Page 279 - A Knight of the White Cross

have heard that our wounded are tended by them in your hospitals with as
much care as men of their own race and religion, and that in many things

the knights were to be admired even by those who were their foes. I see
now that these reports were true, and that although, as you say, it might be

of advantage to you that none should know you speak Arabic, yet it is from
a spirit of honourable courtesy you have now told us that you do so.

"I did not tell you, wife," he went on, turning to her, "that the reason why
he bearded Hassan today was because the corsair brutally struck a little

female captive; thus, you see, he, at the risk of his life, and when himself a
captive, carried out his vows to protect the defenceless. And now, wife,
there is one thing you must know. For some time, at any rate, you must

abandon the idea of exciting the envy of your friends by exhibiting your
Christian captive to them. As you are aware, the sultan has the choice of

any one slave he may select from each batch brought in, and assuredly he
would choose this one, did it come to his ears, or to the ears of one of his
officers, that a Christian knight had been landed. For this reason Hassan

sold him to me for a less sum than he would otherwise have demanded, and
we must for some time keep his presence here a secret. My idea is that he

shall remain indoors until we move next week into our country house,
where he will be comparatively free from observation."

"Certainly, Isaac. I would not on any account that he should be handed over
to the sultan, for he would either be put into the galleys or have to labour in

the streets."

"I will tell Muley to order the other slaves to say nothing outside of the

fresh arrival, so for the present there is no fear of its being talked about in
the town. Hassan will, for his own sake, keep silent on the matter. I have

not yet asked your name," he went on, turning to Gervaise.

"My name is Gervaise Tresham; but it will be easier for you to call me by

my first name only."

"Then, Gervaise, it were well that you retired to rest at once, for I am sure
that you sorely need it." He touched a bell on the table, and told Muley,