Page 117 - A Knight of the White Cross

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."

Gervaise gave a brief account of the adventure with the pirate, and then
described the visit of the governor to the ship.

"Did 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 daresay he

inquired afterwards of Suleiman 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 in quiet the view of the city, with its castle and walls, I acceded 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 land side 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 Rhodes