Some of them succeeded, but the greater number were drowned.

The few who remained--not more, than twenty in all--hoisted two handkerchiefs upon two rapiers as a signal of truce.

The English, accepting it as a signal of defeat; scrambled with great difficulty up the lofty sides of the Capitana, and, for an hour and a half, occupied themselves most agreeably in plundering the ship and in liberating the slaves.
It was their intention, with the flood-tide, to get the vessel off, as she was but slightly damaged, and of very great value.

But a serious obstacle arose to this arrangement.

For presently a boat came along-side, with young M.de Gourdon and another French captain, and hailed the galeasse.