By this time a fierce fight had begun.

As soon as the firing was heard opposite the citadel, Prince Thomas and his military advisers guessed at once that the attack had been but a feint, made with the object of effecting the relief of the citadel, and calling several regiments to follow them they hastened in that direction.

On their way they met the fugitives, and hurried on with all speed.

As they approached the street through which the wagons were passing out, they were checked by a heavy fire.

The four guns had been placed in pairs at the end of the streets, and the houses near them filled with troops who kept up a murderous fire from the windows, on the head of the columns, and held them completely in check until the last wagon had been taken out.