They are no more invincible now than they were when Caesar overran their country and brought them into subjection.

What the Romans could do then would be easy for the Christian powers to do now if they would but make common cause against these marauders--nay, Italy alone should be able at any rate to sweep the Mediterranean free of their pirate galleys; but Venice and Genoa and Pisa are consumed by their own petty jealousies and quarrels, while all our sea-coasts are ravaged by these wolves of the ocean." "Ah! what is that ?" he exclaimed, breaking off, as an arrow struck smartly against his helmet.
They were at the moment passing through a small wood which bordered the road on both sides.

The first arrow seemed but a signal, for in an instant a score of others flew among the party.

It was well that they carried with them the long Danish shields, which nearly covered their whole body.

As it was, several slight wounds were inflicted, and the interpreter fell dead with an arrow in his forehead.
Immediately following the flight of arrows a crowd of peasants armed with staves, axes, and pikes dashed out from the wood on both sides and fell upon them, uttering shouts of "Death to the marauders!" "Kill the sea-wolves!" So great was the din, that, although the Genoese shouted loudly that they were not Danes but friends, his words were unheard in the din; and attacked fiercely on all sides, the three men were forced to defend themselves for their lives.