Page 116 - A Knight of the White Cross

"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 were you recognised here they might make a
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 vessel sailed

out from the port. Fortune again favoured them, and they reached Rhodes
without any adventure. Gervaise 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, Tresham. 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 counter balance the loss
of those who fall. However, I may find some mission on which you can be
employed. I know that you love an active life; and as, for nine months, you

have put a rein 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 utilised."

On his arrival at the auberge, Gervaise was very heartily greeted by the

younger knights.

"I told you you were born lucky, Gervaise," Ralph Harcourt said. "There
has been more than one wager made that you would be captured; but I, for