There was a halt for a moment, and then the Spaniards came on again.

When they were within twenty paces Hector fired, and at the same time shouted, "First line give fire!" and twenty-five muskets flashed out, every ball taking effect on the head of the column.

The Spaniards recoiled, the leading ranks being swept away and many of those behind wounded, for three balls had been rammed down the mouth of the cannon fired by Hector, and these and the musketry volley had done terrible execution.

At this moment the twenty-five men sent for ran up.
"Second line give fire!" Hector shouted; and the discharge added to the confusion in the column, and many ran down some steps into the lane by the side of the wall.
"Have you loaded again, lieutenant ?" "Yes, sir, with three balls." "Then form up, men, and deliver your fire," Hector said to the newcomers.

"Now, lieutenant, touch it off." As the discharge rang out, mingled with the roar of the guns, Hector shouted, "Fix bayonets, and charge!" The wooden shafts of the bayonets were thrust down the barrels of the firelocks, and with a cheer the seventy-five men rushed upon the shattered head of the column.