Ricord's ship lay, idle and deserted, at anchor.

Five pirate crafts surrounded Santoval's galley.

Two of them were alongside of her; the others were raking her fore and aft with their shot.

The young knights left the oars, sprang up to the poop and joined in the shout of encouragement raised by the others, and then, resuming their helmets and armour, stood ready to leap on board an enemy as soon as they reached her.

Piccolomini directed the helmsman to lay him alongside one of the ships grappling with Santoval.