Then came a fusillade in the upper rooms.
"Bud and Ben are giving them as good as they send," muttered Ted.
From the yells that came from the garden the shots from above had evidently done some execution, for they were followed by a rush of feet, then silence.
"Look out, Kit," said Ted, "and see what's doing. But be careful; do not expose yourself."
"No one in sight," said Kit, peering around the corner of the window casing, having first put his hat in an exposed position to draw fire if there were any sharpshooters on guard outside.
"Wait! Great Scott, they're going to set fire to the house!" yelled Kit, running from the room.
In spite of the protestations of Stella, Ted staggered to his feet and followed Kit.
He swayed from weakness as he ran, but appeared to grow stronger with the excitement.
Two men had rushed to the shelter of the side of the house, and were now safe from shots from the windows.
One of them had trundled before him a tar barrel, while the other had his arms full of shavings.