Page 113 - A Knight of the White Cross

disregard the pasha's safe 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 to 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."