One was crushed under the fallen mast; the other lay huddled up in a heap, a cannon ball having almost torn him asunder.

The knights leapt on to the deck as soon as the galley ran alongside.

Gervaise made first for the man lying beneath the mast; as he came up to him, the sailor opened his eyes and murmured, "Water!" Gervaise called out to one of the servants to bring water from the galley, and, as soon as it came, poured some between the man's lips, and the knights by their united efforts lifted the mast from across his body.

It was evident, however, that he had but a short time to live, and the dew of death was on his face.

After a few minutes he rallied a little, and looked gratefully at his rescuers.
"You have been attacked by pirates," Gervaise said.