The matter had now assumed a much more serious aspect.  This young Greek, a stranger to Rhodes, was in communication not only with some of the slaves, but with a prison official, and the matter appeared so grave to Gervaise that, after some deliberation, he thought it was too important for him to endeavour to follow out alone, and that it was necessary to lay it before the bailiff.  Accordingly, after the evening meal he went up to Sir John Kendall, and asked if he could confer with him alone on a matter over which he was somewhat troubled.  The bailiff assented at once, and Gervaise followed him to his private apartment.

“Now, what is this matter, Sir Gervaise?” he asked pleasantly.  “Nothing serious, I trust?”

“I don’t know, Sir John.  That is a matter for your consideration; but it seems to me of such importance that it ought to be brought to your knowledge.”

The face of the bailiff grew more grave, and, seating himself in a chair, he motioned to Gervaise to do the same.

“Now, let me hear what it is,” he said.

Gervaise told his story simply.  A slight smile passed across the bailiff’s face as he mentioned that he had met the Greek on the roof of the house of Signor Vrados, and had not liked the expression of his face.

“Vrados has some fair daughters, has he not?” he asked.

“Yes, sir; but I know little of them.  That is the only visit that I ever paid there, or, indeed, to the house of any one in the town.”

Sir John’s face grew grave again as Gervaise recounted how he had seen the man enter into communication with a slave; and he frowned heavily when he heard of his meeting afterwards with one of the prison officers.

“In truth, Sir Gervaise,” he said, after a pause, “this seems to be a right serious matter, and you have done wisely in informing me of what you have seen.  Assuredly there is mischief of some sort in the wind.  The question is how to get to the bottom of it.  Of course, the grand master might order the arrest of this Greek and of the prison officer, but you may be sure that neither would commit himself unless torture were applied; and I, for one, have no belief in what any man says under such circumstances.  The most honest man may own himself a traitor when racked with torture, and may denounce innocent men.  It is at best a clumsy device.  What think you of the matter?”

“I have hardly thought it over yet, Sir John; and certainly no plan has yet occurred to me.”

“Well, think it over, Sir Gervaise.  It is not likely that a few days will make any difference.  But I will take measures to see that this Greek does not sail away from the Island at present, and will speak to the port master about it.  I will myself give the matter consideration, but as you have shown yourself so quick witted in following up the matter so far, I rely upon you more than myself to carry it farther.  There may possibly be some simple