Sunday came: the holidays were the days of battle. Whether because the
boys were ashamed of having been beaten last time, or for some other
reason, the band to which Sand belonged was even weaker than usual.
Sure, however, of a means of retreat, he accepted battle,
notwithstanding. The struggle was not a long one; the one party was too
weak in numbers to make a prolonged resistance, and began to retire in
the best order that could be maintained to St. Catherine's tower, which
was reached before much damage had been felt. Having arrived there, some
of the combatants ascended to the ramparts, and while the others defended
themselves at the foot of the wall, began to shower stones and pebbles
upon the conquerors. The latter, surprised at the new method of defence
which was now for the first time adopted, retreated a little; the rest of
the defenders took advantage of the moment to retire into the fortress
and shut the door. Great was the astonishment an the part of the
besiegers: they had always seen that door broken down, and lo! all at
once it was presenting to them a barrier which preserved the besieged
from their blows. Three or four went off to find instruments with which
to break it down and meanwhile the rest of the attacking farce kept the
garrison blockaded.

At the end of half an hour the messengers returned not only with levers
and picks, but also with a considerable reinforcement composed of lads
from, the village to which they had been to fetch tools.

Then began the assault: Sand and his companions defended themselves
desperately; but it was soon evident that, unless help came, the garrison
would be forced to capitulate. It was proposed that they should draw
lots, and that one of the besieged should be chosen, who in spite of the
danger should leave the tower, make his way as best he might through the
enemy's army, and go to summon the other lads of Wonsiedel, who had
faint-heartedly remained at home. The tale of the peril in which their
Comrades actually were, the disgrace of a surrender, which would fall
upon all of them, would no doubt overcome their indolence and induce them
to make a diversion that would allow the garrison to attempt sortie.
This suggestion was adopted; but instead of leaving the decision to
chance, Sand proposed himself as the messenger. As everybody knew his
courage, his skill, and his lightness of foot, the proposition was
unanimously accepted, and the new Decius prepared t