Others sank; while some reached the opposite side, only to fall back again, as they tried to climb the steep bank.
The infantry followed them, throwing away their armor to enable them to swim.

Some succeeded, others were pressed down by their comrades.

Many were killed by the war clubs or spears of the Mexicans in their canoes.

Others again, half stunned by the clubs, were dragged into the canoes and carried off to the city to be sacrificed.
All along the causeway the fight raged unceasingly; the Aztecs in the boats alongside leaping ashore, and grappling with their foes, and rolling with them down the causeway into the water; while those in the distance kept up their rain of missiles.

The opening in the causeway was at last filled--choked up with ammunition wagons and guns, bales of rich goods, chests of gold, and the bodies of men and horses--and over these the Spaniards made their way.
Cortez had swum or waded across on his horse, and he rode on until he joined Sandoval and the remains of the advanced guard, who were checked at the third and last opening.