It
was now broad daylight, and the sun was shining upon the hilltops. A
quarter of an hour passed, without a movement from the enemy. Dick and
his companion occupied the time in further strengthening the door with
crossbeams, kept in their place by struts.
"If they break it to splinters," Dick said, when they had finished,
"they will hardly be able to force their way in, for if they were to
try to crawl in between those crossbeams, they would be completely at
our mercy.
"Now, we must get ready for a rush. I expect they will come all
together. There are the six guns, and three pistols each. Keep one of
the latter in reserve. We ought not to waste a shot; and if they lose
ten men, I should think they will give up the attack on the door.
"Stand clear of it, Surajah. They will probably fire into it before
they charge--keep down below the level of the loopholes."
Presently a volley of musketry was fired, and the door was riddled by
bullets. Then a number of figures sprang from between the two opposite
houses, and rushed at the door. Two of them carried a long, heavy
beam.
Two shots flashed out in return, from the hut. One of the men carrying
the beam fell, as did an officer who was leading them; but instantly
another caught up the end of the timber, and in a moment a crowd were
clustered round the door.
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