An hour thus.
Suddenly, seized with a comprehension of the futility of their effort, the hordesmen turned, and rushed from the hill and the causeway.
The Christians suffered but few casualties; yet they would have gladly rested. Then, from the wall above the breach, whence he had used his bow, Count Corti descended hastily.
"Your Majesty," he said, his countenance kindled with enthusiasm, "the Janissaries are making ready."
Justiniani was prompt. "Come!" he shouted. "Come every one! We must have clear range for the guns. Down with these dead! Down with the living. No time for pity!"
Setting the example, presently the defenders were tossing the bodies of their enemies down the face of the hill.
On his horse, by the great gun, Mahommed had observed the assault, listening while the night yet lingered. Occasionally a courier rode to him with news from this Pacha or that one. He heard without excitement, and returned invariably the same reply:
"Tell him to pour the hordes in."
At last an officer came at speed.
"Oh, my Lord, I salute you. The city is won."