Ere Diego could carry out his intention, William sank suddenly into the bottom of the boat; he had fainted from loss of blood.
A moment later Ralph lay beside him from like cause.
"Oh, my brothers!" cried Diego in agonizing tones, "you will die before I can find succour for you; my poor life were not worth so great a sacrifice!"
His first thought was to seize the oars and strive to reach Greenwich—the lights of the town were now plainly visible.
Or he would strive to stanch their gaping wounds, and leave the boat to be borne forward by the rapid tide. While he thus hesitated, a sudden light appeared on the surface of the river, and his ears caught the welcome sound of the oars of a practised crew.
It was a Queen's guardship, and as it rapidly neared the wherry Don Diego uttered a loud shout for help. His appeal found instant and joyous response, for on board that ship were his father and Lord Surrey.
A Chelsea boatman had witnessed his capture, and had instantly given the alarm.
Yet so long a time had it taken before the guardship at Whitehall wharf could be sent in pursuit of the pirates, that its aid would have been too late, but for the Heaven-sent interposition of the twins.
The guardship rapidly drew alongside the wherry, and in a few minutes the wounded men and Diego were taken on board.
With tender care William and Ralph were carried into the little cabin, and a ship's surgeon made immediate examination of their injuries.