Page 74 - A Knight of the White Cross

us choose a spot at the foot of the rocks there, where they cannot attack us
in the rear, and there fight it out as becomes knights of the Cross; but as it

is our duty above all things to carry this message, we must strive to
preserve our lives, and must, if we can, conceal ourselves from these

paynims."

"What are you going to do?" Sir John asked the slaves, when they were

within a quarter of a mile of the islet. "I should think, after we have left the
boat, it will be best for you to sit quietly on your benches till our pursuers

arrive."

"They would cut our throats at once, Sir Knight; they will be furious at our

having given them so long a chase. Hassan Ali's men care little whom they
slay, and, irritated by their misfortune, it will be naught to them whether we

are Moslem or Christian. I, for one, shall take to the woods, and hide."

There was a chorus of assent among the other rowers.

"I trust that you may escape," the knight said. "It is for us they will be

hunting, and if they catch and slay us they will not trouble to search the
island further."

"It seems to me, Sir John," Gervaise said, "that with the aid of these good
fellows we may yet have a chance of escape."

"What is your plan, Sir Gervaise?"

"I think, Sir John, that if, when we land, we climb straight up that hill, in
full sight of the shore, the pirates, when they see us, will follow at once.

The slaves should, therefore, be safe for a time if they hide in that wood to
the left of the spot we are making for. Will you tell them to keep down by
the water's edge among the bushes, and that after crossing that crest, we

will try to make a dash round, so as to join them there. 'Tis probable that
most of the pirates will start in pursuit of us, and if we and the slaves make

a rush for the shore we may seize our boat, push off, and capture their craft,
if there are but a few left on board, knock out a plank and scuttle her, and