Some of them ran to the palisade and began to climb it, but as they reached the top of the fence were pinned by the Mazitu arrows and fell backwards, while a few who got over became entangled in the prickly pears on the further side and were promptly speared.

Giving up this attempt, they rushed back along the lane with the intention of escaping at the north-gate.

But before ever they reached the head of the market-place the roaring, wind-swept flames, leaping from hut to hut, had barred their path.

They could not face that awful furnace.
Now they took another counsel and in a great confused body charged down the market-place to break out at the south gate, and our turn came.

How we raked them as they sped across the open, an easy mark! I know that I fired as fast as I could using two rifles, swearing the while at Hans because he was not there to load for me.