Page 276 - A Knight of the White Cross

CHAPTER XVIII

A KIND MASTER

When the boat reached the shore the Arab handed a long bernouse to
Gervaise, signed to him to pull the hood well over his head, and then led

the way through the streets until he stopped at a large house, standing in a
quiet quarter of the town. He struck on the door with his hand, and it was at

once opened by a black slave.

"Call Muley," the Arab said.

The slave hurried away, and returned in a minute with a man somewhat

past middle age, and dressed in a style that indicated that he was a trusted
servant.

"Muley," his master said, "I have bought this Christian who has been
brought in by Hassan the corsair. He is one of the knights who are the

terrors of our coasts, but is, from what I hear, of a kind and humane
disposition. I am told that he was a commander of one of their galleys, and
though I should not have believed it had I only Hassan's word, I have heard

from others that it was so. My wife has long desired to have a Christian
slave, and as Allah has blessed my efforts it was but right that I should

gratify her, though in truth I do not know what work I shall set him to do at
present. Let him first have a bath, and see that he is clad decently, then let
him have a good meal. I doubt if he has had one since he was captured. He

has been sorely beaten by the corsair, and from no fault of his own, but
only because he opposed the man's brutality to a child slave. If any of his

wounds need ointment, see that he has it. When all is ready, bring him to
the door of my apartments, in order that I may show to my wife that I have
gratified her whim."

Then he motioned to Gervaise to follow Muley, who was the head of his

household. Gervaise resisted the impulse to thank his new master, and
followed in silence.