Page 82 - A Knight of the White Cross

"I owe my life entirely to the quick wit of my young countryman, Sir
Gervaise Tresham here." And Sir John then related the incidents of their

adventure on the island, his narrative eliciting warm expressions of
approval from the knights.

"Of course, you will go with us, Boswell?" Don Santoval said, when the
master of the slaves announced that these had eaten their meal, and were

ready.

"I must do so," Sir John replied. "I want you, on your way, to look in at that
island where we had so narrow an escape, and if we find their craft still
there we can destroy it. The place is directly in our course; we shall,

therefore, lose but little time in looking in. Of course, they may have gone
as soon as they got their vessel afloat, but it is hardly likely. They would

have no idea of my returning with a galley so soon, and will probably set to
to make a dozen more oars before they start, for she had but four on board,
which will scarce suffice to send her a mile an hour through the water.

Therefore, I fancy they will not put off until tomorrow morning. If that is
so, and we destroy their craft, they will be trapped in the islet, and on our

return we can capture them all. I think of leaving Harcourt and Tresham in
the boat, in order that when Piccolomini's galley comes in, they may direct
him also to join us."

"He may be in at any moment; we met him three days since. He had

captured a pirate, and sent her off under charge of ten of his knights. We
agreed to meet him this evening; and as he is not here, he will probably be
in the first thing in the morning."

Gervaise and Harcourt took their places in the boat again. The galley got up

its anchor and started. Just as she reached the mouth of the inlet another
galley rounded the point and nearly ran into her.

"I am going to Ricord's assistance, Piccolomini," Don Santoval shouted.

"Is it urgent?" the commander of the galley shouted back. "We have had a
very long row, and can go no farther, unless his strait is a very sore one."