men on the
deck.

"Take her within," said he, "and then come and help me."

"Maiden," said I, "thank Heaven you are safe, and that we are alive to
guard you. Your old nurse I fear is more in need of help than we. I
left her senseless. Will you not go to her?"

I think she guessed what we meant; for she said nothing, but went
quickly within.

Then Ludar and I went out to our task. Of the seven Frenchmen who had
set on us, not one lived. Beside these lay the captain, the maiden's
waiting man (who, Ludar said, had taken side with the traitors), and one
other of the English sailors who had fought for us.

"What of the poet?" said I, when after much labour the ship had been
lightened of all that was not living.

"He is safe at the mast-head," said Ludar.

There, sure enough, when I looked up, clung the poor gallant; peering
down at us with pasty face, and hugging the mast with arms and legs.

"Let him bide there a while," said Ludar. "He is safe and out of the
way. He skipped up at the first assault, and wisely cut the rope ladder
behind him, so that no man could pursue him. But tell me, how do you
fare?"

"I am less hurt than you," said I. "Only my arm is numbed by the whack
the English knave gave me; while you, Ludar, are bleeding, head and
foot."

"I was scratched," said he. "The villains who set on me were too quick,
as you saw, and had me down before I could shut my fist. Why they did
not despatch me then and there I know not; but in seizing me they
carried their blades in their teeth, the better to use their hands, so
that I was able to snatch one for my own use as I fell. It served only
to rid me of one of the company. Yet I got my feet again under me, when
the other two made at me, as well as the two who had fled from you.
Among them all I got these scratches. When the fifth came, who had seen
the poet aloft, I knew I could hold ground no longer; so I gave way, as
you saw, and made for your barrier. After that you know, and how the
maiden stood by us all through, and in the end fetched the pistol which
finished the business. Had these villains but been armed, it is they
who would have buried us. But come in now, Humphrey, and take counsel."

'Twas a strange ship's company that met that evening in the dead
captain's cabin. The maiden, Ludar, I, and one of the English fellows,
who had been sleeping below and knew naught of the fight till all was
over. As for the poet, Ludar still refuse