about four to one
When the Chilians dashed into view , there was a sentry on the roof of the fort , and he immediately squibbed off his rifle ; but the alarm was given too late ; the report of his rifle was drowned in the roar of the guns , and the splintering and rending of the fort gate was the first intimation afforded the guerillas that the enemy was upon them -- from a different quarter from that whence he was expected . Over the ruined gates dashed the Chilians , discharging their carbines as they went , and as they entered the fort they threw down their rifles and drew their sabres . Then began a fight most grim and terrible . The Bolivians outnumbered their assailants by about four to one , but the latter had the advantage of a complete surprise , and they mowed down the savage guerillas by the score . There was a passage leading from the gate to the interior of the fort , but this was soon very nearly choked with dead and wounded . Jim therefore rallied his men for another charge before the way should be quite closed , and , with a cheer , his brave fellows forced a passage through for themselves , cutting down all who opposed them . So completely were the outlaws taken by surprise that many of them had not found time to arm themselves , and were therefore slaughtered like so many sheep .