"I can well understand that," Sir Thomas said.

"I could not hold aloof here, Tresham. The vows of our Order
by no means hinder us from taking part in the affairs of our own
country. The rule of the Order is indeed against it, but the rule
is constantly broken. Were it otherwise there could be no commanderies
in this or any other country; we should have, on entering the Order,
to abandon our nationality, and to form part of one community in
the East. The Order is true to its oaths. We cannot defend the Holy
Sepulchre, for that, for the present, is hopelessly lost; but we
can and do wage war with the infidel. For this funds are necessary
as well as swords, and our commanderies throughout Europe supply
the funds by which the struggle is maintained, and, when it is
needed, send out contingents to help those fighting in the East.
It was from the neglect of this cardinal point that the Templars
fell. Their commanderies amassed wealth and wide possessions, but
unlike us the knights abstained altogether from fulfilling their
vows, and ceased to resist the infidel. Therefore they were
suppressed, and, with the general approval of Europe, a portion
of their possessions was handed over to the knights of St. John.
However, as I understand, it is your wish that as soon as the
boy comes of age to wield arms he shall go to Rhodes and become
an active member of the Order. This is indeed the rule with all
neophytes, but having served a certain time they are then permitted to
return and join one of the commanderies in their native countries."

"I do not wish that for Gervaise," his father said; "at least,
I wish him to remain at Rhodes until all the civil troubles are
absolutely at an end here. My life has been ruined by them. Loving
retirement and quiet, and longing for nothing so much as a life