The iron sheet had been nailed fast to the top portion of the door. It yielded as the proprietor worked upon it. With great effort, Red Mike forced it free at the bottom and bent it upward. The crooks watched in silence.
At last there was a space more than a foot in extent, just above the middle of the door. Red Mike turned from his work and marshaled his forces of the underworld. He placed three men on each side of the door. They stood with big revolvers. He moved the others to the corners and stationed two by the only door that led to the street. Pedro insisted on being close by. He held the machete as though he hoped to strike the first blow.
"Here you, Turkey," ordered Red Mike. "There's two bull's-eye lanterns over behind the bar. Take one and give the other to another guy. Stand by the door."
While the men were following instructions, Red Mike produced a fire ax and a long piece of strong wire.
He used a pair of pliers to fashion a loop in the end of the wire.
"Come here, Spotter," he said. "You stand on the right side of the door. I'm going to smash a hole. You know where the bolt lies. Shove the wire in and hook the bolt after I make the hole."
"I ain't sure I can do it," said Spotter cautiously.
Pedro took the wire from his hand.
"I will do it," he said with a grin. He took his position beside the door and made a few practice thrusts with the wire. "Go ahead. I am ready."
Red Mike lifted the ax.