“Help! Here! Quick!” roared Darrin.
Above the tumult his voice carried hardly any distance.
The pressure of the Chinese outside must finally overcome his straining muscles as he struggled to keep the gate closed.
Just then a sailor passed at a trot, with a message. Hearing Dave yelling for assistance, he looked at the gate and made out the figure of his officer there, trying to hold off the multitude.
“All hands to the gate!” yelled the seaman, using his hands as a trumpet. Some of those within the circle of lanterns heard, and took up the alarm.
Jackies rushed to Darrin’s side, hurling themselves with all their strength against the gates. Their combined efforts seemed to be as nothing.
Three of the missionary party had hurried to the spot. There were now five men against the scores outside.
The mechanism of the gate had not been wholly opened, and that fact helped greatly.
Sailors and marines sprang up from many quarters. By this time, if the Chinese succeeded in getting through they would find themselves confronted by a platoon of rifles.
“Hold fast!” yelled Dave. “Ross, come with me!”