A hundred horsemen rode off and took post on an eminence near the town, ready to cut off the retreat of any who might try to escape, and to enter the town when the gates were forced open.

The other two hundred men advanced on foot in a close body towards the principal gate.
"They will try and blow it open with petards," Malcolm said.

"Half of my men are musketeers and good shots, and I will, with your permission, place them on the wall to aid the townsfolk there, for if the gate is blown open and the enemy force their way in it will go hard with us." The count assented, and Malcolm posted his musketeers on the wall, ordering Sergeant Sinclair with the remainder to set to work to erect barricades across the street leading from the gate, so that, in case this were blown in, such a stand might be made against the Imperialists as would give the townspeople time to rally from the walls and to gather there.
The Imperialists heralded their advance by opening fire with pistols and musketoons against the wall, and the defenders at once replied.

So heavy was the fire that the head of the column wavered, many of the leading files being at once shot down, but, encouraged by their officers, they rallied, and pushed forward at a run.

The fire of the townspeople at once became hurried and irregular, but the Scots picked off their men with steady aim.