Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/490

456 of the case of Maître Georges during the first siege of Rhodes, the history of which was, of course, well known to him. He does not, however, appear to have had his suspicions in any way aroused by the ominous similarity, but on the contrary, was so struck with the noble sacrifice made by Lascaris, that he appointed him a pension from the treasury. He had no cause to regret his confidence. Throughout the remainder of the siege the fugitive proved himself not only a valiant captain in the field, but also a most able adviser in the council.

Following out the suggestions of Lascaris, La Valette took every precaution to avert the impending storm. The seaward ramparts of St. Michael’s were all strengthened, additional guns were planted at every point where they could be brought to bear upon the approaching foe, and as a last step a strong stockade was constructed, running from the spur of St. Michael parallel to the line of ramparts which faced the Coradin hill, at a distance of some six yards from the shore, and only terminating at the neck of the peninsula. This stockade was formed of huge piles driven into the bed of the harbour, and connected together by chains passing through iron rings fixed into the head of each. Large spars were also fastened from pile to pile, and a barrier thus constructed which would materially impede any boat attack on Seglea from the side of the Coradin hill. A similar obstacle was erected in front of the posts of Germany and Castile. This work could, of course, only be carried on by night,