hly laden prizes, multitudes of
captives, and booty of enormous value. The captives became slaves
laboring on the fortifications or straining at the oars. The booty
adorned the churches and enriched the people. But as power and wealth
increased, the desire for spoils took possession of the hearts of the
Knights and the original vows of humility, kindness, and charity were
forgotten. They became proud and boastful seekers of plunder and
believed themselves to be invincible. Their enemies called them pirates.

"In 1565 their numbers were greatly reduced during a noted siege by the
Sultan of Turkey. Then fortune smiled or frowned on them in varying
moods for many years, whose story is filled with romance and interest.
In 1798 the island of Malta, after having been for nearly three
centuries in the possession of the Knights of St. John, was captured by
an invading French force, and two years later it became, by conquest, an
English possession.

"The fortifications have since then been strengthened and equipped with
modern armaments, so that the island is now considered an impregnable
stronghold. Here, as at Gibraltar, an army is stationed in the barracks,
and great quantities of provisions are kept in store to supply the
garrison in case of siege. The harbor of Valetta is deep and safe, and
the narrow entrance is commanded by three strong fortresses. Here is the
headquarters of the Mediterranean fleet of the British navy. Here, also,
are great repair docks, a coaling station where huge stocks of coal are
kept on hand, and warehouses filled with naval supplies.

[Illustration: MALTESE WOMEN WEAR PECULIAR BONNETS.]

"The island is densely populated, the number of people to the square
mile being four times greater than in England. The city of Valetta, the
capital of Malta, named after the Grand Master, Jean de La Vallette, by
whom it was founded in the sixteenth century, stands high above the
water on a commanding promontory."

"In this condensed account," said the lecturer in conclusion, "I have
tried to give you a few of the main facts relating to the Knights and
the island. Those of you who are interested in the romantic history may
read it more fully when you have leisure after your return home."

The Moltke cast anchor in the harbor of Valetta about six o'clock on the
morning of the twenty-first of February. After we had partaken of an
early breakfast, Maltese boatmen in scarlet caps and sashes, who stood
up while h