ind many memorials of the Knights
of Malta, and it may add to your pleasure to hear something about the
famous warrior-monks before visiting these places."

Many of his hearers, taking the advice, made notes of the story as
related by him.

"About one thousand years ago," he said, "the Order of the Knights
Hospitallers was organized at Jerusalem, by Italians. Its members took
vows of fraternity, chastity, and poverty. The purpose of the Order was
to erect hospices for the shelter of pilgrims who came to visit the Holy
Sepulchre at Jerusalem, and hospitals in which to care for the pilgrims
when sick. During many years of faithful service the work of the
Hospitallers was supported by contributions from all Christendom; but
when the oppression of the Turks became unendurable, the Knights took
upon themselves vows to fight in defense of the Christian faith, and the
religious brotherhood became a band of saintly warriors. This band
during the time of the Crusades grew into a great military order known
as the 'Knights of St. John.' In the battles of the Crusades, the
Knights, fighting against the infidels for the possession of the Holy
Land, became renowned for great personal strength, dauntless courage,
and daring heroism.

[Illustration: THE HARBOR IS SURROUNDED BY OLD GRAY FORTRESSES.]

"After the failure of the Crusades, the Knights were expelled from
Palestine by the victorious Saracens, and, twenty years later, were
driven from the near-by island of Cyprus. Fleeing to the island of
Rhodes, they there enjoyed two centuries of power and increasing
prosperity, during which time the banner of the cross remained
victorious over warring Turks, Greeks, and pirates. Then at the end of
this period came the memorable siege of Rhodes. For six months the
steel-clad cavaliers withstood the assaults of the Ottoman hosts, and
their ponderous battle axes swept down the infidel assailers by scores.
Personal strength, however, could not endure the continual strain. The
besieged, utterly worn out, were compelled to capitulate and leave
Rhodes; but as a compliment to their valor, they were permitted by the
Sultan to depart in honor, taking with them all movable property and
treasure.

"In the year 1530, the Knights of St. John found a refuge on the island
of Malta. They grew in numbers and importance, fortified the island, and
resumed the warfare against their hereditary foes. Success at sea and
on land resulted in the capture of ric