Page 80 - A Knight of the White Cross

do us good after our climb and swim, and these good fellows will be none
the worse for a cup also."

Inspired with the hope of freedom, the slaves rowed steadily, and the sun

had just set when they entered a little inlet in the rocky isle that was their
place of rendezvous.

"Thanks be to the saints!" Sir John exclaimed, as they reached the entrance.
"There is Santoval's galley."

There was a stir on board the galley as the boat was seen approaching. The
knights had put on their armour, which they had found still lying in the

boat, the pirates, in their haste to pursue, having left her unexamined, while
those who had remained on guard had abstained from touching anything

until the return of their captain and comrades.

"Whence come you, Sir John, and what is the news? No misfortune has

befallen Ricord's galley, I hope?" the Spanish knight in command shouted,
as the boat came near enough for him to recognize the features of its

occupants.

"All is well," Sir John shouted back; "but we have taken more prizes than

we can manage, though not without hard fighting. Seven knights have
fallen, and at least ten others will not be able to buckle their armour on

again for some time to come, so I have been sent here to beg your
assistance; and it is well that it should be given speedily, for if more pirate
vessels come up before you join, Ricord and his companions will be in a

sorry plight."

By this time the boat had reached the side of the galley, and as Sir John and
his two companions stepped on board, the knights crowded round to hear
the details of the news. Exclamations of approval and satisfaction arose

when Sir John related the incidents of the fight, and told them that the four
vessels that had fallen into their hands formed part of Hassan Ali's fleet.