Night and day the natives attacked the garrison; but the ships, and the guns in positions, repulsed their assaults.
After some days' delay, a simultaneous attack was made by the Spaniards.

Two of the ships, one on each side of the causeway, advanced abreast of the army, sweeping the dike with their fire.
The enemy were driven back; and Cortez, passing gap after gap, reached the island on which the city stood.

Behind them, as they advanced, the native allies filled up the breaches, and made them practicable for artillery and cavalry; and as soon as the work was completed, the Spaniards who had already passed were reinforced by large numbers of their allies..