The steep ascent checked them, but they rushed up until within ten yards of the line of soldiers on its brow.

Then Mr.Hallam gave the word to fire, and the soldiers and passengers poured a withering volley into them.
At so short a distance, the effect was tremendous.

Completely swept away, the leading rank fell down among their comrades; and these, for a moment, recoiled.

Then gathering themselves together they again rushed forward, while those in their rear discharged volleys of arrows over their heads.
Among the defenders, every man now fought for himself, loading and firing as rapidly as possible.

Sometimes the natives nearly gained a footing on the crest; but each time the defenders, with clubbed muskets, beat them back again.
The combat was, however, doubtful, for their assailants were many hundred strong; when the defenders were gladdened with a shout of "Make way, my hearties.