As the time approached when Ned expected an attack, the defenders of the farthest barricade were strengthened by a considerable number, lying down upon the path; for it was certain that, for the first two or three assaults, the Spaniards would push matters to the utmost; and that they would not be repulsed, without severe fighting.
So indeed it proved.

Advancing with great caution along the narrow path, which was sometimes seven or eight feet wide, sometimes narrowing to a few inches, the leaders of the party of attack made their way along, until they turned the projecting point.

Then the guns of the two men on guard spoke out, and the two leaders fell, shot through the body, over the precipice.

Now that they knew the position of their enemy, the Spaniards prepared for a rush.
Gathering themselves as closely as they could together, they pressed round the corner.

Shot after shot rang out from the defenders, as they turned it; but although many fell, the others pressed forward so numerously, and bravely, that they could be said fairly to have established themselves round the corner.
The barricade now, however, faced them; and behind this were gathered the bravest of the negroes, led by the boys.