a part of the wall, not far
from the bridge, the battlements are broken, and there is a breach at some
height from the ground. Hard by stands a fig tree, by the aid of which the
wall may easily be scaled.'

Having received this information, Magued halted with his army, and sent
forward several renegado Christians, partizans of Count Julian, who
entered Cordova as if flying before the enemy. On a dark and tempestuous
night, the Moslems approached to the end of the bridge which crosses the
Guadalquiver, and remained in ambush. Magued took a small party of chosen
men, and, guided by the shepherd, forded the stream, and groped silently
along the wall to the place where stood the fig tree. The traitors, who
had fraudulently entered the city, were ready on the wall to render
assistance. Magued ordered his followers to make use of the long folds of
their turbans instead of cords, and succeeded without difficulty in
clambering into the breach.

Drawing their scimitars, they now hastened to the gate which opened toward
the bridge; the guards, suspecting no assault from within, were taken by
surprise, and easily overpowered; the gate was thrown open, and the army
that had remained in ambush rushed over the bridge, and entered without
opposition.

The alarm had by this time spread throughout the city; but already a
torrent of armed men was pouring through the streets. Pelistes sallied
forth with his cavaliers and such of the soldiery as he could collect, and
endeavored to repel the foe; but every effort was in vain. The Christians
were slowly driven from street to street, and square to square, disputing
every inch of ground; until, finding another body of the enemy approaching
to attack them in the rear, they took refuge in a convent, and succeeded
in throwing to and barring the ponderous doors. The Moors attempted to
force the gates, but were assailed with such showers of missiles from the
windows and battlements that they were obliged to retire. Pelistes
examined the convent, and found it admirably calculated for defence. It
was of great extent, with spacious courts and cloisters. The gates were
massive, and secured with bolts and bars; the walls were of great
thickness; the windows high and grated; there was a great tank or cistern
of water, and the friars, who had fled from the city, had left behind a
good supply of provisions. Here, then, Pelistes proposed to make a stand,
and to endeavor to hold out until succor should ar