His adversaries, seeing that the day was lost, set all sail, but looking upon the little vessel beside them as a prey to be taken possession of at their leisure, they fastened it tightly to their sides by the grappling irons, and spreading all sail, made away.

The Count and his men were unable to free themselves, and were being dragged away, when a follower of the count named Hennekin leapt suddenly on board the Spanish ship.

With a bound he reached the mast, and with a single blow with his sword cut the halyards which supported the main-sail.

The sail fell at once.

The Spaniards rushed to the spot to repair the disaster which threatened to delay their ship.