The Spaniards crashed through the bulwark, as though it had been a wall of glass.

The Eletto was first to mount the rampart; the next instant he was shot dead, while his followers, undismayed, sprang over his body, and poured into the streets.

The fatal gap, due to timidity and carelessness, let in the destructive tide.

Champagny, seeing that the enemies had all crossed the barrier; leaped over a garden wall, passed through a house into a narrow lane, and thence to the nearest station of the German troops.

Hastily collecting a small force, he led them in person to the rescue.