Page 354 - A Knight of the White Cross

"This is indeed of the highest importance," D'Aubusson said, "and the
knowledge that it gives us may enable us to defeat an attempt, that might

otherwise have proved our ruin. You see, knights, it solves the question that
we were just discussing. We agreed that this long floating bridge that they

have been constructing, was intended to enable them to cross the outer port
and again attack St. Nicholas; and yet it seemed to us that even by night our
batteries would be able to keep up such a fire on the boats, towing the head

of the bridge across, as to render it well nigh impossible for them to get it
over. Now you see what their plan is. With the aid of this rope, the end of

which they think is firmly fixed on our side, they mean to haul the bridge
across, and that so silently that they hope to be upon us almost before we
have time to don our armour. We shall now be fully prepared, and need

have no fear of the result."

There could now be little doubt that the attack would be made without loss
of time, especially as the Turks believed that they could get their bridge
across unseen. The fire ships -- which were altogether more formidable

than those Gervaise had improvised -- were ordered to be made ready for
action. This being arranged, the admiral left the council at once, that no

time should be lost in getting them in readiness. D'Aubusson then turned to
the English sailor.

"You have rendered us a great service indeed by your vigilance, and
showed great prudence by allowing the Turk to believe that he had

accomplished his mission unsuspected. Had he thought he had been
observed, some other plan would have been adopted. For so great a service
it is meet that a great reward should be given."

He then took a bag from the hands of one of his secretaries, whom he had

sent to fetch it, while they were discussing the matter of the fire ships.

"Here are two hundred golden crowns," he added, handing the bag to the

seaman. "With these you can either settle on shore, or can build a stout ship
and pursue your calling. Should you do so, call her the St. Nicholas, in

remembrance of the gratitude of the Order of St. John for your having
saved that fort from the Turks."