They were speedily undeceived.
One was sunk by a heavy blow with an oar, the other was stabbed with a dagger, while the assailants struck fiercely at the old man and the women.
At this moment, however, a third boat made its appearance on the scene, its occupants uttering loud shouts.

As they rowed towards the spot their approach was heralded by a shower of arrows.

Two of the ruffians were struck--one fell over mortally wounded, the other sank down into the boat.
"Row, men, row," their leader shouted, "or we shall all be taken." Again seizing their oars, the rowers started at full speed towards the Lambeth shore.

The arrows of their pursuers still fell among them, two more of their number being wounded before they reached the opposite shore.

The pursuit was not continued, the newcomers ceasing to row at the spot where the catastrophe had taken place.