Again we shouted, frantically.

And then it seemed the bell ceased tolling, and instead there came a call; after that something sharp struck me on the cheek, and flinging up my hand I caught a cord, and felt the boat's keel grind sharply against the side of the great ship.
What I next remember was standing bewildered on the deck, amidst a crowd of soldiers, many of whom wore bright steel armour, and who exercised on the heaving planks well-nigh as steadily as on dry ground.

The deck was ablaze with pennons and scutcheons.

Somewhere near, the noise of trumpets rose above the roar of the waves.

The sun, as it struggled through the mist, flashed on the brass of guns, and the jewels of sword- hilts.