They at once challenged; but Symmonds answering them in French they, being unable to see his uniform in the darkness, and supposing him to be a French officer, allowed him to advance.
He passed boldly forward into the grove.

He proceeded nearly through it, until he came within sight of the guns, which were still keeping up their fire upon those of the English; while a hundred French infantry, who were in support, were all occupied in watching what was going on in front of them.

Symmonds returned to the detachment, by a path to the right of that by which he had entered, and passed out without seeing a soul.
Lieutenant Keene gave the word to advance and, following the guidance of Mr.Symmonds, entered the grove.

He advanced, unobserved, until within thirty yards of the enemy.

Here he halted, and poured a volley into them.
The effect was instantaneous.