sprang back into the cog once more, cut the rope which held the anchor, and was back in an instant among his crossbowmen. At the same time the Genoese sailors thrust with their oars against the side of the cog, and a rapidly widening rift appeared between the two vessels.
'By St. George!' cried Ford, 'we are cut off from Sir Nigel.'
'He is lost,' gasped Terlake. 'Come, let us spring for it.' The two youths jumped with all their strength to reach the departing galley. Ford's feet reached the edge of the bulwarks, and his hand clutching a rope he swung himself on board. Terlake fell short, crashed in among the oars, and bounded off into the sea. Alleyne, staggering to the side, was about to hurl himself after him, but Hordle John dragged him back by the girdle.
'You can scarce stand, lad, far less jump,' said he. 'See how the blood drips from your bassinet.'
'My place is by the flag,' cried Alleyne, vainly struggling to break from the other's hold.
'Bide here, man. You would need wings ere you could reach Sir Nigel's side.'
The vessels were indeed so far apart now that the Genoese could use the full sweep of their oars, and draw away rapidly from the cog.
'My God, but it is a noble fight!' shouted big John, clapping his hands. 'They have cleared the poop, and they spring into the waist. "Well struck, my lord! Well struck, Aylward! See to Black Simon, how he storms among the shipmen! But this Spade-beard is a gallant warrior. He rallies his men upon the forecastle. He hath slain an archer. Ha! my lord is upon him. Look to it, Alleyne! See to the whirl and glitter of it!'
'By heaven, Sir Nigel is down!' cried the squire.
'Up!' roared John. 'It was but a feint. He bears him back. He drives him to the side. Ah, by Our Lady, his sword is through him! They cry for mercy. Down goes the red cross, and up springs Simon with the scarlet roses!'
