"Th' spalpanes are comin' up th' shtairs again, Frankie!" cried Barney, in the ear of the desperate boy at the door.
Frank did not seem to hear; he was striving to break the stout panel so that he could force his way through the opening.
"Frank! Frank! they're coming up th' shtairs!"
"Let them come!"
"They'll make mince mate av us!"
"I must follow her!"
"Well, folly, av ye want to!" shouted the Irish lad. "Oi'm goin' to shtop th' gang!"
Crack! The panel gave. Crack! splinter! smash! Out came a long strip, which Frank flung upon the floor.
Barney caught it up and whirled toward the stairs.
The desperadoes were coming with a rush—they were well up the stairs. In another moment the leading ruffian would have reached the second floor.