Page 83 - A Knight of the White Cross

"No. Come on in the morning. You will hear all the news from a boat lying
two hundred yards astern. Two young English knights are waiting in her to

give you the news. Ricord has made a fine capture. Row on, men." And the
galley proceeded on her way, while the newcomer proceeded up the

harbour.

Harcourt and Gervaise at once went on board, and the former gave the

Italian commander an account of the battle that had taken place, and the
capture of the four pirate vessels. After the exclamations of satisfaction by

the knights had ceased, he recounted their own adventures, which were
heard with lively interest.

"I hope indeed that Santoval will burn that fishing boat, and that we shall
capture the pirates," the commander said. "We have need of more slaves to

carry out the works at Rhodes. Now, let us to supper, gentlemen, and then
to sleep. In six hours we will be off again, for if some more of these villains
have escaped and carried the news to Hassan Ali, our swords may be sorely

needed by Ricord and Santoval tomorrow."