They maintained themselves there during the night but, at daybreak, fell back upon the town, leaving their cannon behind them.

A considerable body of troops moved out to cover their retreat.
Confident that the attack would begin that evening, every preparation for action was made by Jean and Leigh.

The powder barrels were dug up, and holes bored for the fuses.

The boys were all informed that the hour for action was at hand; and were ordered to lie down, at nightfall, in the open space facing the front of the prison, scattering themselves among others who would be sleeping there or, in expectation of the attack on the town beginning, would be standing in groups listening for it.

Leigh would be among them.
As the hour neared twelve they were to gather in a body.