Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/492

458 carried on with so much ferocity, and such extreme venom on both sides, that the only feeling aroused by the display was one of rancorous hatred. Men called to mind the barbarous outrages which had been perpetrated on their brethren at St. Elmo, and each one, as he gazed upon the proudly advancing foe, registered a vow that he would avenge that fatal day. In advance of the squadron came a boat containing two Turkish priests, who recited from the Koran such texts as were most likely to arouse the enthusiasm of their followers. When they neared the scene of strife, these holy men cared no longer to occupy their conspicuous position, but resigning their post to Candêlissa wisely returned to camp, and watched the conflict from a safe distance.

Candêlissa’s first attempt was on the stockade, through which he endeavoured to force a passage. He had, as an alternative, provided himself with a number of planks with which he proposed to bridge over the space between it and the rocks. Both attempts proved complete failures. The barrier was too strong and the intervals were too small to permit him to push his boats through, whilst the planks were not long enough to form a bridge. Galled by the fire from the ramparts, Candêlissa felt that he could not remain where he was. Plunging, therefore, into the water, which reached to his neck, he forced his way through the stockade, and calling on his men to follow him, waded to the shore, where he drew his sword and made a dash at the breach.

At this moment, unfortunately, a store of combustibles, which had been accumulated on the rampart for the use of the defenders, suddenly became ignited and exploded, killing and wounding a number of those who were crowded around. All was for a time in hopeless confusion, and when the smoke cleared away the Turks were found to have established themselves on the summit of the breach, where they were planting several small banners in token of triumph. The dismay of the defenders speedily gave way to feelings of rage, and determination to regain the lost ground. Rallying his forces the commander Zanoguerra dashed into the midst of the enemy, and the conflict once more raged with doubtful success. Long and desperate was the struggle, the tide of battle turning first