When they reached within a few yards of the apprentices in front, these slipped under the chain.

The leading troopers halted, but were pressed by those behind them gainst the chain.

Then a ram of stones and brickbats opened upon them, and the watermen struck down men and horses with their heavy oars.

In vain the troopers tried with their swords to reach their opponents.

In vain they fired their pistols into the mass.