Another ten minutes elapsed.

The dawn was spreading fast, and a man was sent forward to Lieutenant Marshall to say that the company was getting in motion.
As soon as the messenger was seen to reach the gates, Mallett gave the word.

The men sprang to their feet.
"Don't double, men.

We shall be there in time, and it is no use getting out of breath and spoiling your shooting." They were within a hundred yards of the gate, when they heard a shout from the village, and as they pressed on, shot after shot rang out from the wall.

A moment later there was a heavy explosion, and as the smoke cleared off, the gate was seen to be destroyed.
A few seconds later, the troops burst through the opening.