A moment the stallion hung, then from the low quay-end sprang out wide and clear.

Deep it sank, but not for long, for presently its rider's head rose above the water, and regaining the saddle, from which she had floated, Rosamund sat firm and headed the horse straight for the distant bank.

Now a shout of wonderment went up from the woman thieves, for this was a deed that they had never thought a girl would dare.

But the brethren laughed as they saw that the grey swam well, and, leaping from their saddles, ran forward a few paces--eight or ten--along the mole to where it was narrowest, as they went tearing the cloaks from their shoulders, and, since they had none, throwing them over their left arms to serve as bucklers.
The band cursed sullenly, only their captain gave an order to his spokesman, who cried aloud: "Cut them down, and to the boat! We shall take her before she reaches shore or drowns." For a moment they wavered, for the tall twin warriors who barred the way had eyes that told of wounds and death.

Then with a rush they came, scrambling over the rough stones.