But Ivan was not so calm when he heard what Helen had told Chester.
"So there is going to be a fight at last, eh?" he cried in a loud voice. "What are a dozen or so of these Bulgarians? I know them of old. Cowards and traitors all. I have had an experience with more than one of them. We are good for a dozen or two of them, if we can keep them in front of us. Oh, yes, the Bulgarians are great fighters—from behind."
"Is there any way we can fix up that door?" asked Chester.
Colonel Anderson shook his head.
"I am afraid not. Ivan has shattered it beyond repair."
"Then it shall be my post to guard," cried Ivan. "No Bulgarian shall come through there."
"There are not many other places they can come through," said Helen. "Only two windows and a second door, in the rear of the house. I shall guard one of the windows myself."
"You are not afraid?" asked Chester.
"Not now, that I have friends with me."
"All right. Colonel Anderson, I'll take this other window here, near Miss
Ellison. You shall guard the back door."