Page 155 - A Knight of the White Cross

for the other prisons, burst open the doors, and rescue the others; but by the
time we could do so the knights would be all in arms, and our enterprise

would fail altogether, for as but a small proportion of us can obtain
weapons, we could not hope to overcome them. Were it not for the strong

wall that separates their quarter from the town, we might make straight for
their houses and slay them before the alarm could be given. As it is, that
would be impossible, and therefore the plan will be carried out as I have

told you. The loss of all their galleys and of over one thousand slaves will
be a heavy blow for them. Great pains have been taken to prevent confusion

when we reach the port. The men in each room have been instructed as to
the galleys on which they are to embark. As for you, you know precisely
what is to be done; you will simply take your places, and then wait until all

are on board. No galley is to push out from the wharf until the last man of
those employed in burning the ships has returned, with the provisions found

in them. Then the order will be given by the man who has arranged all this,
and the six galleys will put out together.

One is to row to each of the forts to carry off the party that will have been
engaged in silencing its cannon. Our galley is to row to St. Nicholas, and

take off the twenty men I shall lead there. There is no possibility of failure.
Everything has, you see, been arranged. One of the overseers who is in the
plot walked by my side as we returned from the port, and gave me the

instructions, and all the others will have been told in the same way, or else
by the guards in charge of them." The gang now broke up into little groups,

talking excitedly over the unlooked for news, and exulting over the speedy
advent of liberty. Gervaise strolled carelessly to the window, and dropped
out the white strip of stuff. It was now quite dark, and there was no fear of

any one observing the movement. Then he joined the others. After an hour
and a half had passed he heard footsteps approaching the door. There was a

pause; then the outside bars were taken down, and a key turned in the lock.
A deep silence fell on the slaves. Then a voice called, "Number 36!"

"What is it?" replied Gervaise, without raising himself from his seat on the
bedding. "I have done my share of work today, and earned my night's

sleep."