Six of them with their pikes advanced, the other six with bent bows standing behind them and delivering their arrows between their heads.
The garrison fought stoutly, and although losing many, were pressing the little band backward.

In vain the assistant-warder tried to lower the portcullis, or to close the gates.

The former fell on to the top of the wagon, and was there retained.

The gates also were barred by the obstacle.

The chains of the drawbridge had at once been cut.