Page 120 - A Knight of the White Cross

"That sounds all very well, Sir Giles," Ralph Harcourt said, "and I have no
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 someday the Moslems are, as the

bailiff seems to think, destined to lord it here. I have only promised and
vowed to do my best against the Moslems, 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 Signor Succhi; as he is one of the

richest merchants in the town, it will be a gay one, and there is no lack of
fair faces in Rhodes. It is a grievous pity that our elders all set their will

against even the younger 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, Gervaise?" Harcourt asked.

"I have nothing particular to do, Ralph, except that, first of all, I must write
a letter to Suleiman 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 promised 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 roofs, Gervaise. 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