The Abeokutans were in high spirits at the effect of the fire of their white allies, and at the comparative failure of the cannon, at whose power they had before been greatly alarmed.

Soon after daylight the Dahomans were seen gathering near the guns.

Their drums beat furiously, and presently they advanced in a solid mass against the wall.
"They have got ladders," Mr.Goodenough said.

"I can see numbers of them carrying something." The Houssas at once opened fire, and as the enemy approached closer, first the Abeokutans who had muskets, then the great mass with bows and arrows, began to fire upon the enemy, while these answered with their musketry.

The central body, however, advanced without firing a shot, moving like the rest at a quick run.
Mr.Goodenough and Frank were not firing now, as they were devoting themselves to superintending the defence.