Page 339 - A Knight of the White Cross

walls, and while the six knights who were with him ran off to tell the
master of the galleys to prepare two of them to leave the port instantly,

Gervaise explained to the officer in charge of the wall at that point the plan
that he was charged to carry out, and asked for twenty knights to assist him.

"It will leave us very weak along here," the officer said. "Then let me have
ten, and send for another ten from other parts of the wall. Here is the grand

master's order, giving me full power and authority, and it is all important
that no single moment shall be wasted."

"You shall have twenty of mine," the officer said, "and I will draw ten from
the langue next to us to fill their places."

In a few minutes the quay was a scene of bustle and activity. Gervaise

picked out ten of the smallest vessels; the knights went among the other
ships, seized all goods and stores that would be useful as combustibles, and
compelled the crews to carry them on board the craft chosen as fire ships.

Then barrels were broken open, old sails and faggots saturated with oil and
pitch, and in little more than a quarter of an hour after his arrival, Gervaise

had the satisfaction of seeing that the ten boats were all filled with
combustibles, and ready to be set on fire. He now called for volunteers
from the sailors, and a number of them at once came forward, including

many of the captains. He placed one of these in command of each fire ship,
and gave him four of the sailors.

"The galleys will tow you out," he said, "and take you close to the enemy's
ships. We shall range you five abreast, and when I give the word, the one at

the end of the line will steer for the nearest Turk, and, with oars and poles,
get alongside. The captain will then light the train of powder in the hold,

throw the torch among the straw, and see that, if possible, the men fasten
her to the Turk; but if this cannot be done, it is not essential, for in the
confusion the enemy will not be able to get out of the way of the fire ship

as it drives down against her. At the last moment you will take to your
boats and row back here. We will protect you from the assaults of any of

the Turkish ships."