The master-shipman looked at the knight with a troubled face.
"They keep their distance from us," said he.

"Our archery is over-good, and they will not close.

What defence can we make against the stones ?" "I think I may trick them," the knight answered cheerfully, and passed his order to the archers.

Instantly five of them threw up their hands and fell prostrate upon the deck.

One had already been slain by a bolt, so that there were but four upon their feet.
"That should give them heart," said Sir Nigel, eyeing the galleys, which crept along on either side, with a slow, measured swing of their great oars, the water swirling and foaming under their sharp stems.
"They still hold aloof," cried Hawtayne.
"Then down with two more," shouted their leader.