Supported by his Moors and renegades he drove back the boarders, and almost succeeded in clearing the deck of his vessel.
He himself engaged hand-to-hand with the commander of the Venetian galley, and at the third thrust ran him through the throat; but the Venetians, although they had yielded to the first onslaught, again poured over the bulwarks of the galley.

Polani, burning to punish the man who had so repeatedly tried to injure him, accompanied them, Francis keeping close beside him.
"Ruggiero Mocenigo, traitor and villain, your time has come!" Ruggiero started at hearing his name thus proclaimed, for on board his own ship he was simply known as the captain; but in the dim light he recognized Polani, and at once crossed swords with him.
"Be not so sure, Polani.

Perhaps it is your time that has come." The two engaged with fury.

Polani was still strong and vigorous.

His opponent had the advantage of youth and activity.