Now the Mexican soldiers above no longer had the advantage. Whenever one of their number showed his head over the edge of the roof he became a handy target for the jackies below.
Heavy shutters covered the windows on the ground floor of the building. The heavy wooden door was tightly locked.
"Ensign Darrin," sounded Trent's voice, "take enough men and batter that door down."
It took a combined rush to effect that. Several times Dave led his seamen against that barrier. Under repeated assaults it gave way.
"Through the house and to the roof!" shouted Trent. "We'll wind up the snipers!"
What a yell went up from two score of throats as the sailormen piled after their officers and thronged the stairs!
It was a free-for-all race to the top of the second flight of stairs. Over the skylight opening lay a wooden covering tightly secured in place.
"Come on, my hearties! Smash it!" yelled Trent, heaving his own broad shoulders against the obstruction.
After the skylight cover was smashed the Mexican soldiers would once more have the advantage. Only a man at a time could reach the roof. It ought not to be difficult for the defenders to pick off a Navy man at a time as the Americans sprang up.
At last the covering gave way.