The duke, too, perceived the danger.

With an effort and an exclamation of pain he tore out the blade which remained in his arm, and turning towards De Wardes said, "Are you dead, marquis ?" "No," replied De Wardes, in a voice choked by the blood which rushed from his lungs to his throat, "but very near it." "Well, what is to be done; can you walk ?" said Buckingham, supporting him on his knee.
"Impossible," he replied.

Then falling down again, said, "call to your people, or I shall be drowned." "Halloa! boat there! quick, quick!" The boat flew over the waves, but the sea rose faster than the boat could approach.

Buckingham saw that De Wardes was on the point of being again covered by a wave; he passed his left arm, safe and unwounded, round his body and raised him up.

The wave ascended to his waist, but did not move him.