CHAPTER XVI.

Result of the Siege.--Native Women serving as Soldiers.--The Maltese Militia.--The Knights gain World-Wide Applause.--Rage of Sultan Solyman.--Agents of the Grand Master become Incendiaries.--La Vallette, Hero of the Siege.--The Order still Piratical.--The Turks and Knights Affiliate.--Decadence of the Chivalric Brotherhood.--Momentary Revival of the Old Spirit. --Treacherous Surrender.--French Sovereignty.--End of the Order. 297