So he was left with the women and children on the island, while the men went off in galleys to fight the invader.

Then one fatal day, how they woke to see white-sailed ships in the offing and boats of armed men landing on the shore, and how in doubt and terror women and children and old men hastened to yonder castle on the hill, and begged the few armed men there stand to their guard.
"Then," said Ludar, with thunder in his face, "the strangers spread like flies over the fair island and surrounded the castle.

To resist was useless.

The armed men offered to yield if the women and children and old men were spared.

'Yield, then,' said the captain, and the gate was opened.