The footsteps halted.
"Open that door at once!" came a voice of command from outside.
Again came the sound of footsteps, as the servant, evidently frightened, moved toward the door.
"Bento! Do as I command you! Do not open the door!" cried the girl again, and the servant stopped.
"Break down the door!" came the command from outside.
"What shall we do?" cried the girl, clasping her hands nervously.
"Fight!" was Hal's brief reply.
His eyes roved about the room. His gaze fell upon a pair of old dueling swords hung upon the wall. Stepping on a chair, he took them down, and passed one to Chester.
At that instant there came the sound of a crash, as the door gave way, followed by a command from the officer:
"Follow me!"