“What are you going to do?” Sir John asked the slaves, when they were within a quarter of a mile of the islet.  “I should think, after we have left the boat, it will be best for you to sit quietly on your benches till our pursuers arrive.”

“They would cut our throats at once, Sir Knight; they will be furious at our having given them so long a chase.  Hassan Ali’s men care little whom they slay, and, irritated by their misfortune, it will be naught to them whether we are Moslem or Christian.  I, for one, shall take to the woods, and hide.”

There was a chorus of assent among the other rowers.

“I trust that you may escape,” the knight said.  “It is for us they will be hunting, and if they catch and slay us they will not trouble to search the island further.”

“It seems to me, Sir John,” Gervaise said, “that with the aid of these good fellows we may yet have a chance of escape.”

“What is your plan, Sir Gervaise?”

“I think, Sir John, that if, when we land, we climb straight up that hill, in full sight of the shore, the pirates, when they see us, will follow at once.  The slaves should, therefore, be safe for a time if they hide in that wood to the left of the spot we are making for.  Will you tell them to keep down by the water’s edge among the bushes, and that after crossing that crest, we will try to make a dash round, so as to join them there.  ’Tis probable that most of the pirates will start in pursuit of us, and if we and the slaves make a rush for the shore we may seize our boat, push off, and capture their craft, if there are but a few left on board, knock out a plank and scuttle her, and then row away.”

“By St. George, your plan is a good one, Tresham!  A right good scheme, and we will try it.”

He at once translated what Gervaise had said to the rowers, by whom it was received with short exclamations of approval, for they were too breathless and exhausted for talk.  Already they could hear the yells of the pirates, who, as the boat ran up on the beach were but a quarter of a mile behind.

“Now, away for that wood!” Sir John cried, as he leapt ashore.  “Now, comrades, for a climb up the hill!”

It was a steep ascent, and more than once one had to be helped up by the others, and then in turn to assist them to get up beside him.  Louder and louder rose the shouts of the pirates, but the knights did not glance back until they reached the top of the hill; then they turned and looked round.  A swarm of men were climbing after them, and were already halfway up the cliff.

“Heave them down!” Sir John exclaimed, pointing to some loose rocks, and set the example by lifting a great stone and hurling it over the edge.  Harcourt and Gervaise at once did the same, and twenty or thirty rocks were speedily sent rolling down the steep ascent, and yells, shouts, and cries were heard below.