Page 319 - A Knight of the White Cross

should be kept, were it for another fifty years, for that he would wager his
life that you would sooner or later make your escape."

"I am sorry that fellow has returned, Ralph. Has he got a commandery yet?"

"No; I believe that Sir John Kendall sent home so bad a report of him, that
even the great influence of his family has not sufficed to obtain his

appointment, and that he has been merely the assistant at one of the smaller
manors. Sir John Boswell told me in confidence that he understood that

Rivers did not at first volunteer to come out in response to the appeal of the
grand master, but that the grand prior informed him that unless he took this
opportunity of retrieving his character, he might give up all hope of ever

obtaining advancement. Ah, here is your breakfast."

An hour later Gervaise presented himself at the palace, clothed in the suit
of armour that had been given to him by Genoa. Although he was engaged
with several members of the council at the time, the grand master ordered

him to be at once admitted as soon as he heard that he was in attendance.

"Welcome back, Sir Gervaise Tresham," he said warmly, as he entered.
"We all rejoice greatly at your return, and I consider it a happy omen for
the success of our defence that so brave and distinguished a knight should

at the last moment have arrived to take a share in it."

The others present all shook Gervaise cordially by the hand, and
congratulated him on his return.

"You must dine with me this evening," D'Aubusson went on, "and tell us
the story of your captivity and escape. At present, as you may suppose, we

have too many matters on hand to spare time for aught that is not pressing
and important. You will need a few days' rest before you are fit for active
service, and by that time we will settle as to what post will best suit you."

Twice that day had Gervaise to recount his adventures, the first time to Sir

John Kendall and the knights of his auberge, the second to the grand
master. Most of the leading members of the Order were assembled at the