Page 344 - A Knight of the White Cross

CHAPTER XXII

THE STRUGGLE AT THE BREACH

Two hours later Caretto and Gervaise were roused by the arrival of a
hundred knights in place of the previous garrison; these bore the news that

the pasha had sent in a flag of truce to ask for an armistice until sundown,
to enable him to carry off for burial the bodies of those who had fallen in

the attack. The request had been willingly granted; but D'Aubusson had at
the same time thought it well to send down a strong reinforcement to the
garrison to prevent any attempt at treachery on the part of the Turks.

"I have seldom heard pleasanter news," Caretto said; "for just as I fell

asleep I was wondering how we were to rid ourselves of the corpses of the
infidels. By tomorrow the place would have become unbearable; and
though, living, the Turks could not turn us out of the tower, they would

when dead speedily have rid the place of us."

In half an hour a number of Moslem vessels were seen approaching.
Caretto did not wish the Turks to imagine that he doubted their good faith,
and while directing the main body of knights to remain in concealment near

the breach, he placed two on sentry duty on the crest of the ruins, and, with
four other knights and Gervaise, went down in complete armour to salute

the officer in command of the burying party, as he landed from the boats.
The ships anchored a short distance out, and a number of boats rowed from
them to the shore. As the Turkish officer landed, Caretto saluted him, and

said in Arabic,

"I give you courteous greeting, Sir. When the cannon cease to sound and
swords are sheathed, there is no longer animosity between brave men; and
no braver than those whose bodies lie stretched there, breathed the air of

heaven. If, sir, I and the knights with me do not uncover our heads, it is
from no want of respect for the dead, but solely because we dare not stand

bareheaded under the fierce rays of the sun."