Page 69 - A Knight of the White Cross

exertions. But we shall have to eat what comes to hand, and that without
cooking, for our servants all joined the pirates when they boarded us, and

are either dead or are ashore there."

A meal was made of bread and fruit, and this with wine sufficed to recruit
their energies.

"It seems to me, comrades," Sir Louis said, when all had finished, "that the
first thing is to search the holds of these vessels and see what valuables are

stored there. These may be all carried on board one ship, and the others
must be burnt, for it is clear that, as there are four of them, we cannot take
them to Rhodes; and even with one and our galley we should fare but ill, if

we fell in with two or three more of Hassan's ships."

"But how about the pirates on shore, Sir Louis?" a knight asked. "There
were very many who could not get off to their ships during the fight, and
scores must have swum ashore. I should say that there must be full two

hundred, and it will be a grievous thing for the islanders if we leave them
there."

"It is certain," the commander said, "that we are not strong enough to attack
them, for were we to land, a party would have to be left on board, or the

pirates might elude our search, seize some fishing boats, and regain
possession. Certainly, we are in no position to divide our forces."

"Methinks," Sir John Boswell said, "that the best plan would be to send a
boat, manned with ten galley slaves, taking two or three of us to the

rendezvous, to fetch hither the other two galleys. With their aid we might
take all the four ships safe into port, after first clearing the island of these

pirates. It is but forty miles away, and eight hours' rowing would take us
there."

There was a general murmur of assent, for all wished that the trophies of
their bravery should, if possible, be carried to Rhodes.