It would be well, of course, that none of the officials of the prison should be informed as to my true character, for others, besides the one I saw, may have been bribed to participate in whatever plot is going on." "And do you mean to say, Sir Gervaise, that you, a knight of the Order, are willing to submit to the indignity of being treated as a slave?
To keep up the disguise long enough to be taken into the confidence of the plotters, you might have to stay there for some time; and if the prison officials believe you to be but an ordinary slave, you will be put to work either on the walls or in one of the galleys." "I am ready to do anything for the benefit of the Order, and the safety of Rhodes, that will meet with your approval," Gervaise replied.

"It will no doubt be unpleasant, but we did not enter the Order to do pleasant things, but to perform certain duties, and those duties necessarily involve a certain amount of sacrifice." "Do you think you would be able to maintain the character?
Because you must remember that if detected you might be torn in pieces by the slaves, before the officers could interfere to protect you." "I feel sure that I can do so, Sir John." "What story would you tell them ?" "I would say that I had come from Syria, and sailed from Acre in a trader, which is perfectly true, and also that I was taken off the ship I was on by a galley--which would not be altogether false, as I crossed one as I landed.

I think there would be very little questioning, for I should pretend to be in a state of sullen despair, and give such short answers to questions that I should soon be left alone." "The scheme is a good one, Sir Gervaise, though full of danger and difficulty.

If you are ready to render this great service to the Order, I willingly accept the sacrifice you offer to make.

I will send one of my slaves down into the town to buy garments suitable for you, and also stains for your skin.