"But the galley now lies in this river, which is within my bailiwick," retorted Brakkeleye stoutly. "Nay, she lies on the other side of the low water channel, which, you will accept, is within the bailiwick of Titchfield. That being so, as Governor I hold authority over that half of the river."
The dispute waxed hot, the question of precedence outweighing the common cause of destroying a national foe. To what length the disputants would have gone it is impossible to say, but the opportune arrival of Lord Willoughby and Sir Charles Bassett settled the wordy strife.
"'Tis our duty to settle our account with the Genoese," quoth Lord Willoughby. "And as ye both claim the river and all it contains, methinks your difference is best settled thus—all the prisoners taken on this side shall belong to the Bailiff of Southampton; all those who are taken on yonder side Sir John can hale to the castle of Portchester. Now be content and sink your differences in a common cause."
This they agreed to, little knowing that neither authority would in the end claim a single Genoese.
Directly the tide served the boats were filled with men-at-arms and archers, and a long procession rowed down the stream to carry the galley by escalade, a mantlet being raised in each boat to protect the men from any arrows or bolts that might assail them.
Already the sea was four feet deep over the mud, and the galley, her waist full of water and her bulwarks awash amidships, resembled two lofty castles joined by a low wooden wall.
Grim and determined, though faint with hunger and fatigue, the Genoese stood to their arms. Knowing that death in some form awaited them, they preferred to die in the heat of battle to dangling from a gallows. On the aftercastle, or poop, stood Guido and Andrea Spinola, brothers of the ill-fated Luigi, with two score men-at-arms and a number of lightly-armed slaves, though the latter were not to be relied upon. On the forecastle nearly a like number clustered round Simon and Chigi Doria, brothers of the famous Rafaele Doria, the ruler of the State of Genoa.
On the approach of the English the trumpets blared a note of defiance, and the noble leaders, drawing their swords, cast their scabbards into the sea as a sign that they scorned to give or accept quarter.
The poop, being nearest the deep water, was the first object of attack. The English archers fired but one volley, then, casting aside their bows, drew sword or grasped their hammers and axes and made ready to spring directly the boats ran alongside the galley.
A huge stone, thrown from the highest part of the after-castle, came crashing through the bottom of the first boat, which instantly sank. Those of her crew who were unable to maintain their foothold on the submerged boat perished miserably in the mud and water, for those in the other boats, filled with the mad desire of fight, paid slight heed to their misfortunes, being only intent on gaining a foothold on their enemy's decks.