Page 71 - A Knight of the White Cross

these ships, so that I can give our comrades in the other galleys some idea
of the value of this booty we have taken."

They rose from the table, and, going on board the prizes, lifted the hatches.

"Beware!" De Boysey exclaimed, looking down into the hold, when the
first hatch was taken off. "There are people below."

A chorus of cries followed his exclamation.

"They are the voices of women and children," Sir Louis exclaimed. "They
must be captives."

This turned out to be so. In the holds of the four ships were found over a

hundred and fifty women and children; these had been brought on board in
the first boat loads by the pirates, and when the Christian galley had been
seen coming round the point, had been thrust below, and the hatches

thrown over them. They had heard the din of battle above, but knew not
how the conflict had terminated, and, being afraid to cry out, had remained

silent until, on the hatch being lifted, they had seen the figures of Christian
knights standing in the bright sunshine. All had come from the village on
the other side of the island. They related how the pirates had suddenly burst

upon them, had slaughtered all the men, set fire to the village, and had
driven them before them across the island to the ships. The poor creatures

were delighted at their escape from slavery, but at the same time were full
of grief at the loss of husbands, fathers, and sons.

Some laughed, others cried; while some thanked God for their rescue others
heaped imprecations upon the authors of their misfortunes.

The knights explained to them that for a short time they must remain on
board, as half the pirates were still on shore, but that aid would soon arrive

that would enable them to clear the island.

Half an hour later Sir John Boswell, with the two young knights, started in
a rowing boat, manned by ten of the galley slaves. The wind had sprung up