Then the Mexicans rushed forward in a mighty mass at the low northern wall, the front lines firing as they went.

Flame burst from the wall, and Ned heard once more the deadly crackle of the Texan rifles.

The ground was littered by the trail of the Mexican fallen, but, driven by their officers, they went on.
Ned saw them reach the wall and plant the scaling ladders, many of them.
Scores of men swarmed up the ladders and over the wall.

A heavy division forced its way into the redoubt through the sallyport, and as Ned saw he uttered a deep gasp.

He knew that the Alamo was doomed.