As she did so, Ralph discharged the eight guns of the prize, which he had at once reloaded, into the bow of the corsair, the shot raking the crowded deck from end to end.

When but a few yards distant, the two bow guns of the galley poured in a shower of missiles, and a moment later she ran alongside the pirate, the poop guns, as before, preparing the way for the boarders.

But no sooner had they leapt on deck than they were met by the pirates, headed by their captain.
Gervaise had specially charged the knights not to allow themselves to be carried away by their ardour.

"We are sure to be greatly outnumbered, and, when we first spring on board, we must cut our way across the deck, and then form ourselves in a double or treble line across it, and, so fighting, gradually force them before us." This, in spite of the efforts of the pirates, was accomplished, and, once formed, the corsairs strove in vain to break through the wall of steel.

For a time, however, no forward movement could be made, so furious were the attacks upon them, led by the pirate chief.