"We have these Genoese rascals safe enough!" exclaimed the Constable. "But what do they?"
At that moment there were signs of activity in the galley. Men were busily engaged in cutting away the broken mast and its tangled gear and cordage, while others were seen to be dividing the great sail into long strips.
"They mean to stop the leaks by nailing the flaxen cloth over the outside," replied Walter de Brakkeleye. "Then, perchance, they can float off on the next tide."
"But to what purpose?" questioned the knight. "With our two ships lying in the stream how can they, without mast and sail, hope to escape?"
"I know not, Sir Knight, except it be to forestall the end, and they would close with us."
"Then, I pray you, make them desist. A score of archers will keep them in play; in the meantime send mounted messengers along the banks to order every boat in the river to be sent down without delay!"
These orders were promptly carried out, and long before the next high water twenty open boats of all sizes were lying off the Hard, while the Constable had already summoned the masters of the two Southampton ships to confer with them on the plan of attack.
"By St. George!" exclaimed Sir John, "I already see the remnants of these foreign scoundrels under lock and key in the King's Castle of Portchester!"
"Nay, by the Rood!" replied Walter Brakkeleye; "for I have sworn that, ere to-morrow's sun hath set, the rogues will grace a line of gibbets outside the Water Gate of Southampton!"
"Ah, an' ye would flout my authority?" demanded the choleric knight. "Am I, Constable of Portchester and Governor of the town of Portsmouth, to be overridden by a mere Bailiff of Southampton?"