"But, these people must be bandits," the count exclaimed, "to come in this way to pillage honest people."
"Of course they are bandits," Dominique replied, "you will soon see them at work, and no longer have a doubt on the subject."
"In that case, attention," said the count, "and let us receive them as they deserve."
In the meanwhile, the blows were redoubled in the passage; ere long one stone was detached, then a second, then a third, and a rather large breach was opened in the wall. The guerilleros, dashed forward with a shout of joy, which was at once turned into a yell of pain. Five shots, blended in one, had exploded like a formidable clap of thunder.
The battle was beginning.
[CHAPTER XVI.]
THE ASSAULT.
At the frightful discharge which greeted them, and scattered death in their ranks, the guerilleros fell back with horror; surprised by those whom they calculated on surprising, prepared to plunder but not to fight, their first thought was flight, and an indescribable disorder broke out in their ranks.
The defenders of the hacienda, whose number had considerably increased, took advantage of this hesitation to send a shower of bullets among them. Some resolution must be formed, however, either to advance under the bullets, or give up the expedition.