Page 163 - A Knight of the White Cross

show the slaves that their plot has been discovered, and there will be no
fear of their making any attempt to carry it into execution. I will myself

post the main body of the knights in the courtyard. The arrest of the guards
is to be carried out at once, as all those not concerned in the plot would be

killed when the hour comes for the rising. Therefore this part of the
business must be carried out immediately. I should not, however, lead the
guards away to a cell, for the less tramping of feet the better. Therefore I

shall place two knights in each room, and beg them to remain inside in
charge until the traitors outside are secured."

The knights outside were now marched up. The grand master ordered half
those of Auvergne to go round to the main gate, which would be opened for

them by the governor; they were to enter quietly, and remain in a body
close to it until they received further orders. Sir John Kendall told off the

rest of the knights to the various duties of watching the houses occupied by
the officials and warders, and of entering the prison rooms and remaining in
them on guard. The governor, with his private servants, bearing a supply of

torches, was to lead them to the various cells, and unlock the doors. The
knights were enjoined to move as noiselessly as possible, and to avoid all

clashing of arms against armour.

The governor produced a number of cloths intended to be served out to the

slaves. Strips of these were cut off and wrapped round the feet of the
English knights, so as to deaden the sound of their boots on the stone

pavement. Then, accompanied by the grand master and Sir John Kendall,
he went the round of the cells.

In some of these the slaves were found standing up in an attitude of eager
expectation, which, as the door opened, and the light of the torches showed

a party of knights, changed into one of terror and consternation. Scarce a
word was spoken. The guard was ordered to lay down his arms, and to take
one of the torches. Two knights placed themselves, one on each side of

him, with drawn swords. The door was again locked and barred, and the
party proceeded to the next cell. In less than a quarter of an hour this part of

the work was finished, and D'Aubusson, Sir John Kendall, and the
governor, then took up their station with a party of knights who, concealed