G A Henty was a 19th century novelist, special correspondent and Imperialist. His best-known works are historical adventures. A Knight of the White Cross was published in 1896. Gervaise Tresham, the hero of this story, leaves England as a member of the Order of the White Cross of St John. Soon after becoming a knight he is made commander of a war galley. During his first command his ship conquers a Moorish fleet. When attacked and captured Gervaise is sold as a slave in Tripoli. He escapes in time to return to Rhodes and help defend its fortress.