Page 64 - A Knight of the White Cross

"We must not over fatigue the rowers," the commander said. "We may have
a long chase if they have started before we get round."

He therefore gave orders to the slaves that, while they were to exert

themselves to the utmost when crossing the open sea, they were to relax
their efforts and to row within their strength while coasting along behind
the islands. On board, everything was made in readiness for a fight: the

knights buckled on their armour, the cooks set cauldrons of pitch over the
fire, the cannoneers loaded her eight guns. It was an hour and a half after

their start before they rounded the end of the last island. It extended a little
farther to the south than did that to which they were making, and as they
rounded the point, eager looks were cast in search of the pirate ships. No

craft were, however, to be seen.

"They must be in some bay or inlet," the commander said; "they can hardly
have left, for it would have taken them half an hour at least to cross the
island with their booty and captives, and even if they made straight away

after having fired the village, their ship could have gone no great distance,
for we must have seen her if she put to sea -- unless indeed they were

anchored on the east of the island, and have sailed in that direction."

"Keep them rowing along steadily," he said to the overseers of the slaves;

"but do not press them too hard. We may have a chase yet, and need all
their strength, for most of these pirates are fast craft, and if they should get

a start of three or four miles, it will be a long row before we catch them."

They made straight for the island, and on nearing it coasted along its

southern side. It was some three miles long, the shore being for the most
part steep, but here and there falling gradually to the water's edge. Two or

three little clusters of houses could be seen as they rowed along; one of
these was on fire.

"That is good," Sir Louis exclaimed, as, on turning a point, they saw the
flames. "That cannot have been lighted long, and we are pretty certain to

come upon the vessels before the marauders have set sail."