asked him what progress you had made, and was surprised and pleased to find that in his opinion you could pass anywhere as a native, and that you were perfectly capable of drawing up and writing any document I might desire to send to the sultan or any of his generals.  This is far more than I had expected, and shows how earnestly you must have worked.  Your knowledge may prove of much assistance to the Order, and believe me, the time you have spent in acquiring it may prove of much greater advantage to you in your career than if you had occupied it in performing even the most valiant deeds, and that at some future time it will ensure your appointment to a responsible office here.  It was partly to assure you of my approbation that I sent for you, partly to inform you that I have appointed you to proceed with Suleiman Ali as the knight in charge of the vessel, and to receive the ransom agreed on, upon your handing him over.  The office is an honourable one and one of trust, and it is the first fruits of the advantages you will gain by your knowledge of Turkish.  No, do not thank me.  I am selecting you because you are better fitted than any knight I can spare for the mission, and also, I may say, because the choice will be pleasing to Suleiman Ali, whose goodwill I am desirous of gaining.  Before now Turkish provinces have thrown off their allegiance to the sultan.  They have, I must admit, been usually reconquered, but such might not be always the case; and if such an event happened in Syria, this man’s influence and goodwill might be of great advantage to us, as it might well suit us to ally ourselves with Syria against Constantinople.  I am glad to say that I found him at least as well disposed as any man could be who had been some years in slavery.  He admitted that, for a slave, he had been kindly and gently treated, and added that any unpleasant memories he might have retained had been obliterated by the nine months of pleasant companionship spent with you.”

When Gervaise returned to dinner at the auberge, and informed Ralph Harcourt and the other young knights that he had been appointed to take charge of the vessel in which Suleiman Ali was to be conveyed to Acre, the statement was at first received with incredulity.  It seemed incredible that the youngest knight in the langue should be chosen for such a mission, involving as it did a separate command.  Even the older knights, when the news was passed down the table, were surprised.

“I must say that I am astonished at the grand master’s choice.  Sir Gervaise Tresham doubtless distinguished himself greatly some months since, but from that time he has not been out with the galleys, or, indeed, done anything that would seem to recommend him for so marked a favour as a separate command.”