Then rose a mighty answering cry from our McDonnells outside; while the garrison, caught thus between the two fires, looked this way and that, not knowing against which foe to turn.
Though we were but thirteen--nay, only twelve, for the English sentinel in his fall had swept yet another of our brave fellows from the ledge-- it was hard for any one to say in the darkness how many we were or how many were yet behind; and the thirty defenders to the place, when once the panic had spread, were in no mood for waiting to see.

Many of them laid down their arms at once.

Some, still more terrified, attempted to descend the rocks, and so perished; others plunged boldly into the gulf, and there was an end of them.
Ludar meanwhile rushed to the bridge.

Many a brave fellow to-night had met his fate on that narrow way.

For so far, no assault from our men without had been able to shake the strong portcullis, or make an opening on the grim face of the fortress.