Their assailants were forced back, and, pressing close upon them, the knights gained the poop before the main body of the pirates were aware of their coming.
Warned by the shouts and shrieks of their comrades that they had been taken in the rear, the Moslems who were defending the side of the poop wavered for a moment.

Ralph took advantage of their hesitation, and sprang on board, his companions pouring in after him.

There was a stern and desperate fight.

The Moslems fought with the fury of despair, disdaining to ask or accept quarter.

A few leapt overboard, preferring death by drowning to that by the swords of the Christians; but the great majority died fighting to the last.