Page 263 - A Knight of the White Cross

"So the Cavalier Caretto told me," the grand master replied. "Very well,
then. In three days you shall set out again. The admiral tells me that never

before has a galley returned with the slaves in such good health and
condition, and that unquestionably your plan of erecting an awning to

shelter them from the midday heat and the night dews has had a most
beneficial effect on their health; he has recommended its general adoption."

Three days later the Santa Barbara again left port, and was soon upon her
station. For some weeks she cruised backwards and forwards along the

coast and among the islands. They often heard of the pirate ship, but all
their efforts to find her were unavailing.

One evening there were signs of a change of weather, and by morning it
was blowing a furious gale from the north; in spite of the efforts of the

rowers, the galley narrowly escaped being driven ashore; but she at last
gained the shelter of an island, and anchored under its lee, the slaves being
utterly worn out by continuous exertion. As soon as the gale abated they

again put to sea, and, after proceeding for some miles, saw a ship cast up on
shore. Some people could be made out on board of her, and a white flag

was raised.

"She must have been driven ashore during the gale," Gervaise said. "We

will row in to within a quarter of a mile of her and see what we can do for
them."

As soon as the anchor was dropped a boat was lowered.

"I will go myself, Ralph, for I shall be glad to set my foot on shore again.
There must be people on the island; I wonder none of them have come to

the aid of those poor fellows. I suppose the villages are on the other side of
the island, and they have not yet heard of the wreck."

Gervaise asked three of the knights to accompany him, and the boat, rowed
by galley slaves, was soon on its way. All were glad at the change afforded

to the monotony of their life on board, and at the prospect of a scamper on
shore.