Page 138 - A Knight of the White Cross

"The bailiff will merely say that he has suddenly sent me away by ship, on
a private mission. They may wonder, perhaps, but none of them will

venture to ask him its nature."

"Well, I must say that you seem to have made all your arrangements
carefully, Tresham, and I hope it will turn out well. I was against the
scheme at first, but I own that I do not see now why it should not succeed;

and if there is any plot really on hand, you may be able to get to the bottom
of it."

It was an hour after darkness had completely fallen when the regular beat of
oars was heard. The ship's boat was already in the water, and Gervaise,

wrapped up in his mantle, followed Sir John out of his cabin and descended
with him into the boat, which was at once rowed towards the approaching

galley. Sir John hailed it as it came along.

"Who is it calls?" a voice said.

"It is I -- Sir John Boswell. Pray take me on board, Sir Almeric. It is a

somewhat special matter."

The order was given, the galley slaves ceased rowing, and the boat ran

alongside. Gervaise unclasped his mantle and gave it to Sir John, and then
followed him on board.

"I congratulate you on your return, and on your good fortune in having, as
your letter stated, made a prosperous voyage," Sir John said, as he shook

hands with the commander of the galley.

"I would speak a word with you aside," he added in a low voice.

Sir Almeric moved with him a few paces from the other knights.

"I am sent here by our bailiff, Sir Almeric. I have a Turkish prisoner here

with me who is to be landed with those you have taken. There are special
reasons for this, which I need not now enter into. Will you let him sit down