Page 237 - A Knight of the White Cross

"If we do not do so," he said, "they will assuredly think that it is the corsair
fleet advancing to attack and burn the vessels in port, and you may be

saluted as you approach by a shower of cannonballs. If you will permit me,
Sir Gervaise, I will go forward in one of the prizes and explain matters, and

will return here in a short time."

"Thank you, Sir Fabricius. As such mischance as you mention might indeed

very well occur, we will lower sail and lie here until you return."

While Caretto was away, the knights and crews breakfasted, and the former
put on their armour and gayest attire, in readiness for the landing. Gervaise,
although with much inward vexation, considered it necessary to do the

same.

"I do wish," he said to Ralph, who was smiling at his rueful face, "that you
could for today take my place, and let me pass as lieutenant."

"I should not mind at all, Gervaise. But you must put up with the
disagreeables as well as the advantages of being commander, and must

submit to be honoured and feted here, as well as getting no end of credit at
Rhodes. You will have the satisfaction of well deserving it, for I am sure
the plan of attacking them with fire ships would never have occurred to any

one else, and if it had not been for that, we should have had the
mortification of seeing them sail off without being able to move a finger to

interfere with them."

"If one were fighting for fame and honour, all that would be true enough;

but members of an Order, whose sole object is to defend Christendom from
the Moslems, should strive only to do their duty, and care nothing for such

things as honour and glory."

"Human nature is human nature, and I don't see any reason why one should

despise honour and glory when they come to one in the course of duty. I
fancy you will think so too, Gervaise, in course of time. I am quite sure that

among the fifty knights, there is not one who does not feel well content that
he has not only done his duty to the Order, but has gained a share in the