As to the stone, it
glanced off obliquely and fell midway between the vessels. A
roar of cheering and of laughter broke from the rough archers and
seamen at the sight, answered by a yell of rage from their
pursuers.
"Lie low, mes enfants," cried Aylward, motioning with his left
hand. "They will learn wisdom. They are bringing forward shield
and mantlet. We shall have some pebbles about our ears ere
long."
CHAPTER XVI.
HOW THE YELLOW COG FOUGHT THE TWO ROVER GALLEYS.
The three vessels had been sweeping swiftly westwards, the cog
still well to the front, although the galleys were slowly drawing
in upon either quarter. To the left was a hard skyline unbroken
by a sail. The island already lay like a cloud behind them,
while right in front was St. Alban's Head, with Portland looming
mistily in the farthest distance. Alleyne stood by the tiller,
looking backwards, the fresh wind full in his teeth, the crisp
winter air tingling on his face and blowing his yellow curls from
under his bassinet. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes
shining, for the blood of a hundred fighting Saxon ancestors was
beginning to stir in his veins.
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