But they did not dare to fire again, as the next instant the recruits, dripping red, but still wild with rage, were at the earthworks, and driven on with rage climbed them and fired at the huddled mass they saw below.
Harry stumbled as he went down into the fort, but quickly recovered himself and leaped to his feet again.

He saw through the flame and smoke faces much like his own, the faces of youth, startled and aghast, scarcely yet comprehending that this was war and that war meant pain and death.

The Invincibles, despite the single close volley that had been poured into them, had the advantage of surprise and their officers were men of skill and experience.

They had left a long red trail of the fallen as they entered the fort, but after their own single volley they pressed hard with the bayonet.

Little as was their military knowledge, those against them had less, and they also had less experience of the woods and hills.
As the Invincibles hurled themselves upon them the defenders slowly gave way and were driven out of the fort.