roached the river's bank, my worst
apprehensions were realised, for there I recognised Captain Radford,
though his back was turned towards me as he waved to a boat coming up
the river to hasten onward. Our retreat had now become almost a flight,
for our pike-men, not daring to kneel to receive the horsemen, were
unable as before to drive them back. Headed by the blacksmith, however,
the bravest of the party stood their ground, giving blow for blow as the
horsemen rode among them. The latter must have been aware that the
musketeers were advancing to their support, and this for very shame made
them eager to finish the fight with the half-armed citizens with whom
they were contending. The horsemen were approaching the spot where
Captain Radford and his companions stood. Neither he nor Aveline,
engaged in watching the progress of the boat, were aware of the near
approach of danger. Though I shouted to them, amid the din of battle
they did not hear my voice. Calling on A'Dale, therefore, I could no
longer withstand the temptation of springing forward at all events to be
by the side of Aveline, should the horsemen reach her, although our
doing so might appear as if we were taking to flight. The moment was a
fearful one. It seemed scarcely possible that any human power could
save us. Although several of the troopers had been killed, still they
were a strong body, and, rendered furious by their previous defeats,
fought desperately, slashing on every side, and cutting down all their
swords could meet. At a quick march the formidable musketeers were
advancing towards us. The boats, by which alone we could escape, were
not to be seen from where I stood. I could only hope, therefore, that
they might be approaching. Still the brave blacksmith, surrounded by
several of his workmen, stood his ground, not only defending himself
with his formidable double-handled sword, but cutting down many of his
opponents. This enabled A'Dale and me to rush up the bank. I called
out Aveline's name. She sprang towards me.

"I'll fight for you to the last," I said, pointing to the Spaniards.

Then, for the first time, I saw that the _Falcon's_ boats were only a
short distance from the bank. A'Dale joined me, armed with an arquebus
which he had taken from one of the Spaniards who had been shot. He had
also provided himself with the man's ammunition-pouch and belt.

"I'll stand by you, Verner," he said, "to keep the Spaniards at bay,