Page 60 - A Knight of the White Cross

Except when there was a formal and actual state of war, the Moslem and
Christian islands remained in a state of neutrality, trading with each other

and avoiding all unfriendly proceedings that would lead to struggles which
would be fatal to the prosperity of both. The Archipelago, and indeed the

whole of the eastern portion of the Mediterranean, was infested by pirates,
fitted out, for the most part, on the mainland. These, when in force, openly
kept the sea, attacking the Christian merchant ships, but when cruising

alone they hid in unfrequented bays, or behind uninhabited islets, until they
could pounce upon a passing ship whose size promised an easy capture.

The Order of St. John furnished a maritime police, earning thereby the deep
gratitude of Spain, France, and Italy. They were aided occasionally by the
Venetians, but these, being frequently engaged in quarrels with their

neighbours, did but a small share of this work, only sending their fleets to
sea when danger threatened some of their possessions in the Levant.

"This is delightful, Ralph," Gervaise said, as they stood together on the
poop, looking back at the receding city.

"What a pleasant change it is from standing in the broiling sun watching

those poor wretches toiling at the fortifications! There is only one drawback
to my pleasure. I wish that we carried sails, and were moved along by the
breeze, instead of by the exertions of the slaves."

"Much chance we should have of catching a pirate under such

circumstances!" Ralph said, laughing. "You might as well set a tortoise to
catch a hare."

"I don't say that we should not be obliged to carry rowers, Ralph; but all the
prizes that have been brought in since I have been at Rhodes carry masts

and sails, as well as oars, and, as I understand, for the most part cruise
about under sail, and only use the oars when chasing or fleeing."

"That is so; because, you see, in most cases the crew themselves have to
row, and I have no doubt if we had no slaves to do the work we should

soon take to masts and sails also; but for speed the rowing galleys are the
best, for unless a brisk wind were blowing, the mast and sails would but