"The balistas which you have upon the poop can make but a poor resistance to boats that can row around us, and are no doubt furnished with heavy machines.

They will quickly perceive that we are aground and defenceless, and will be able to plump their bolts into us until they have knocked the good ship to pieces.
However, we will fight to the last.

It shall not be said that the Earl of Evesham was taken by infidel dogs and sold as a slave, without striking a blow in his defence." Cuthbert stood watching the corsairs, which were now rowing towards them at all speed.
"Methinks, my lord," he said, presently, "if I might venture to give an opinion, that we might yet trick the infidel." "As how, Cuthbert ?" the earl said.

"Speak out; you know that I have great faith in your sagacity." "I think, sir," the page said, "that did we send all your men below, leaving only the crew of the vessel on deck, they would take us for a merchant ship which has been wrecked here, and exercise but little care how they approach us.

The men on deck might make a show of shooting once or twice with the balistas.