As I reached the deck, I saw him before me, running forward, and casting a glance behind to see if I followed.

Then, tripping on a rope, he lost his feet, and sprawled forward, as I supposed, my easy prey.
But Heaven had taken his punishment out of my hands.

For, at the very spot where he fell, the gunwale of the ship stood open at a place where the refuse of the late battle was being let out from the deck into the water.

And here, before a hand could be stirred or a cry raised, the wretch plunged shrieking to the fate he deserved, and there was an end of him.
When I returned below, I found Ludar gasping; but his wound, bad as it was, was not so bad as the villain intended.

The blade which had aimed at his heart had turned aside on the rib, leaving, indeed, a hideous flesh-wound in the side, but not threatening life.