As they mounted its wall they became for the first time aware of the new and stronger fortification which had been secretly constructed on the inner side.

The reason why the ravelin had been at last conceded was revealed.

The half moon, whose existence they had not suspected, rose before them bristling with cannon, A sharp fire was instantly opened upon the besiegers, while at the same instant the ravelin, which the citizens had undermined, blew up with a severe explosion, carrying into the air all the soldiers who had just entered it so triumphantly.

This was the turning point.

The retreat was sounded, and the Spaniards fled to their camp, leaving at least three hundred dead beneath the walls.