Page 207 - A Knight of the White Cross

at least bear a share in a fray. Our comrades have been telling us somewhat
of how this wonderful thing has come about, and have been explaining

what at first filled us with surprise, that a galley should be manned solely
by young knights, of whom their commander is one of the youngest. We

can testify, at least, that had the grand master been himself in command,
and his crew composed of veteran knights, he could have done no better."

"We were fortunate in taking them so much by surprise that the first of their
ships fell into our hands before her consorts could come to her assistance;

and her guns did us good service in our struggle with the others."

"The matter was well arranged, as well as gallantly fought," one of the

other knights said. "Had you first fallen foul of the chief's galley, it would
have gone hard with you, for his crew were so strong that you could scarce

have overcome them before the other two vessels came up to his
assistance."

"Now let us to our meal," Gervaise said.

The three knights were placed at the head of the table by him, and it was
pleasant to see how they enjoyed their food.

"I can scarce persuade myself that I am not dreaming," Caretto said.
"Sometimes, when lying at night, wet through with the damp air, I have

wondered to myself whether I could ever have lived thus, and whether I
should ever exchange my hard bread and water for what seemed to me
fabulous luxuries, though at the time one had taken them as a matter of

course. You cannot tell how strange it feels to me to come back to the old
life again."

"You will soon be accustomed to it," Gervaise said, with a smile, "and then
you will look upon your captivity as a dream, just as you then regarded

your past life."

"I suppose, Sir Gervaise," Pietro Forzi said, "that you will sail direct for
Rhodes with your prizes?"