He had not been accompanied by Hector, who was with the force from Susa.
"You carried my message to the garrison," he said, "and it is but right that you should have the honour of leading the party to its relief." On arriving near the city Hector had dismounted, and, giving his horse in charge of Paolo, had placed himself at the head of the company that was first to enter the town, its captain being transferred to another company.
"Now, men," he said, as they stood waiting for the dawn to break, "the moment we enter the gates half the company will mount the wall to the right, the other half to the left, and each will push along to the next angle of the wall.

Lieutenants, one of you will go with each wing of the company, and you will oppose to the last any force that may march along the rampart to attack you.

I want one soldier to keep by me." As day began to break, each man grasped his firelock and awaited the signal with impatience.

A cheer broke from them as the four cannon roared out at the same moment, and at so short a distance that every shot told on the gate.

Another salvo and both halves of the gate were splintered.
"Aim at the centre where the lock is," an officer shouted.
"Get ready, men," Hector said.