Page 212 - A Knight of the White Cross

put to sea as soon as possible. Beg them at Naples and Pisa to do the same
thing. But of course it is from Genoa that we must hope for the most

assistance.

"In each place you will, if possible, see the syndic himself, and such of his
council as can be got quickly together. The moment you have done all you
can at Genoa sail for the Island of Madalena, which lies off the northeastern

point of the island. There you will either find us, or a boat with a message
where to direct your course. I think perhaps it will be best to omit Naples -­

it will save you fully a day, if not two, to do so. Pray them at Ostia to send
off news down the coast, or to request the papal authorities to despatch
mounted messengers. 'Tis likely that, at first, at any rate, the corsairs will

try the narrower waters to the north. From here to Ostia is nigh two hundred
miles, and if the wind is brisk you may arrive there tomorrow afternoon,

and start again at night, arriving at Pisa before noon on the following day;
while, allowing for four or five hours to ascend the river there, you may be
at Genoa next morning.

"Three hours should suffice to gather from the authorities what force they

can despatch, and as soon as you have learned this, embark again and sail
south. You may reach Madalena in two days. Thus, at the earliest, it must
be from six to seven days before you can bring us the news there; if you

meet with calms or foul winds you may be well nigh double that time. If at
Ostia you can get a faster craft than this, hire it, or take a relay of fresh

rowers. I will furnish you with means when I give you the letters."

In less than half an hour Gervaise was on deck again. The boat had returned

with the other Italian knights. An ample store of provisions had been placed
on board the Sperondra, both for the crew and for the three knights, and,

without a minute's delay, these took their places on board, the great sails
were hoisted, and the craft glided rapidly away.

"The villagers spoke truly as to her speed," Ralph said, as they looked after
her. "Even with this light wind, she is running fully six miles an hour, and

as, by the look of the sky, there will be more of it soon, she will make the
run to Ostia well within the time we calculated."