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 to execute his act of
devotion. The deed was not free from danger: there were but two means of
egress, one by way of the door, which would lead to the fugitive's
falling immediately into the hands of the enemy; the other by jumping
from a rampart so high that the enemy had not set a guard there. Sand
without a moment's hesitation went to the rampart, where, always
religious, even in his childish pleasures, he made a short prayer; then,
without fear, without hesitation, with a confidence that was almost
superhuman, he sprang to the ground: the distance was twenty-two feet.
Sand flew instantly to Wonsiedel, and reached it, although the enemy had
despatched their best runners in pursuit. Then the garrison, seeing the
success of their enterprise, took fresh courage, and united their efforts
against the besiegers, hoping everything from Sand's eloquence, which