with combustibles, which were placed on the ramparts, to be used against the enemy should they attempt an escalade, which from their preparation of ladders seemed to be intended.
As the danger increased, the mines were loaded and the gates blocked up with earth and stones. The store of shot beginning to fail, the hammermen were actively employed in making iron slugs to supply the deficiency of balls. The works of the besiegers continued to be carried on till they were advanced within fifty yards of the ditch; and as it was known that large reinforcements were proceeding to their assistance, a general attack was now hourly expected. At this time the store of ammunition within the fort was nearly exhausted; the wounded, who were numerous, were without medical assistance, and the Travancoreans who remained were clamorous for surrender. Still the gallant commander, who was nobly supported by a young French officer named De la Combe, in the service of the Rajah of Travancore, refused to yield.
Two months passed in this way before the enemy ventured on a general assault. This at last took place: the storming-party advanced with great steadiness, planted their ladders, and mounted the parapet at five distinct places. The first struggle took place at a point defended by De la Combe, whose personal gallantry communicated its influence to those whom he commanded, and prepared for the assailants a fierce resistance. The enemy had avoided the mines; and resort to the combustible barrels was delayed, till not only was the ditch filled by the assailants, but numbers of them were actually on the ramparts, fighting hand to hand with the besieged. De la Combe would have been overpowered had not a timely reinforcement been sent to his relief; and Lieutenant Chalmers, who was personally engaged in defending the weakest point of the works, was in danger of a similar fate. At a moment when successful resistance seemed any longer scarcely practicable, one of the barrels
