two, if not more, were killed as they attempted to force their way in.
The others for a moment holding back, enabled us to close the port, at
the same time that some of the men on the roof hurled down on their
heads a shower of stones, which must have killed or disabled many more.

Aqualonga--for he himself was at the head of the party--now found that
he had made a mistake in attacking the house on the north side, and
dashing forward, he and his followers took shelter among the
out-buildings which surrounded the courtyard. He here rallied his men,
and for a short time the firing ceased; for though the out-buildings
afforded our assailants protection, they were unable to fire at us from
them.

But the fighting was soon renewed. Some brands thrown from the top of
the walls on to the roof of the out-buildings set them on fire, and
quickly drove out the banditti, who now rushed into the courtyard and
attempted to burst open the back doors of the house,--not being aware
how strongly they were barricaded. We had on this side also kept a port
ready for firing through; and my gun being hauled round, we sent another
dose of langrage among them. Numbers fell, as did many more from the
shot fired at them from the loopholes and the stones hurled down on
their heads. Still, with desperate bravery, Aqualonga persevered, and
the bullets came rattling against the walls, several making their way
through the loopholes, and some penetrating the shutters, which were of
less thickness than those below.

At length the enemy brought up a huge log of timber supported on ropes,
and while the rest of the band fired rapidly at us, they attempted to
break open one of the lower doors. Should this plan succeed, they
might, in spite of all the resistance we could offer, force their way
in.

"They are not aware, possibly, that we have another gun in reserve,"
observed Uncle Denis. "We'll bring it round; and if they do force the
door, they'll meet with a reception they little expect."

Had there been any projections to the house, from which we could have
opened a flank fire on our assailants, we should have had a great
advantage; but, as it was, we could only fire directly upon them.

The battle now raged with greater fury than before: the banditti seemed
determined to get in, while we fought for our existence, for we knew
well that every one of us would be put to death should they succeed.
Again and again they attacked the port--or, more