Mackenzie drew a long breath.
"They know it, thank goodness!" he said. "Anything new, Bob?"
"No: they're still running this way. There must be some near the door I can't see. They all look as if they're expecting something to happen."
The last words were drowned by an explosion that shook the building.
"Gunpowder! The door!" cried Mackenzie.
Jackson sprang down. They were all far enough from the door to be out of danger. There were cracks in the timber, but it still held together. A howl of wrath and bafflement rose from hundreds of throats outside.
"They'll try to burst in," said Mackenzie. "I'll take the left: you the centre, Bob: Mr. Beresford the right. Mister Chinaman," he added with a grim smile, "will act as reserve."
They placed themselves, awaiting the assault. Some minutes passed. Outside there was confused and fitful shouting. Then all at once the door creaked under a heavy blow.
"A battering ram!" cried Jackson.
"Ay! Stand clear!"