A shout of approbation greeted the close of his address.  Gervaise then walked forward to the end of the poop, and looked down upon the slaves, who, with their oars out, were awaiting the order to row.

“Men,” he said in Turkish, “it is my desire that, while it is necessary that you should do your work, your lot shall be no heavier than can be avoided.  You will not be taxed beyond your powers, save when the enemy is in sight, or there is supreme need for haste, but then you must be called upon for your utmost exertions.  I wish your work to be willing.  I abhor the use of the lash, and so long as each man does his fair quota of work, I have given the strictest orders that it shall never be used.  I have, at my own cost, made provision that your daily rations shall be improved while under my command.  Meat will be served out to you daily, when it can be obtained, and for those of you who hold that the strict tenets of your religion may be relaxed while engaged in such severe labour, a ration of wine will also be served out; and such other indulgences as are compatible with the discipline and safety of the ship, will also be granted to you.”

There was a murmur of gratitude among the slaves.  Gervaise then gave the order to row, and the galley started on her voyage.  The knights had now fallen out from their ranks, and were soon laughing and talking gaily.  Being all of noble families and knightly rank, there was, except when on actual duty, a tone of perfect equality and good fellowship prevailing among them.  French was the common language, for as the Order was of French foundation, and three of the seven langues belonged to that country, most of the high dignitaries being chosen from their ranks, it was natural that the French language should be the general medium of communication between them.

Until noon the slaves rowed steadily and well.  Work was then stopped, for there was scarce a breath of wind stirring the water.  Even under the awning that had, as the sun gained power, been erected over the poop, the heat was oppressive.  The knights had all divested themselves of their armour, and most of them retired below for a siesta.  As soon as the slaves stopped rowing, an awning, which Gervaise had purchased, and which was rolled up under the break of the poop, was, to their astonishment, drawn over them.

“Don’t you think you are spoiling your slaves, Sir Gervaise?” one of the Spanish knights asked doubtfully.

“On the contrary, Sir Pedro, I hope that I am improving them.  You have not worked as a galley slave, but I have, and I can assure you that I used to feel the hours when we were lying broiling in the sun, doing nothing, much more trying than those during which I was at work.  I used to be quite giddy and sick with the heat, and on getting out the oars again had scarce strength to work them.  But this is not the most important point.  In port the slaves always sleep in the prison, but at sea they