The surprise to the pirates had been complete, yet they had time to draw their long knives, with which they struck desperately at their foes.
It was a deadly struggle—there was no thought of asking or giving quarter; it was a matter of death or victory! Fierce blows were exchanged and parried; then the combatants closed, and the wherry swayed to and fro with a violence that threatened to submerge its occupants beneath the dark waters of the river.
The first gleam of light from the torch on the hulk fell upon a scene of fiercest strife—upon men in deadly grip, equally expert with their weapons, equally matched in strength and courage.
All were wounded, and the fast flowing blood rendered the planks of the wherry a slippery foot-hold.
Suddenly William's foe lost his balance; in an instant he was hurled overboard, and sank beneath the waters. His comrade perceived this, and with a howl of rage he also flung himself into the stream—for he was desperately wounded, and, as William approached to his brothers aid, he knew that the end had come.
Then the brothers turned eagerly to each other, and the question arose from both alike—
"Brother, are you hurt?"
"Not much, I think," said William.
"Mere flesh wounds," said Ralph almost gaily.
Then the twins joined hands and kissed each other on the cheek.