They had thrown a cloak over her head to drown her cries.
As the lads came up, one of the men uttered a furious oath.
"Rolf, Simon! leave those fellows and keep these springalls back.
They are but boys.

I will whistle when I am in the boat.
"Now, mistress!" and he began to carry the lady away.
As the lads arrived, the servitors--for such they were by their appearance--leaving the chairmen, turned upon them.

One of the chairmen at once ran off as fast as his legs could carry him; but the other, a sturdy fellow, leaped on the back of the man who had been guarding him, as the latter turned upon Rupert.

Hugh was attacked by the other.
"Be careful, Hugh! keep out of reach of his point," Rupert cried; and darting past, he struck the man who had hold of the lady a sharp blow across the ankle, which brought him instantly to the ground with his burden.
The other gentleman drew his sword, and rushed upon Rupert.

It was fortunate for the latter that he had chosen his stick for lightness and balance, for it moved as quickly and easily as a foil.