Lisle, lying down behind the bank from which he had fired, and only lifting his head above the crest to take aim, occupied himself exclusively with the men who appeared to be the leaders of the attack, and brought down several of them.

The assailants presently drew off, and gathered together.
It was evident to Lisle, from his lookout, that there was a considerable difference of opinion among them; but at last they scattered again round the village and, lying down and taking advantage of every tuft of grass, they began to crawl forward on their stomachs.

Although, as the line closed in, several were killed, it was evident that they would soon get near enough to make a rush.
The chief was evidently of the same opinion, for he shouted an order, and the defenders all leapt to their feet and ran to the three fortified houses.

There were only three-and-twenty of them, in all.

Lisle saw with satisfaction that they had evidently received orders, beforehand, from the chief; for seven were running to the chief's house, making up its garrison, altogether, to nine men; and seven were running to each of the others.
As the enemy burst through the bushes, which were but some twenty-five yards from the houses, the defenders opened fire from every loophole.