“At the same time, after what he has done I should have difficulty in refusing, were he to volunteer to sail in the next galley that sets out.  The desire, then, on his part to learn Turkish is in all ways opportune.  It will, too, in the long run be of great advantage to him in the Order, will give him weight, and bring him into prominence.  I do not think there are six in the Order who can fairly translate a Turkish document; there are but two who could write a reply in the same language.  Inform him, then, that from the present time he will be excused from all work, except, of course, to join in ceremonials when all are required to be present; and if you, Sir John, will pick out from among the servitors here one who is well instructed and educated, and capable of writing as well as reading his language, I will similarly relieve him of all other work, and place him at the disposal of young Tresham.  Tell the lad that I hope he will persevere until he obtains a complete knowledge of the tongue.  You can mention to him what I have said as to my opinion of the advantage the knowledge of it will be to him in the Order.”

Gervaise accordingly devoted himself to study.  His instructor was a Turk of fine presence.  He had been a large landowner in Syria, and held a high official position in the province, but had been captured in a galley on his way to Constantinople, whither he was proceeding on an official mission.  He was delighted with his new post.  Gervaise, both as the youngest member of the community, and from the kind manner in which he always spoke to the servants, —­ all of whom had acquired some knowledge of English, —­ was a general favourite among them, and the Turk was glad that he was to be thrown with him.  Still more he rejoiced at being appointed his instructor, as it relieved him from all menial work which, although preferable to that to which the bulk of the slaves were condemned, yet galled his spirit infinitely.

Now that he had entered upon the work with the approbation of his superior, and a conviction of its great utility, Gervaise set to work with the same zeal and ardour which he had exhibited in his military exercises.  During the heat of the day he sat in the shade reading and writing with his instructor.  In the cool of the morning and afternoon he walked with him on the walls, or in the country beyond them.  After sunset he sat with him in an unfrequented corner of the roof, all the time conversing with him, either of his own country, or that of his instructor.

At first this was difficult, and he had to eke out the Turkish words he had acquired with English; but it was not long before there was no necessity for this.  His intercourse for ten or twelve hours a day with this Turk, and the pains taken by his instructor, caused him to acquire the language with extreme rapidity.  Of course, he had to put up with a great deal of banter from the younger knights upon his passion for study.