advance. "Be firm, boys," said the Commandant, "the assault begins."
At that instant savage war-cries were heard. The rebels were
approaching the fortress with their accustomed fleetness. Our cannon
was charged with grape and canister. The Commandant let them come
within short range, and again put a light to his piece. The shot
struck in the midst of the force, which scattered in every direction.
Only their chief remained in advance, and he, waving his sabre, seemed
to be rallying them. Their piercing shouts, which had ceased an
instant, redoubled again. "Now, children," ordered the Captain, "open
the gate, beat the drum, and advance! Follow me, for a sortie!"

The Captain, Ignatius and I were in an instant beyond the parapet.
But the frightened garrison had not moved from the square. "What
are you doing, my children?" shouted the Captain; "if we must die,
let us die; the imperial service demands it!"

At this moment the rebels fell upon us, and forced the entrance to
the citadel. The drum was silent; the garrison threw down their arms.
I had been knocked down, but I rose and entered, pell-mell, with the
crowds into the fortress. I saw the Commandant wounded on the head,
and closed upon by a small troop of bandits, who demanded the keys.
I was running to his aid when several powerful Cossacks seized me and
bound me with their long sashes, crying out: "Wait there, traitor to
the Czar, till we know what to do with you."

We were dragged along the streets. The inhabitants came out of their
houses offering bread and salt. The bells were rung. Suddenly, shouts
announced that the Czar was on the square, awaiting to receive the
oaths of the prisoners.