Still, I trust that our common danger will reunite us, and that whether Negropont or Rhodes is attacked by the Moslems, we shall render loyal aid to each other." There was great excitement among Gervaise and his companions when it was announced that Rhodes was in sight, and as they approached the town they gazed with admiration at the castle with its stately buildings, the palace of the grand master and the Hospital of St.John, rising above the lower town, the massive walls strengthened by projecting bastions, and the fortifications of the ports.

Of these there were two, with separate entrances, divided from each other by a narrow tongue of land.
At its extremity stood Fort St.Nicholas, which was connected by a strong wall running along the promontory to the town.

The inner port, as it was called, was of greater importance, as it adjoined the town itself.

It was defended in the first place by Fort St.Nicholas, and at the inner entrance stood the towers of St.John and St.Michael, one on either side.

Into this the vessel was steered.