Page 102 - A Knight of the White Cross

too, in the long run be of great advantage to him in the Order, 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 Tresham. 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."

Gervaise 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 had been captured in a galley on his

way to Constantinople, whither he was proceeding on an official mission.
He was delighted with his new post. Gervaise, 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 favourite among them, and the Turk was glad that

he was to be thrown with him. Still more he rejoiced at being appointed his
instructor, as it relieved him from all menial work which, although

preferable to that to 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, Gervaise set to work with the

same zeal and ardour 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.