It is imperative that there shall be no communication whatever between your servants and the gaol." As soon as this was done, the rest of the party were taken to the governor's rooms.
"I can now explain to you all," the grand master said, "the reason of our presence here.

I have learned that at twelve tonight there will be a general rising of the slaves in this prison, and that, aided by treachery, they will free themselves from their fetters, overpower and slay such of the guards in their rooms as have not been bribed, throw open the gates, make their way down to the port, burn all the shipping there, and make off in the six galleys manned by them, having first overpowered the sentries in the three forts commanding the entrance, and spiked the guns." Exclamations of astonishment burst from the knights, who now, for the first time, learnt the reason of their being called out.

The governor listened with an expression of stupefaction.
"With all deference to your Highness," he said hesitatingly, "it seems to me that some one must have been deceiving you with this tale.

It is altogether incredible that such a plot should have been hatched without a whisper of the matter coming to my ears.

It could only be possible were there, not one but many, traitors among the officials; if this is so, then indeed am I a dull ass, and unfit for my duty here, of which I shall pray you to relieve me, and to order such punishment as the council may deem just to be allotted to me for having so signally been hoodwinked." "My news is sure," the grand master said; "but I deem not that you are in any way to blame in the matter.