Mr.Goodenough with two of the Houssas took his place on the wall on one side of the gap, Frank with the other two faced him across the chasm.

A large number of the Abeokuta warriors also lined the walls, while the rest gathered on the stockade.
With the usual tumult of drumming and yells the Dahomans rushed to the assault.

The fire from the walls did not check the onset in the slightest, and with yells of anticipated victory they swarmed over the breach.

A cry of astonishment broke from them as they saw the formidable defense within, the fire of whose defenders was concentrated upon them.
Then, with scarce a pause, they leaped down and strove to remove the obstructions.

Regardless of the fire poured upon them they hewed away at the sharp stakes, or strove to pull them up with their hands.