The leader of the Imperialists, who carried a petard, advanced boldly to the edge of the ditch.

The fosse was shallow and contained but little water, and he at once dashed into it and waded across, for the drawbridge had, of course, been raised.

He climbed up the bank, and was close to the gate, when Malcolm, leaning far over the wall, discharged his pistol at him.

The ball glanced from the steel armour.
Malcolm drew his other pistol and again fired, this time more effectually, for the ball struck between the shoulder and the neck at the junction of the breast and back pieces, and passed down into the body of the Austrian, who, dropping the petard, fell dead; but a number of his men were close behind him.
"Quick, lads!" Malcolm cried.

"Put your strength to this parapet.