Page 225 - A Knight of the White Cross

"No. I thought it better to keep silence till tomorrow. No doubt some of the
galley slaves understand enough of one or other of our languages to gather

what is on foot. Besides, their late captives might, in their satisfaction at the
thought of revenge, say enough to them to let them know that an attack on

their fleet was intended, and one of them might, in some way, free himself
from his irons and swim ashore. We know there is a small fishing village
across the island, and there would be no difficulty in stealing a boat and

making off with the news. I do not say that the risk is great; still, it were
better not to throw away even a chance. The knights have all turned in in a

very gloomy mood, for Caretto has returned with news that there is no hope
of assistance from Genoa for a fortnight, and it seemed, therefore, that all
our pains had been thrown away. And now we may as well turn in until

daylight."