They brought faggots with them and, in spite of the heavy volleys poured upon them managed, under cover of the darkness, to creep into the tunnel leading to the water, and to light a large fire underneath the tower.

They were, however, driven out; and three water carriers went into the tunnel, and put out the fire.

They were just in time, for the flames had taken a firm hold of the wooden beams.
After this, twenty-five men were always stationed in the tower and, at night, another picket of twenty-five men were placed in the covered way leading to the water.

The entrance to this, at the water side, was exposed to the enemy's fire; but a barricade of stones, with interstices to allow the water to go through, was built into the river, and formed an efficient screen to the water bearers.
On the night of the 14th, the enemy again made an attack on the water bearers, but were repulsed with loss.

The water way was, indeed, a source of constant anxiety.