The corsairs have been very active of late, and have captured many prizes, while, on the other hand, our galleys have been unfortunate, and have but seldom come upon the miscreants." "How many knights will there be on board ?" "Forty.

Aragon, like us, furnishes five, Germany ten, Portugal five, Auvergne ten, and Provence five.

We shall be commanded by Sir Louis Ricord, a knight of Auvergne, and we could wish no better, for he has proved himself a good seaman and a brave captain.

Two other galleys are to start with us.

We are to cruise separately unless one gets news of a force so superior that he will need aid to attack it, when he will meet the others at a rendezvous agreed upon, and we shall work together." "Who are the other three Englishmen ?" "John Boswell, Marmaduke Lumley, and Adam Tedbond--all, as you know, brave knights and good companions." That evening Gervaise received a message from D'Aubusson, requesting him to call at his auberge.
"So you are going to sea, Sir Gervaise?
I hear from your bailiff that you have been working to his satisfaction in the town." "Yes, sir.