Without a moment's hesitation Walter dashed at them.

In point of numbers the party were well matched; but the fury of the Irishmen more than counterbalanced the advantage of position on the part of the Hessians.
For five minutes a desperate fight raged.

Those in front grappled each other, and fought with clubbed pistols and shortened swords.

Those behind struck a blow as they could with sword or musket.
But the Hessians, ignorant of the strength of the force which had suddenly thus attacked them, thought more of securing their safety than of defending the stairs, so several of those behind slipped away and jumped from the windows to the ground.

Their desertion disheartened those in front, and, with a shout, Walter and his troopers bore back the Hessians on to the landing, and the latter then broke and fled.