 After that time had elapsed  MacDonell came back with word that the defenders refused to surrender and were prepared to stand their ground ' to the death '.
<fluency>  After that time had elapsed  MacDonell came back with word that the defenders refused to surrender and were prepared to stand their ground ' to the death '.
 After that time had elapsed MacDonell came back with word that the defenders refused to surrender and were prepared to stand their ground " to the death '.