When the Turk comes here, if he ever comes--and of that I have little doubt--I shall be ready to take my full share of the fighting; but I shall seek adventures no longer, and shall go no more to sea.

Next only to the bailiff, I am the senior of our auberge, and--but this is between ourselves, lad--am like to succeed to the grand priory of England when it becomes vacant, and if not I shall, as the grand master has told me, have the offer of the next high office vacant in the palace." Two days later Gervaise and his company of young knights went down to the port to take part in the launch of the new galley.

This was the occasion of a solemn ceremony, the grand master and a large number of knights being present.

A religious service first took place on her poop, and she was named by the grand master the Santa Barbara.

When the ceremony was over, Gervaise was solemnly invested with the command of the galley by the grand marshal of the navy; then the shores were struck away, and the galley glided into the water, amid the firing of guns, the blowing of trumpets, and the cheers of the spectators who had gathered at the port to witness the ceremony.
The next morning a gang of galley slaves were marched down.