The evolution was performed, and then with a man on each side of him the sergeant once more shouted to the convicts to give in.
“Hi, look out!” roared one of the warders.
“In the queen’s name, surrend—”
A dull, heavy blow, and a groan were heard almost together, cutting short the sergeant’s challenge, for a heavy piece of rock struck him full in the face, while a couple more blocks whizzed by the others, to fall heavily far below where they stood. Simultaneously three dark figures bounded on to the edge and made at the little group.
The attack was so sudden and direful in its results that the warders gave way right and left, while the convicts stooped, literally glided over the edge of the path, and began to descend the horribly steep cliff.
“Don’t keep together,” cried a hoarse voice from below. “Every man for himself now.”
“Fire!” shouted one of the warders; and almost together three rifles flashed out their contents, followed by a derisive laugh.
Then the warder who had been ordered off to the right fired, and as the shot echoed along the cliff there was a terrible cry, followed by a rush as of something falling.
“Now, then, surrender!” cried one of the warders, who was reloading rapidly, just as rapid steps were heard coming along the path.
“Where are they?” shouted an authoritative voice as ten or a dozen more men were now halted on the shelf-like path.