How was it that they happened to come up so opportunely ?" "Sir John Boswell, with Ralph Harcourt and Gervaise Tresham; went in a boat to the rendezvous we had arranged, and reached it after an adventure, which I will leave Sir John to tell himself.

I may say that the two young knights named had in our encounter both obtained very high credit amongst us all for the valour with which they fought.

No one bore himself more stoutly, and I am glad to take this early opportunity of bringing their conduct before your notice.

As you will learn from Sir John, Gervaise Tresham afterwards showed a quickness of wit that was the means of saving the lives of those with him, and I may say also of all with me, for had they failed to reach the rendezvous we should have fallen easy victims to the five ships Hassan Ali brought against us." Sending for Sir John Boswell, the grand prior heard from him the details of his adventure in the boat.
"I am right glad to hear you speak so warmly of Tresham, Sir John, for I regard him as my special protege, and am pleased indeed to find that at this outset of his career he has proved himself not only a brave knight, but full of resource, and quick at invention.

I think, Sir John, that these two young knights have shown themselves well worthy of receiving the honour of secular knighthood." "Assuredly they have," Sir John agreed.
"Then, Sir John, will you bestow it upon them?
The Order, as an Order, does not bestow the honour, but its members do not forfeit their right as knights to bestow it individually, and none among us are more worthy of admitting them to your rank than yourself." "I would gladly do it, Sir Peter; but the honour would come far better from yourself, and would not only be more highly prized by them, but would be of greater value in the eyes of others.