"Crack!"
A report, a flash of flame in the darkness.
An imprecation from Ivan, a second report and flash of flame, and the man fell sprawling.
Ivan rose calmly. He surveyed the field of action with a critical eye. Then, without a word, he turned on his heel and stalked back to the house. As he came to where Chester and Helen stood, he said quietly:
"Any more of them in here?"
"None," returned Chester. "You finished the lot."
"Good," said the Cossack. "I thought they had me once."
He uttered no further word, but made his way to the parlor, where he sat down as calmly as though nothing had happened.
"You go in there, too," said Chester to Helen. "I'll have a look at
Anderson."
But the girl refused to obey this command and accompanied the lad to where the gallant Colonel lay, moaning feebly.