His men retreated, leaving their gallant leader and many of their number on the ground, marking the position they had occupied. The black sergeant Albert Frees and a native corporal named Badilonga saw him fall, and alone rushed up to try to save him from falling into the hands of the enemy. De Heusch's fall gave courage to some of the enemy, who charged out of the gap in the palisade a few yards distant, but were driven back by the two blacks, who kept up a steady fire across their leader's body. Albert sent the corporal for help, and, upon his return with Captain de Wouters and half a dozen men, they found the sergeant still in position.

He had not only prevented the enemy from getting the body, but, though exposed to a terrific fire, was himself untouched. De Wouters carried off his comrade, who was already dead.