"
"We shall see them anon," said the master-shipman. "Ha, said I
not so? There they lie, the water-snakes, in Freshwater Bay; and
mark the reek of smoke from yonder point, where they have been at
their devil's work. See how their shallops pull from the land!
They have seen us and called their men aboard. Now they draw
upon the anchor. See them like ants upon the forecastle! They
stoop and heave like handy ship men. But, my fair lord, these
are no niefs. I doubt but we have taken in hand more than we can
do. Each of these ships is a galeasse, and of the largest and
swiftest make."
"I would I had your eyes," said Sir Nigel, blinking at the pirate
galleys. "They seem very gallant ships, and I trust that we
shall have much pleasance from our meeting with them. It would
be well to pass the word that we should neither give nor take
quarter this day. Have you perchance a priest or friar aboard
this ship, Master Hawtayne?"
"No, my fair lord."
"Well, well, it is no great matter for my Company, for they were
all houseled and shriven ere we left Twynham Castle; and Father
Christopher of the Priory gave me his word that they were as fit
to march to heaven as to Gascony.
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