We will retreat into the house: we will defend it to the last; and, if they force their way into it, we will burn it over their heads and our own." But, while they were revolving these desperate projects, they observed that the fury of the assault slackened.

Soon the highlanders began to fall back: disorder visibly spread among them; and whole bands began to march off to the hills.

It was in vain that their general ordered them to return to the attack.

Perseverance was not one of their military virtues.

The Cameronians meanwhile, with shouts of defiance, invited Amalek and Moab to come back and to try another chance with the chosen people.