command. I don't know, Wingate, Sir John Boswell said. It seems to me that when a young man of 17 issues all pleasure, refrains from volunteering for service at sea, and spends his whole time and study, he does distinguish himself, and that very greatly. Of the three or four hundred young knights here, I doubt if one other would have so acted. Certainly none to my knowledge have done so. Yet I do not suppose that Diabasin selected him for this duty as a reward for so much self-denial and study. But because by that self-denial and study, he is more fitted for it than any of us here, save some three or four knights in the other Langs, all of whom are in too high a position to be employed in so unimportant a duty. He can speak Turkish, not a few score of words and sentences such as I can, but as Suleyman Ali tells me, like a native, we're one of us chosen for this mission. It would be necessary to send an interpreter with him, and everyone knows how hard it is to do business in that manner. It seems to me that the Grandmaster has acted wisely in putting aside all question of seniority and employing the knight who is better suited than any other for it. You are right, Boswell, the bailiff said. I really have been astonished at the manner in which Trisham has given himself up to study. It would have been a natural thing had he, after gaining so much credit, been anxious and eager to gain more. When you spoke to me about his determination to learn Turkish, I thought he would speedily tire of it, and that when the next galley sailed, his name would be among the list of volunteers for the service. I am sure, comrades, that there are few, if any, among us who would not infinitely prefer fighting the Muslims to spending our whole time in learning their language, and consider the fact that he has for nine months labored so incessantly and assiduously that he has come, as Boswell says, to speak it like a native, is even more to his credit than the deed for which he was knighted. This conversation took place at the upper end of the table, and was not heard at the lower end where the younger knights were seated. I am not chosen from favour, Gurves said hotly to one of his companions who had asserted that this was so. I am simply chosen because I can speak Turkish. How much Turkish can you speak? One of them laughed. Gurves turned to the Turkish servant behind them and said in his language, Hassan, Sir Giles Trevor wishes to know how well I speak Turkish. You have heard me talking with Suleyman Ali. Will you give him your opinion about it? The man turned gravely to Sir Giles Trevor. My lord, he said in English, Sir Gervais Trisham, he speaks Turkish the same as I do. If he dress up in Turkish clothes, I suppose in Turkish. Not know he Christian by his speech. Exclamation of surprise broke from the young knights. Well, you have earned the appointment Trisham. Ralph Harcourt said heartily, you always told me when I asked you that you were getting on, but I had not the least idea that you were getting on like this. And can you read and write the Turkish language? Well, enough for practical purposes, Ralph. At any rate, I wrote a complimentary letter this morning from the grandmaster to the governor of Syria and the bailiff of Spain, who was as you know for ten years a prisoner among the Turks, read it through at Diabasin's request to see that there was no error in it and was good enough to pass it without alteration. I would give a good deal, Sir Giles Trevor said. If I could follow your example and shut myself up for nine months with an infidel to study his language, but I could not do it if my life depended on it, I should throw myself off the wall at the end of the first fortnight. I don't pretend that I can do what Trisham has done. Ralph Harcourt said, I always hated our lessons with the chaplain who gave me the character of having the thickest head of any of his pupils. But I vow. And he kissed the handle of his dagger. I will spend half an hour a day in trying to learn something of Turkish. Of course, I know that such time will not be enough to learn a great deal. But if one could get up just enough to be able to give orders to the slaves, to question the captain of a vessel one has captured and to make them understand a little, if by bad luck one fell into their hands it would be quite enough for me. I am sure sometimes one is quite at a loss how to pass the hours when the sun is at its hottest and if one tried, one ought to be able to pick up a little without much trouble. Look at the servants. There is not one of them that speaks a little English and if an infidel can learn enough English to get on with without any regular study I can't see why I shouldn't be able to learn enough Turkish in the same way. Two or three of the other young knights declared that they too would devote a short time during the heat of the day to learning Turkish and they all agreed to begin together forthwith with one of the servants who spoke English most fluently. Robert Rivers was not present for he had returned to England six months before to take up his residence at the house in Clerkenwell in order that he might bring to bear the interest of his many powerful friends to secure for him an appointment as commander of one of the estates of the order in England. His departure had caused general satisfaction among the other knights whom his arrogance and ill temper had frequently irritated. Gervais especially was glad at his leaving the island for after he received the honor of knighthood Rivers made a point of always addressing him with an affectation of deference and respect that often tried his temper to the utmost. It is well that Rivers has gone, Ralph said laughing. For I don't know how he would have supported the chagrin your appointment would have given him. He was devoured with jealousy as it was but this would have been a trial beyond bearing. I am heartily glad he is gone, Gervais said gravely. I have put up with a great deal from him but I don't think I could have stood much more. If our vows had not forbidden our fighting I should have called him to account long ago but the only thing else to do was for me to lodge a formal complaint before the bailiff of his continually offensive bearing and manner which I could not bring myself to do and indeed there was no special matter that would have seemed to justify me no single speech that in itself would warrant such grave action on my part. I used to wish over and over again that we could but meet in some quiet spot in England both unarmed and could there settle the matter in good English fashion with our fists or even with a couple of quarter-staffs the others laughed that would be a very unknightly form of contest I care not for that, Gervais replied it would be a very satisfactory one anyhow and quite serious enough for the occasion his sneers and petty insults were not sufficient to justify the drawing of blood and there has been enough of that shed for the last twenty years in England without two brother knights but taking themselves to their swords against each other but a sound thrashing would have done neither of us harm and if it had fallen to his lot to get the largest share of it it might have done him some good he thinks he is sure of an appointment one of the others said but he has been so frequently in trouble here that it is likely that the official report which is always sent home to the grand prior when the knights return to England will be so unfavorable that even the most powerful influence will fail to obtain him a post if so we may have him back here again especially if the Turks carry out their threat of assailiness for an appeal will be made to all the grand priors for knights to aid in the defense that evening Gervais went again to the palace to receive final instructions the craft in which you are to travel is an Egyptian trader as at present war has not been formally declared between us and the Sultan peaceful traders as you know carry on their avocations un molested either by the worships of the Turks or by ours they do not enter our ports without a special permit and the crews are never allowed to land in order to get no detailed account of our fortifications may be taken to the Sultan moreover brawls might arise between them and the native population or they might aid slaves to escape however you will be altogether safe from interference from Turkish war vessels and if overhauled by one of them the safe conduct will be sufficient to prevent interference with you but it is not so with pirates they will plunder their own countrymen as readily as they will Christians and the safeguard of the governor of Syria will be of no use whatever to you in this consists the danger of your mission I cannot send one of our war galleys on such an errand and if there are not enough nights on board to beat off any pirate the fewer there are the better I hear that the craft is a fast sailor and as the crew will be as anxious to avoid pirates as you they will do their best to escape I leave it to you to take any route you can either sail hints direct for acre or you can coast along the shores of Anatolia and Syria lying up at night in bays should you be overtaken I do not think it would be of any use for you to disguise yourself for some of the crew would be sure to denounce you should the worst happen and you are captured by pirates you will of course in the first place show them your safe conduct and if I find that you do not return I shall send it once to the governor of Syria complaining of your capture when furnished with his safeguard and requesting him to order a search for you to be made at every port on the coast with instructions that you are to be at once released and either sent to him for return hither or placed on board a craft bound for any Christian port while you on your part will endeavor to acquaint the Turkish authorities with the fact that you have been seized while traveling with a safe conduct from the governor of Syria but more than from any efforts on your part or mine I rely upon Suleyman Ali who will I am sure as soon as he is set on shore lose no time in acquainting the pasha of your capture and in calling upon him to interfere in your favor in that case the worst that could befall you would be a temporary detention unless indeed the pirates should take you to Egypt as that country is friendly with us at present since Egypt dreads war since Egypt dreads the ever increasing power of the Turks it will be but a question of ransom for I have secret agents there who will inform me without delay of the arrival of a Christian captive I understand sir and will do my best in the matter if I am captured I trust that an opportunity of escape will soon present itself for I should if taken conceal from my captors the fact that I understand their language and should thus if I could evade my guard and advance of escaping as in a native dress I could meet and converse with those hunting for me without their having a suspicion of my being the white slave for whom they were in search once at acre you will be safe but do not land unless it is absolutely necessary for you might fall a victim to the fanaticism of its inhabitants and though night has ever set foot on shore there since the ill-fated day when the Muslims rested it from us bathed the ruin walls with the best blood of our order and destroyed the last hope of our ever recovering the holy sepulcher the next morning at daybreak Gervais and Suleiman Ali went on board the Egyptian trader and sailed for acre the current of opinion had changed at the aburge when the nights came to think over the mission on which Gervais was about to start and the slight feeling of jealousy with which the younger nights had received the news was entirely dissipated while it did not seem to them that there was any chance of his distinguishing himself they perceived as they thought it over the considerable danger there was of capture by pirates and Ralph and some of his companions came down to the mole to see him off with feelings in which envy poured no part whatever I see now Gervais that it is truly no holiday excursion on which you are starting I should envy you greatly were you going in command of an armed galley prepared to beat off any craft that might be trying to overhaul you but going alone as you are it is a very different thing should pirates meet you you could offer no resistance and your position would be a perilous one indeed however I think you are born to good luck and I'm confident that your patron saint will look after you therefore expect to see you back here in a fortnight's time at the outside I hope so with all my heart Ralph it will be no fault of mine if I tarry will you keep to the open sea or skirt the land Trisham one of the others asked I shall keep the open sea the grandmaster left me to choose my course but I think there is more danger by the coast where pirates may be hiding in unfrequented bays in readiness to pounce upon a passing craft then in the open sea where we should have at least the advantage that we cannot be taken by surprise and might make a race of it but the sun will be up in a few minutes and my orders were to set out at sunrise so I must say goodbye at once as soon as the vessel was under way Gervais took a seat on the poop by the side of Suleyman Alley and related to him the conversation he had had with the grandmaster the risk that you will run has not escaped me the Turks said and indeed I now regret that you were chosen as my escort I almost wish that my son had not purchased my freedom at the present time since it involves the risk of you losing yours there is no doubt that the sea swarms with pirates the Sultan is too busy with his own struggles for empire to bestow any attention upon so small a matter the Pashas and the officers of the ports have not the power even had they the will to put down piracy in their districts and indeed are as often as not participators in the spoils your order which years back scoured the sea so hotly that piracy well nigh ceased have now for 40 years been obliged to turn their attention chiefly to their own defense they possess a comparatively small fleet of galleys and their wealth is expended on their fortress what with Egypt and the Sultan their hands are too full for them to act as the police of the sea and the consequence is that from every port may and inlet pirate craft set out some mere robots some like those under the command of Hassan Ali veritable fleets thus the humble coasters and the largest merchant craft go alike in fear of them and I would that the Sultan in Egypt and your order would for two or three years put aside their differences and combine their efforts to sweeping the seas of these pests to storming their strongholds and to inflicting such punishment upon them as that for a very long time to come peaceful merchants might carry on their trade without fear I heard you tell the captain that he was to steer straight for acre and I think you are right in avoiding the coast where the most harmless looking fishing boat may carry a crowd of pirates hidden in her hold at the same time if you will take my advice you will head much more to the south so as to be out of the regular track of ships making from Constantinople or the islands to acre you may meet pirates anywhere but they are surely thicker among the more frequented routes the safest plan of all would probably be to bear south and strike the Egyptian coasts well to the east of the mouth of the Nile since till you get to Palestine the country is utterly barren and uninhabited while running up the coast to Palestine there are save at Jaffa no ports to speak of until you arrive at acre and besides the inhabitants there even if pirates would not venture to disregard the passion say conduct I do not by any means say that such a course would be absolutely safe you may meet with vessels on your way south and doubtless some of them cruise off the barren coast I speak of to intercept traders to and from Egypt and acre and other Syrian ports for the trade carried on is considerable and although of the same religion the Turks are disposed to view the Egyptians as enemies rather than as friends and would have even less hesitation in plundering them than in robbing their own countrymen I think that your suggestion is a good one and will follow it at any rate the course is a good deal longer but that is comparatively of little moment the great thing is to carry you safely to acre and don't get back with equal safety Suleiman said with a smile that is quite as important in my eyes in fact of the two I would far rather that we were captured on our voyage thither for in that case I might be able to arrange for the ransom of both of us End of Chapter 7 Recording by Peter Strom Director of the Kansas on December 26, 2018 Chapter 8 of A Night of the White Cross by G. A. Henty This Limber Box recording is in the public domain Chapter 8 An evening at Rhodes Suleiman Ali's advice was carried out it added considerably to the length of the voyage but they saw only one doubtful craft sand hills, and they did not see her until she hoisted her sails and shot out from the land. They were, however, three miles distant from the land at the time, and the wind was blowing from the north. Consequently the pirate was dead to Leeward. Every sail was set at once on board the traitor, and, being a fast sailor, she maintained her position until nightfall. The wind then dropped, and just as the light faded they could see that the vessel behind them had put out her sweeps. The traitor kept up her sails until certain that she could be no longer seen. Then the canvas was lowered, and the crew took to the boats and towed her due north. The night was fortunately a dark one, and those watching anxiously from the deck of the traitor were unable to discern her pursuer as she passed behind them. As soon as they were well assured that she must have gone on, the boats were brought in. The sails hoisted again, and taking advantage of every light-flaw of wind, they proceeded on their course. In the morning the sails of the galley could be seen on the horizon, but the distance was too great for her to take up the pursuit again with any chance of success, and the traitor continued her course to Acre without seeing more of her. As soon as the traitor entered the port, the Egyptian captain went on shore, taking with him a copy of the safe conduct and the letter from the Grand Master to the Pasha. Going to the residence of the governor, he handed these to him, saying that he had on board Aga Suleiman Ali and a night who was charged to deliver him up on the payment of the ransom. I have been expecting you, the governor said. I have received a letter from the Pasha, stating that he had written to the Grand Master respecting the ransom of the Aga, and sending me the amount which Suleiman's son had offered. The young man was not of age when his father was captured, but he is so now, and was therefore able to raise the sum required. I will go down to the port with you myself, hand over the ransom, and welcome Suleiman, whom I know well back from his captivity. The transfer was speedily made, a heavy purse was handed to Gervais, and Suleiman was a free man. Send me word if you can when you return to Rhodes, the letter said, as he bade farewell to the young knight. I shall be anxious until I hear. Fortune was with us as we sailed hither, but it may desert you on your return. Should ought befall you, tell your captors that if they bring you to me I will pay any ransom that they could, in fairness, require. Should they refuse to do this, send if possible a messenger to me, and on receipt of your message I will send a trusty man to purchase your freedom. You have treated me as a friend and an equal, and a friend I shall always remain. The vessel was to remain four days in port, to discharge her cargo, and take in another, and Suleiman had talked of remaining at Aga until she sailed, but Gervais protested strongly against this. You have a family from whom you have been so long separated, awaiting your return with anxiety, and I pray you to make no stay on my account. I am well content to remain on board here, and to look at the city which has so often been the theatre of great deeds, which Richard the Lionheart captured, and which so many of the Hospitallers died to defend. I was charged by the Grandmaster not to land, and indeed I feel myself that it would be an act of falling to do so. There are datless many on shore who have relatives and friends, now working as slaves among us, and some of these might well seek to avenge them by slaying one of the order. I feel your kindness, but it would be a pain to me to know that you are lingering here on my account when you must be longing to embrace your children. The four days passed rapidly, Gervais had at the suggestion of the Governor laid aside the mantle and insignia of the Order. If you do not do so, he said, I must place a strong guard of soldiers on board in order to ensure that the Pasha's safeguard is not violated. Sailors are a turbulent race, and where you recognized here they might make it tumult and slay you before a word of what was going on reached me. In any case, I shall place two soldiers on board until you leave the port. On the morning of the fifth day the sails were got up, and the vessels sailed out from the port. Fortune again favored them, and they reached roads without any adventure. Gervais went at once to the palace, and handed over the purse of gold to the treasurer. He then sent up his name to the Grand Master, and was immediately conducted to his room. I am glad to see you back, Trisham. I have been uneasy about you. Have you fulfilled your mission without adventure? Without any adventure, sir. Save that we were once chased by a pirate on our way east, but escaped in the darkness. Save for that the voyage has been wholly uneventful. I have received the ransom, and handed the purse to your treasurer. I am glad that your first command has turned out so well. I will see that you do not lack employment, and the fact that you are able to act as interpreter will ensure you a welcome on any galley. At present, however, it is not my intention to send out many cruisers. Every life now is precious, and no amount of spoil that can be brought in will counterbalance the loss of those who fall. However, I may find some mission on which you can be employed. I know that you love an act of life, and as for nine months you have put a grain on your inclinations and have devoted yourself wholly to study, so that you might be of greater use to the order. You have a good right to any employment in which your knowledge can be utilized. On his arrival at the Aburge, Gervais was very heartily greeted by the younger knights. I told you, you were born lucky, Gervais, Ralph Harcourt said. There has been more than one wager made that you would be captured, but I, for my part, was confident that your good fortune would not desert you. Still, though not surprised, we are delighted to see you again. Now tell us about your voyage. Gervais gave a brief account of the adventure with the pirate, and then described the visit of the governor to the ship. Should he say anything to you? He was courteous and solemn, just the sort of man you would fancy a Turkish governor should be. He looked a little surprised when I accosted him in Turkish, but asked no questions at the time, though I dare say he inquired afterwards of Suleyman how I came to speak the language. The only time he actually said anything was when he requested that I would not wear the mantle of the order while in port, as sailors were a turbulent race, and it might lead to an attack upon me, and as he was responsible to the Pasha that his safe conduct should be respected, it would be necessary, if I declined to follow his advice, to keep a strong body of soldiers on board. As this would have been a horrible nuisance, especially as I wanted to enjoy and quiet the view of the city with its castles and walls, I exceeded at once to his request, which seemed to me a reasonable one. He did send two soldiers on board, but they remained down in the waist, and did not interfere with my pleasure in any way. Next to Jerusalem, how I should like to see Acre, Ralph Harcourt exclaimed. It is, of all other cities, the most closely connected with our order. We helped to win it, and we were the last to defend it. We have heard so much about the fortress, and it has been so often described to me that I know the situation of every bastion, at least as it was when we left it. Though I know not what changes the Turks may since have made. That I know not, Ralph, of course I only saw the seafront, and it was upon the landside that the attack was made. We know that the breaches were all repaired long ago, and it is said that the place is stronger than ever. From the port all was solid and massive. It is indeed a grand and stately fortress. Here we have done all that was possible to make roads impregnable, but nature did nothing for us. There nature has done everything, and the castle looks as if it could defy the assault of an army, however large, and indeed it was not rested from us by force. The nights when the city walls were stormed, and the town filled with their foes fought their way down to the water's edge and embarked there, but they were reduced to a mere handful, and however strong the castle may be, it needs hands to defend it. Still it well-nigh moved me to tears to see the Turkish banner waving over it, and to think how many tens of thousands of Christian soldiers had died in the effort to retain the holy places, and had died in vain. I wonder whether the Turks will ever be forced to relinquish their hold of the holy places. Who can tell, Sir Giles, the bailiff who had come up to the group unobserved, said quietly, certainly not in our time, not until the Muslim power which threatens not only us but all Europe has crumbled to dust. So long as acre remains in their power there is no hope. I say not but that by a mighty effort of all Christendom Palestine might be rested from the infidels, as it was rested before, but the past shows us that while men or nations can be stirred, to enthousiasm for a time, the fire does not last long, and once again the faithful few would be overwhelmed by the odds that would be brought against him, while Europe looked on impassive if not indifferent. No, knights, the utmost that can be hoped for is that the tide of Muslim invasion westward can be stayed. At present we are the bulwark, and as long as the standard of our order waves over roads, so long as Europe's safe by sea. But I foresee that this cannot last, the strongest defenses, the stoutest hearts, and the bravest of hearts cannot in the long run prevail against overpowering numbers. As an acre we may repel assault after assault. We may cause army after army to but take themselves again to their ships. But as a rock is overwhelmed by the rising tide, so must roads that come at last. If left by Europe to bear alone the brunt of Muslim invasion, all that men can do we shall do. As long as it is possible to resist, we shall resist. When further resistance becomes impossible, we shall, I trust, act as we did before. We were driven from Palestine, only to fortify ourselves at roads. If we are driven from roads we shall, I feel assured, find a home elsewhere, and again commence our labors. The nearer we are to Europe, the more hope there is that Christendom will aid us, for they will more generally understand that our defeat would lean the lane open of the shores of the Mediterranean, from Turkey to Gibraltar, to the invasion of the Muslims. However, comrades, this is all in the future. Our share is but in the present, and I trust the flag of the order will float over roads, as long at least as the lifetime of the youngest of us, and that we may bequeath the duty of upholding the cross untarnished to those who come after us, and we can then leave the issue in God's hands. All listened respectfully to the words of their leader, although his opinion fell like cold water upon the fiery zeal and high hopes of his hearers. The possibility of their losing roads had never once entered into the minds of the majority of them. It was likely that ere long they might be called upon to stand a siege, but acquainted as they were with the strength of the place, its deep and seemingly impassable moat, its massive walls, and protecting towers and bastions, it had seemed to them that roads was capable of withstanding all assaults, however numerous the foe, however off repeated the invasion. The bailiff was, as all knew, a man of dauntless courage, of wide experience, and great judgment, and that he should believe that roads would, although not in their time, inevitably fall, brought home to them for the first time the fact that their fortress was but an outpost of Europe, in one place so distant from it that Christendom, in the hour of peril, might be unable to furnish them with aid. As the bailiff walked away, there was silence for a short time, and then Sir Giles Trevor said cheerfully, Well, if it lasts our time we do not trouble our heads as to what will take place afterwards. As the bailiff says, our duty is with the present, and as we all mean to drive the Turks back when they come, I do not see that there is any occasion for us to take it to heart, even if it be fated that the Muslims shall one day walk over our tombs. If Christendom chooses to be supine, let Christendom suffer, say I, at any rate, I am not going to weep for what takes place after I am turned into dust. That sounds all very well, Sir Giles, Ralph Harcourt said, and I have new argument to advance against it, though I am sure there is much to be said, but if the bailiff or the chaplain or indeed any of the elders had heard you say so, I have no doubt you would have had a fitting reply. Sir Giles tossed his head mockingly, I shall fight neither better nor worse, friend Harcourt, because it may be that some day the Muslims are, as the bailiff seems to think, destined to lord it here. I have only promised and vowed to do my best against the Muslims, and that vow only holds good as long as I am in the flesh. Beyond that I have no concern, but what are we staying here for wasting our time? It is the hour for those of us who are going to be starting for the ball given by Signore Suji. As he is one of the richest merchants in town, it will be a gay one, and there is no lack of fair faces and roads, it is a grievous pity that our elders all set their will against even the youngest members of the community joining in a dance. It was not one of the things I swore to give up. However, here in Rhodes there is no flying in the face of rules. Three or four of the other young knights were also going. What are you thinking of doing, Gervais? Harcourt asked. I have nothing in particular to do, Ralph, except that first of all I must write a letter to Suleyman Ali, and hand it to the bailiff, praying him to send it off by the first vessel that may put in here on her way to Acre. If I do not do it now, it may be neglected, and I promise to write directly I got here. I will not be half an hour, and after that I shall be ready to do anything you like. In less than that time, indeed, he rejoined Ralph. Now what shall we do with ourselves? What do you say to a stroll through the streets? I am never tired of that. I like better to go by way of the roof, Gervais. The streets are badly lit, and although they are busy enough in some quarters, they are so narrow that one gets jostled and pushed. On the terraces everything is quiet. You have plenty of light and music, and it is pleasant to see families sitting together and enjoying themselves, and if one is disposed for a cup of wine or a pool sherbet, they are delighted to give it, for they are all pleased when one of us joins the group. I have quite a number of acquaintances I have made in this way, while you have been working away at your Turkish. Very well, Gervais said. If such is your fancy, Ralph, let us take one of the paths across the roof. I might walk there twenty years by myself without making an acquaintance, and I do not pledge myself to join in these intimacies of yours. However, I shall be quite content to amuse myself by looking on at the scene in general, while you are paying your visits and drinking your sherbet. There are plenty of fair girls among the Rogians, Ralph said with a smile, and though we are pledged to celibacy, we are in no way bound to abstain from admiration. Gervais laughed. Admires much as you like, Ralph, but do not expect me to do so. I have scarcely as much as spoken to a woman since I entered the house in London, and I should have no idea what to say to a young girl, but it is part of the education of a true knight to be courteous to women. It is one of the great duties of chivalry, and you must remember that we are secular knights, as well knights of the Order. The work of the Order is quite sufficient for me at present, Ralph, in time I may come to like the society of women, to admire their beauty, and possibly even to wear the color of someone, for that seems to be the fashion, though why we who are bound to celibacy should admire one woman more than another I cannot understand. They had by this time descended from the castle, and were taking their way along one of the broad paths that led over the flat roofs of the houses by means of the bridges thrown across the streets. These are some acquaintances of mine, Ralph said stopping at one of the walls, some three feet high that bordered the path. Beyond was an enclosure of some fifty feet square, clumps of shrubs and flowers surrounded by stonework some eight or ten inches high, and closing the earth in which they grew, were scattered here and there. Lamps were hung to core and stretched above it, while others were arranged among the flowers. In the center a large carpet was spread, and on this some eight or ten persons were seated on cushions. A girl was playing a lute, and another was singing to her accompaniment. She stopped abruptly when her eye fell upon the figures of the two young knights. Here is Sir Ralph Harcourt Father, she exclaimed in Italian, which was the language most used on the island, and spoken with more or less fluency by all the knights, among whom it served as a general medium of communication. Are you waiting to be invited in, Sir Knight? She went on saucily. I thought that by this time you would know you were welcome. Your tongue runs too fast, child, her father said as he rose and walked across to Ralph. You are welcome, Sir Ralph. Very welcome. I pray you enter and join us. I will do so with pleasure, Signor Fritos, if you will also extend your hospitality to my friend, Sir Gervais Trisham. Most gladly, the merchant said, I pray him to enter. The two knights passed through the gate in the wall, all rose to their feet as they went up to the carpet, and greeted Ralph with a warmth which showed that he was a favorite. He introduced Gervais to them. I wonder that I do not know your face, Sir Knight, the merchant's wife said. I thought I knew all the knights of the order by sight, from seeing them either at the public ceremonies or observing them pass in the streets. For the last nine months, Sir Gervais has been an anchorite. He has been learning Turkish, and so devoted himself to the study that even I have scarce caught sight of him save at meals. As for walking in the streets, it is the last thing he would think of doing. I consider myself a good and conscientious young knight, but I am as nothing in that respect to my friend. I used to look upon him as my little brother, for we were at the house of the order in luncheon together. He is four years younger than I am, and you know four years between boys makes an immense difference. Now the tables are turned, and I quite look up to him. You will believe as much as you like, Signora, of what Sir Ralph says, Gervais laughed. As you have, he says, known him for some time. You must by this time have learned that his word is not to be taken literally. We learned that quite early in our acquaintance, the girl who at first noticed them said, with an effectation of gravity. I always tell him that I cannot believe anything he says, and I am grateful to you, Sir Knight, for having thus borne evidence to the quickness of my perception. By this time the servants had brought some more cushions, and on these Ralph and Gervais seated themselves. Wine, sherbet, and cakes were then handed round. The master of the house placed Gervais on his right hand as a stranger. You have been among our islands, Sir Gervais, but indeed I need not ask that, since I know that you and Sir Ralph were knighted together for your valor in that affair with the ships of Hassan Ali. We come from Lesbos. It is now eighty years since my family settled in Rhodes, and we have seen it grow from a small place to a great fortress. It is a wonderful place, Gervais said. I know nothing of the fortresses of Europe, but it seems to me that no other can well be stronger than this, that is, among places with no natural advantages. The knights have always had an abundance of slaves, the merchant said. So many that they have not only had sufficient for their work here, but have been able to sell numbers to European potentates. Yes, Rhodes is wonderfully strong. That great faussy would seem as if it could defy the efforts of an army to cross, and yet the past has shown that even the strongest defenses held with the greatest bravery can be carried by generals with immense armies, and careless how they sacrifice them so that they do but succeed. Look at Aker, for example. I was looking at it five days ago, Gervais said, and thinking that it was beyond the might of man to take. Do you mean that you were at Aker? The merchant asked, with surprise. Yes, I went there to hand over a captive who had been ransomed. Of course I had a safe conduct, and I was glad indeed of the opportunity of seeing so famous a fortress. You were fortunate indeed, Sir Knight, and it was, if you will pardon my saying so, singular that so young a knight should have been chosen. Assuredly, even the senior knights of the Order would rejoice at the opportunity of beholding a fortress so immediately connected with the past history of the Order. It was due entirely to my being able to speak Turkish, Gervais said. As my friend Sir Ralph was mentioning, I have been studying hard, and can now speak the language fluently, and as this was a necessity on such a mission, and the few knights who can so speak it are all in high office, and could hardly be asked to undertake so unimportant a service, I was selected. And you really speak Turkish well. It is an accomplishment that few, safe Greeks, subject to Turkey, possess. Do you intend, may I ask, to make roads your home? I ask because I suppose you would not have taken this labour, had you intended shortly to return to England. Yes, I hope to remain here permanently. I know that the first step towards promotion here is generally a commandery at home, but I did not enter the Order with any idea of gaining office or dignity. I desire simply to be a knight of the cross, and to spend my life in doing faithful service to the Order, a worthy ambition indeed, and one that so far as my experience goes, very few knights entertain. I see yearly scores of young knights depart, no small proportion of whom never place foot on roads again, although doubtless many of them will hasten back again, as soon as the danger of an assault from the Turks becomes imminent. You see, we who dwell here under the protection of the Order, naturally talk over these things among ourselves, and although in the matter of fortifications, all will admit that enormous efforts have been made to render the town secure. It is clear that in the matter of knights to defend them, there is very much left to be desired. It is all very well to say that the knights from all parts of Europe would flock hither to defend it, but the journey would be a long one, and would occupy much time, and they would probably not receive news that the Turks had sailed until the place was already invested. Then it would be difficult, if not altogether impossible, for ships with reinforcements to make their way through the Turkish fleet and to enter the port. To man the walls properly, we would need a force five times as numerous as that which is now here. I recognize the valor of your knights. They have accomplished wonders, but even they cannot accomplish impossibilities. For a time they could hold the walls, but as their number became reduced by the fire of the Turkish cannon, and the battle at the breaches, they wouldn't last be too weak any longer to repel the onslaughts of foes with an almost unlimited supply of soldiers. That is true enough, dervets admitted, and to my mind it is shocking that four fifths at least of the order pledged to oppose the infidels should be occupied with the inglorious work of looking after the manners and estates of the society throughout Europe, while one fifth at most are here performing the duties to which all are sworn. Of the revenues of the estates themselves, a mere fraction finds its way hither. Still I trust that the greater part of the knights will hasten here as soon as danger becomes imminent, without waiting for the news that the Turkish armament has actually set forth. For an hour the two young knights remain on the roof, dervets talking quietly with the merchant, while his companion laughed and chatted with the ladies and friends of their hosts. After they had left, with the promise that it would not be long before they repeated their visit, Ralph bantered Gervais on preferring the society of the merchant to that of his daughters. I found him a pleasant and very well informed man, Ralph, and enjoyed my talk with him just as you enjoyed talking nonsense to his daughters and listening to their songs. Who is the man sitting next to the eldest daughter? He doesn't belong to Rhodes, but is a Greek from one of the islands, though I did not catch from which. I don't know whether he is a relative of the family, or a business connection of the merchants, or a stranger who has brought a letter of introduction to him. Nothing was said on that head. Why do you ask? I don't like the man's face. He is a handsome fellow, but has a crafty expression. He did not say much, but it seemed to me that at times, when he appeared to be sitting carelessly sipping his sherbet, he was really trying to listen to what Rados was saying to me. He could not do so, for we were on the other side of the circle, and were speaking in somewhat low tones, while the rest of you were chatting and laughing. What should he want to listen for, most sapient night? That I can't tell, Ralph, but I am certain that he was trying to listen. Well, as you were no doubt, both talking more sensibly than most of us, Ralph laughed. He certainly showed his discernment. I daresay I am wrong, Gurvey said quietly. But you know we have our spies at Constantinople, and probably the Sultan has his spies here, and the idea occurred to me that perhaps this man might be one of them. Well, I am bound to say, Gurvey's, Ralph said a little irritably. I have never heard so grave an accusation brought on such insufficient evidence, or rather, as far as I can see, without a shadow of evidence of any kind. We draw upon a man who is one of our most respected merchants, whose family has been established here many years, whose interests must be the same as those of the Order, and because a guest of his does not care to take any active part in my joking with the girls, and because you imagine that there is a cunning expression on his face, you must straightway take it into your head that he must be a spy. Excuse me, Ralph. I simply said that the idea occurred to me that he might be a spy, which is a very different thing to my accusing him of being one. I am ready to admit that the chances are infinitely greater that he is an honest trader or a relation of the merchant, and that his presence here is perfectly legitimate and natural, that he should be a spy. Still, there is a chance, if it be but one out of a thousand, that he may be the latter. I don't think that I am at all of a suspicious nature, but I really should like to learn a little about this man. I do not mean that I am going to try to do so. It would be an unworthy action to pry into another's business, when it is no concern of one's own. Still, I should like to know why he is here. Ralph shrugged his shoulders. This comes of living the life of a hermit, other people meet and talk and enjoy what society there is in the city, without troubling their heads for a moment as to where people come from or what their business is here. Still less whether they are spies. Such ideas do not so much as occur to them, and I must say that I think the sooner you fall into the ways of other people, the better. There is no harm done, Gervais said composedly. I am not thinking of asking our bailiff to order him to be arrested on suspicion. I only remarked that I did not like the man's face, nor the way in which, while he pretended to be thinking of nothing, he was trying to overhear what we were saying. I am quite willing to admit that I have made a mistake. Not in devoting myself to Turkish, but in going to the merchants with you this evening. I have had no experience whatever of what you call society, and, so far from it giving me pleasure to talk to strangers, especially to women. It seems to me that such talk is annoying to me, at any rate at present. When I get to your age, possibly my ideas may change. I don't for a moment wish to judge you or others. You apparently enjoy it, and it is a distraction from our serious work. I say simply that it is an amusement which I do not understand. You must remember that I entered the order in consequence of a solemn vow to my dead father, that I regard the profession we make as a very serious one, and that my present intention is to devote my life entirely to the order, and to an active fulfillment of its vows. That is alright, Gurves. Ralph said good temperately. Only I think it would be a pity if you were to turn out a fanatic. Jerusalem and Palestine are lost, and you admit that there is really very little chance of our ever regaining them. Our duties, therefore, are changed, and we are now an army of knights, pledged to war against the infidels, in the same way as knights and nobles at home are ever ready to engage in a war with France. The vow of poverty is long since obsolete. Many of our chief officials are men of great wealth, and indeed a grand master, or the bailiff of a lang, is expected to spend, and does spend, a sum vastly exceeding his allowance from the order. The great body of knights are equally lax as to some of their other vows, and carry this to a length that, as you know, has caused grave scandal. But I see not that it is in any way incumbent on us to give up all the pleasures of life. We are a military order, and are all ready to fight in defense of roads. As in bygone days we were ready to fight in defense of the Holy Sepulchre. Kings and great nobles have endowed us with a large number of estates, in order to maintain us as an army against Islam. And as such we do our duty. But to effect asceticism is out of date and ridiculous. I have certainly no wish to be an ascetic, Ralph. I should have no objection to hold estates if I had them to hold. But I think that at present, with the great danger hanging over us, it would be better if, in the first place, we were all to spend less time in idleness or amusement. And to devote all our energies to the cause, I mean not only by fighting when the time comes for fighting, but by endeavoring in every way to ward off danger. When I see danger I will do my best to ward it off, Gervais. But I cannot go about with my nose in the air, snuffing danger like a hunting dog in pursuit of gain. At any rate I will not bother you to accompany me on my visits in the future. End of chapter 8 Recording by Peter Strong Sabetha Kansas On December 26th, 2018 Chapter 9 Of A Night of the White Cross by G. A. Hendy This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 9 With the Galley Slaves Gervais, on consideration, was obliged to own to himself that Ralph was right in saying that he had no ground, whatever for suspicion against the Greek he had met as signor, Rhinos. And he could see no means of following the matter up. It would not, he felt, be honorable to go again to the merchant's house and to avail himself of his hospitality while watching his guest. He determined to dismiss the matter from his mind, and had indeed altogether done so when, a week later, it suddenly recurred to his memory, a party of slaves under the escort of overseers and in charge of a knight who had been with him at their work on the fortifications, were passing along the street on their way back to Barracks. It was already dusk, and as Gervais was going the same way as they were, he stood aside in a doorway to let them pass. He was on the point of stepping out to follow them when he saw a man who had been standing in the shadow of the wall fall in with their ranks, and, as he walked, engaged in an earnest conversation with one of the slaves. He kept beside him for a hundred yards or so, then passed something into the slave's hand, and turned abruptly down a side opening. There were but few people about, and in the growing darkness the action of the man passed unobserved by the overseers. Gervais, thinking the occurrence a strange one, turned down the same lane as the man. He slackened his pace until the latter was fifty yards ahead, so that he would not, had he looked round, have been able to perceive that it was a knight who was behind him. After passing through several streets, the man turned into a refreshment house. The door stood open, and as the place was brightly lit, Gervais, pausing outside, was able to see what was going on inside. The man he had followed was on the point of seating himself at one of the tables. And as he did so, Gervais recognized him as the Greek he had met at the merchant's house. He had once walked on a short distance, and then paused to think. The vague suspicions he had before entertained as to the man, now recurred with double force. He was certainly in communication with one or more of the slaves. In such communication, so secretly affected, could be for no good purpose. So far, however, there was nothing he could tax the man with. He would probably deny altogether that he had spoken to any of the slaves, and Gervais could not point out the one he had conversed with. At any rate, nothing could be done now, and he required time to think what steps he could take to follow up the matter. He resolved, however, to wait and follow the Greek when he came out. After a few minutes, he again re-passed the door, and saw that the man was engaged in earnest conversation with another. After considering for a time, Gervais thought that it would be best for him to follow this other man when he left, and ascertained who he was, rather than to keep a watch on the movements of the Greek, who, as likely as not, would now return to the merchants. He walked several times up and down the street, until at last he saw the two men issue out together. They stopped for a moment outside, and then, after exchanging a few words, separated, the Greek going in the direction of the quarter in which lay the house of Rados, while the other walked towards Gervais. The latter passed him carelessly, but when the man had gone nearly to the end of the street, he churned and followed him. He could see at once that he was a lay-brother of the order. This class consisted of men of an inferior social position to the knights. They filled many of the minor offices, but were not eligible for promotion. Following for ten minutes, Gervais saw him approach one of the barracks, or prisons, occupied by the slaves. He knocked at the door, and upon its being opened at once entered, the matter had now assumed a much more serious aspect. This young Greek, a stranger to Rhodes, was in communication not only with some of the slaves, but with a prison official, and the matter appeared so grave to Gervais that, after some deliberation, he thought it was too important for him to endeavor to follow out alone, and that it was necessary to lay it before the bailiff. Accordingly, after the evening meal he went up to Sir John Kindle, and asked if he could confer with him alone on a matter over which he was somewhat troubled. The bailiff ascended at once, and Gervais followed him to his private apartment. Now, what is this matter, Sir Gervais? He asked pleasantly. Nothing serious, I trust. I don't know, Sir John, that is a matter for your consideration, but it seems to me of such importance that it ought to be brought to your knowledge. The face of the bailiff grew more gray, and seating himself in a chair, he motioned to Gervais to do the same. Now, let us hear what it is. He said, Gervais told his story simply, a slight smile passed across the bailiff's face, as he mentioned that he had met the Greek on the roof of the house of Signor of Rhodes, and had not liked the expression of his face. Rhodes has some fair daughters, has he not? He asked. Yes, sir, but I know little of them. That is the only visit that I have ever paid there, or indeed to the house of anyone in town. Sir John's face grew gray again as Gervais recounted how he had seen the man enter into communication with a slave, and he frowned heavily when he heard of his meeting afterwards with one of the prison officers. In truth, Sir Gervais, he said, after a pause. This seems to be a right serious matter, and you have done wisely in informing me of what you have seen. Assuredly, there is mischief of some sort in the wind. The question is how to get to the bottom of it. Of course, the Grand Master might order the arrest of this Greek and of the prison officer, but you may be sure that neither would commit himself unless torture were applied. And I, for one, have no belief in what any man says under such circumstances. The most honest man may own himself a traitor when wracked with torture, and may denounce innocent men. It is at best a clumsy device. What thank you of the matter? I have hardly thought it over yet, Sir John, and certainly no plan has yet occurred to me. Well, thank it over, Sir Gervais. It is not likely that a few days will make any difference, but I will take measures to see that this Greek does not sail away from the island at present, and will speak to the Port Master about it. I will myself give the matter consideration, but as you have shown yourself so quick-witted in following up the matter so far, I rely upon you more than myself to carry it farther. There may possibly be some simple explanation of the matter. He may come from an island where the Turks are masters, and has perhaps brought a message from some relatives of a slave. As to the talk with the prison officer, it may be wholly innocent. If we should find that it is so, we will keep the matter to ourselves, if possible, or we shall get finely laughed at by our comrades for having run upon a false sin. If, on the other hand, the matter should turn out to be serious, you will assuredly get great credit for having discovered it. Therefore turn it over in your mind tonight, and see if you can arrive at some skiing, proceed further into it before we take any steps. In the morning, Gervais again called upon Sir John Kendall. Well, Sir Gervais, I hope that you have hit upon some skiing for getting to the bottom of this matter. I confess that I myself, though I have had a sleepless night over it, have not been able to see any method of getting to the root of the affair, saved by the application of torture. I do not know whether the plan I have thought of will commend itself to your opinion, Sir, but I have worked out a scheme which will, I think, enable us to get to the bottom of the matter. I believe that a galley is expected back from a cruise today or tomorrow. Now, Sir, my idea is that I should go on board a small craft, under the command of a knight upon whose discretion and silence you can rely, such as, for example, Sir John Boswell, and that we should intercept the galley. Before we board her I should disguise myself as a Turkish slave, and as such, Sir John should hand me over to the officer in command of the galley, giving him a letter of private instructions from you as to my disposal. If they have other slaves on board, I would ask that I should be kept apart from them, as well as from the rowers of the galley. On being landed I should be sent to the prison where I saw the officer inter last night, and the slaves and rowers should be distributed among the other prisons. Thus, then, the slaves I should be placed with would only know that I had arrived in the galley with other slaves captured by it. I have no doubt I should be able to maintain my assumed character, and should in a short time be taken into the confidence of the others, and should learn what is going on. It would be well, of course, that none of the officials of the prison should be informed as to my true character. For others, besides the one I saw, may have been bribed to participate in whatever plot is going on, and do you mean to say, Sir Graves, that you, a knight of the order, are willing to submit to the indignity of being treated as a slave, to keep up the disguise long enough to be taken into the confidence of the plotters. You might have to stay there for some time, and if the prison officials believe you to be but an ordinary slave, you will be put to work either on the walls or in one of the galleys. I am ready to do anything for the benefit of the order, and the safety of roads that will meet with your approval, Graves replied. It will no doubt be unpleasant, but we did not enter the order to do pleasant things, but to perform certain duties, and those duties necessarily involve a certain amount of sacrifice. Do you think you would be able to maintain the character? Because you must remember that if detected, you might be torn in pieces by the slaves, before the officers could interfere to protect you. I feel sure that I can do so, Sir John. What story would you tell them? I would say that I had come from Syria and sailed from Acre in a traitor, which is perfectly true, and also that I was taken off the ship I was on by a galley, which would not be altogether false, as I crossed one as I landed. I think there would be very little questioning, for I should pretend to be in a state of solid despair, and give such short answers to questions that I should soon be left alone. The scheme is a good one, Sir Graves, though full of danger and difficulty. If you are ready to render this great service to the order, I willingly accept the sacrifice you offer to make. I will send one of my slaves down into the town to buy garments suitable for you, and also stains for your skin. It will, of course, be necessary for you to shave a portion of your head in Turkish fashion. I will also see Sir John Boswell, and ask him to arrange for a craft to be ready to start at noon. The galley is not expected in until evening, but of course she may arrive at any moment now. Come here again in an hour's time, and I will have the clothes ready for you. May I suggest, Sir, that they should be those appropriate to a small merchant. This might seem to account for my not being placed with the other slaves who may be on board the galley, as it would be supposed that I was set apart in order that I should be sent to one of the aberges as a servant, and my afterwards being herded with the others would be explained by its being found that there was no opening for me in such a capacity. I should think there would be no difficulty in obtaining such a suit, as garments of all kinds are brought here in prizes, and are brought up by some of the Greek merchants who afterwards find opportunities of dispatching them by craft trading among the islands. Just before noon, Gurves walked down to the port with Sir John Boswell, a servant following with a bundle. It seems to me a harebrained scheme, lad. Sir John, who had just joined him, said, as they issued from the aberge, though I own from what the bailiff tells me that there must be some treacherous plot on hand, and when that is the case it is necessary that it should be probed to the bottom, but for a night to go in the disguise of an infidel slave seems to me to be beyond all bounds. If one is ready to give one's life for the order, Sir John, surely one need not mind a few weeks inconvenience. I shall at any rate be no worse off than you were when serving as a Turkish slave. Well, no, I don't know that you will, Sir John replied doubtfully, but that was from necessity and not from choice, and it is moreover an accident we are all exposed to. It is surely better to do a thing of one's own free will than because one is forced to do it, Sir John. The night was silent. He was a stout fighting man, but unused to argument. Well, he said after a long pause, I can only hope that it will turn out all right. I promise that if you are strangled in prison, I will see that every slave who had a hand in it shall be strung up. I have told Kindle frankly that if I were in his place I would not permit you to try such a venture. However, I could think of no other plan by which there would be a chance of getting to the bottom of this matter. My words had no effect with him. I should not have so much cared if the officers of the jail knew who you were, but I can see that if there is treachery at work this would defeat your object altogether. What do you suppose this rascal Greek can be intending? That I cannot say, Sir John, he may be trying to get an exact plan of the fortifications, or he may be arranging some plan of communication by which, in case of siege, news of our condition and of the state of our defenses may be conveyed to the Turkish commander. By this time they had reached the port and embarked at once on a trading vessel belonging to one of the merchants, from whom Sir John had readily obtained her use for a day or two. Her sail was hoisted at once, and she rode out from the port. Having proceeded some three or four miles, they lowered her sails, and laid two in the course a galley-making for the port would take. A sailor was sent up to the masthead to keep a lookout. Late in the afternoon he called down that he could make out a black speck some twelve miles away. She carried no sails, and he judged her to be a galley. It will be dark before she comes along. Sir John Boswell said, You can hoist your sails, Captain, and return to within half a mile of the port, or she may pass us beyond hailing distance. Gervais at once ripped tired to the cabin that had been set aside for their use, and proceeded to disguise himself. An hour later Sir John came down. He looked at Gervais critically. You are all right as far as appearances go. I should take you anywhere for a young Turk. Your clothes are not too new, and are in accordance with the tale you are going to tell, which is that you are the son of a Syrian trader. If, as Suleiman says, you speak Turkish well enough to pose as a native, I think you ought to be able to pass muster. How long will that die last? Because if it begins to fade, they will soon suspect you. It will last a fortnight, at least, so Sir John Kindle says. But he has arranged that if at the end of ten days I have not succeeded in finding out anything, he will send down to the prison, and under the pretense that he wants to ask me some questions about what ransom my father would be likely to pay for me, he will have me up to the aburge, and there I can die myself afresh. How are you to communicate with him in case of need? His servant, Amit, who got the things for me, is to come down every morning, and to be near the door of the prison at the hour when the slaves are taken out to work. If I have ought to communicate, I am to nod twice, and Sir John Kindle will send down that evening to fetch me, instead of waiting until it is time for me to renew my die. What is going to be said to Harcourt and the others, to account for your absence? The bailiff will merely say that he has suddenly sent me away by ship on a private mission. They may wonder, perhaps, but none of them will venture to ask him its nature. Well, I must say that you seem to have made all your arrangements carefully, Treesham, and I hope it will turn out well. I was against the scheme at first, but I own that I do not see now why it should not succeed, and if there is any plot really on hand, you may be able to get to the bottom of it. It was an hour after darkness had completely fallen when the regular beat of oars was heard. The ship's boat was already in the water, and Gervais, wrapped up in his mantle, followed Sir John out of his cabin and descended with him into the boat, which was at once rode towards the approaching galley. Sir John hailed it as it came along. Who is it that calls? A voice said. It is I, Sir John Boswell. Pray take me on board, Sir Elmerick. It is a somewhat special matter. The order was given, the galley slaves ceased rowing, and the boat ran alongside. Gervais unclasped his mantle and gave it to Sir John, and then followed him on board. I congratulate you on your return and on your good fortune, and having as your letter stated made a prosperous voyage, Sir John said, as he shook hands with the commander of the galley. I would speak a word with you aside. He added in a low voice. Sir Elmerick moved with him a few paces from the other nights. I am sent here by our bailiff, Sir Elmerick. I have a Turkish prisoner here with me who is to be landed with those you have taken. There are special reasons for this, which I need not now enter into. Will you let him sit down here by the helm? My instructions are that he is not to mingle with the other slaves, and as there are reasons why it is wished that he is coming on board, in this manner shall not be known to them. I myself am to take him up to one of the prisons, or at least to hand him over to the officer sent down from that prison to take up the captains allotted to it. The matter is of more importance than it seems to be. Or, as you may imagine, I should not be charged to intercept you on such an errand. Of course, I don't understand anything about it, Sir John, but will do as you ask me. He went to where Gervais had crashed down by the bulwark, beckoned him to follow, and walking apt motioned to him to sit down there. Then he returned to Sir John and joined the other knights, who were all too anxious to learn the latest news who had left the island and who had come to it since they sailed, to interest themselves in any way with the figure who had gone apt, supposing him, indeed, to be Sir John's servant. The lantern suspended over the poop, giving too feeble a light for his costume to be noted. A quarter of an hour later they anchored in the harbor, some of the knights at once went ashore to their respective amberses. But Sir Ulmaric and a few others remained on board until relieved of their charge in the morning, an account being sent on shore of the number of captives that had been brought in. No thought was given to Gervais, who slept curled up on the poop. Sir John Boswell passed the night on board. In the morning an officer came off with a list of the prisons through which the slaves were to be sent. Sir John Kendall had seen the officer charged with the distribution, who had, at his request, not included the prison of Saint Pelagius in the list. A message, however, had been sent to that prison, as well as to the others, for an officer to attend at the landing stage. In the morning Sir John went ashore in one of the boats conveying the slaves, of whom some forty had been captured. Gervais followed him into the boat and took his seat by the others, who were too dispirited at the fate which had befalled them, to pay any attention to him. When he landed, Sir John asked which was the officer from Saint Pelagius. One stepped forward. This is the only slave for you, he said, pointing to Gervais. He is of a better class than the rest, and in the future may be he will do for a servitor at one of the Aburges, but none have at present occasion for one, and so he is to go to you. He says that his father is a merchant, and will be ready to pay a ransom for him. But they all say that, and we must not heed it over much. As he seems a smart young fellow, it may be that he will be sent to one of the Aburges later on. But at present, at any rate, you can put him with arrest, and send him out with the gangs. He is a well-built young fellow, Sir John, the officer remarked, and should make a good rower and a galley. I will put him in the crew of the Saint Elmo. Follow me. He said, in Turkish to Gervais, and then led the way up to the prison. On entering he crossed a courtyard to a door which was standing open. Within a vaulted room, some forty feet long by twenty wide, along each side there were rushes strewn thickly. The others have just started to their work, he said. So that for today you can sleep. After he had left, Gervais looked with some disgust at the rushes that had evidently been for weeks unchanged. I would rather have the bare stones if they were clean, he muttered to himself. However, it can't be helped. He presently strolled out into the courtyard, where some other slaves, disabled by illness or injuries, were seated in the sun. Gervais walked across to them, and they looked listlessly up at him as they approached. You are a newcomer, one said as he came up. I saw you brought in, but it didn't need that. By the time you have been here a week or two, your clothes will be like ours. And he pointed to his ragged garments. When did you arrive? Are there no others coming up here? The galley came in last night, Gervais said, but they did not land us until this morning. I wish they had killed me rather than that I should have been brought here to work as a slave. One always thinks so at first, the man said, but somehow one clings to life. We shall die when Allah wills it, and not before. What is the matter with your foot? Gervais asked. I was with the gang quarreling stones, and a massive rock fell upon it. I have been in the infirmary for weeks, and I own that the Christian dogs treated me well. A slave has his value, you see. I am nearly cured now, but I shall never walk well again. I expect they will put me in one of their accursed galleys. How long have you been here? Seven years. It seems a lifetime. However, there is hope yet. They don't tell us much, but we hear things sometimes, and they say that the Sultan is going to sweep them out of roads as they were swept out of acre. When will it be? I know not. I am from Syria, but even there they are making preparations. The Sultan has had troubles in the east, and that has delayed him, but he will be here before long, and then we shall see. It will be our turn then. It will indeed, one of the others exclaimed. Oh, to see these dogs brought down, and suffering as we have suffered, toiling at the oars in one of our galleys, or at the fortifications of one of our castles, it will make amends for all our suffering. Had you a hard fight with them? No, we were but a small craft, and it was vain to attempt resistance. I would gladly have fought, but the sailors said it would only throw away their lives. There was but little on board, and they allowed the vessel to go free with those of the sailors who were too old to be made useful for hard work. No further questions were asked. The men seemed to have no interest saving their own misery, and Gervais soon left them and sitting down in a shady corner presently dropped off to sleep. In the evening all came in from their various work. The officer man who had brought Gervais in went up to the overseer of the galleys' and informed him that he had told off the new slave, pointing to Gervais, to his gang. He was brought in by the galleys that arrived last night, he said. He was the only slave sent up here. I hear that he had been set aside to be appointed a servitor, but there are no vacancies, so they sent him here till one should occur, and I was ordered to make him useful in other ways in the meantime. I am two or three hands short, the overseer said. I wish now I had sent in an application yesterday, for if I had done so no doubt they would have sent me some more men. However, this fellow will make up an even number, if he is strong and active, though at present he looks sulky enough under his bad fortune. A few of the slaves spoke to Gervais as they were waiting for the food to be brought them, but the majority dropped upon the rushes, too exhausted with toil and heat, to feel an interest in anything. The food consisted of rye bread, with thin broth, brought in a great iron vessel. Each slave had a horn, which was used for soup or water, in which, when done with, he had by the rule enforced among themselves to take out to the fountain in the courtyard and wash, before it was added to the pile in the corner of the room. The cool of the evening aided the meal in restoring the energies of the slaves, several gathered round Gervais, and asked questions as to what he knew of the prospects of an early invasion of roads. But as soon as the officer left the room, closing and locking the door after him, the slaves became for the most part silent. A few men sat in groups together, talking in undertones, but the greater numbers threw themselves down on the rushes, either to sleep or to think alone. Gervais was struck by the manner in which most of them lay, without making the slightest movement, so long as there was light to enable him to make out their figures. He himself addressed two or three of them, as they lay with their eyes wide open, asking questions with reference to the work. But in no case did he receive any reply. The men seemed altogether unconscious of being addressed, being absorbed in the thought of their far distant homes and families, which they might never see again. Gervais walked a few times up and down the room, and as he approached a silence fell each time upon the groups of men talking together. More than once a figure rose soon afterwards from the ground, and as soon as he came along again, asked him a few questions about himself, as soon as it was dark, he lay down in a vacant space on the rushes. Shortly afterwards, talking ceased altogether, and there was quiet in the vaulted room. With the first gleam of daylight they were astir, and when the doors were opened, poured out into the courtyard, where all had a wash at the fountain. Half an hour later a meal precisely similar to that of the previous evening was served out. Then the overseers called over the muster roll, the gangs were made up, and each, under its officer, started for its work. Gervais, with the men of his room, proceeded down to the port, and at once took their seats on the benches of the galley, one foot being chained to a ring in the deck, the other to that of a companion at the ore. The slaves were more cheerful now, as there was no work to do at present they were allowed to talk, and an occasional laugh was heard, for the sun and brightness of the day cheered them. Many, after years of captivity, had grown altogether reckless, and it was among these that there was most talking. The younger men seemed, for the most part, silent and moody, you will get accustomed to it. The man next to Gervais said cheerfully, When I first came here, it seemed to me that I could not support the life for a month, that the fate was too dreadful to be born, and that death would be most welcome, but like the rest I became accustomed to it in time. After all, the work is no harder than one would do at home. There is no stint of food, and it is no worse than one would have, were one laboring in the fields. Were it not for the loss of those we love, it would be nothing, and in time one gets over even that. I have long ago told myself, that if they are not dead, at least they are dead to me. They have their livings to get, and cannot be always mourning, and I have tried to forget them, as they must have forgotten me. Do you work hard? Gervais asked. No. We who are in the galleys are regarded by the others with envy. Sometimes, often, indeed, we have not to do all day. We bask in the sun. We talk. We sleep. We forget that we are slaves. But generally, we go out for an hour or two's exercise. That is well enough, and keeps us strong and in health. Only when we are away on voyages is the work hard. Sometimes we row from morning to night. But it is only when they are in chase of another craft that we have really to exert ourselves greatly. Then it is terrible. We may be doing our best, our very best, and yet to the impatient knights, it seems that we might do more. Then they shout to the overseer, and he lays his whip on our backs without mercy. Then we row until sometimes we drop, senseless, off the benches. But this, you understand, is not very often. And though the work on a cruise is long, it is not beyond our strength. Besides, when we are away in the galleys, there is always hope. The galleys may meet with four or five of our ships, and be captured, or a storm may arise and dash her upon the shore. And though many would lose their lives, some might escape. And each man in thinking of it believes that he will be one of the fortunate ones. Take my advice. Always look cheerful if you can. Always put your hand on the oar when the order is given, and row as if you were glad to be at work again. And always make a show as if you were working your hardest. Never complain when you are struck unjustly. And always speak respectfully to the overseer. And that way, he will find your life much easier than you would think. You will be chosen for small boat service, and that is a great thing, as we are not chained in the small boats. Some men are foolish and obstinate. But so far from doing any good, this only brings trouble on themselves. They come in for punishment daily. They are closely watched, and their lives made hells for them. Even as a help to escape, it pays best to be cheerful and alert. We all think of escape, you know. Though it is seldom indeed that a chance ever comes to any of us, it is the one thing except death to look forward to. And there is not a man among us, who does not think of it a score of times a day. But as well as the chance is, it is the greatest for those who behave best. For instance, it is they only who man small boats. And when a small boat froze ashore, it is always possible that the guard may be careless, that he will keep the boat at the landing place, instead of pushing off at once into deep water as he ought to do. And that in this way a chance will sooner or later come for springing ashore and making a dash for liberty. End of Chapter 9, Recording by Peter Strom in Sabetha, Kansas, December 27, 2018