“We can stop in here for a quarter, perhaps half an hour longer,” said Gordon; “and then we must make a dash for your place.”
“Yes,” said the settler, “and they know it. Look!”
By the increasing light from the burning house, the savages could be seen with their white leaders preparing for a rush.
Just then Don and his two companions were forced to leave the little lean-to, whose roof was burning furiously, and it was only by closing the rough door of communication that the besieged were able to remain in the big kitchen.
“It won’t last five minutes, my lads,” said Gordon. “Be ready, women. I’ll throw open the door. We men will rush out and form up. You women run down to the right and make for Smith’s. We shall give them a volley to check them, and run after you.”
“Ready?”
“Ay.”
“All loaded?”
“Ay,” came in a deep despairing growl.
“Down with these boxes and tubs then. You, Don, you are young and weak; go with the women.”