Then at the window appeared a bearded face of ferocious type, surmounted by high-crowned lambskin cap.
Schneider slowly raised his revolver.
The transformed peasant, noting the action, crouched like a panther for a spring, which he made the same instant. But the murderous intent was baffled and the leap fell short.
Billy Barry's foot was purposely in the way, and the would-be dagger wielder hit the floor with a crash. Startled by the tumble, Schneider's trigger-finger caused the waste of one revolver shot, and spoiled further attempt to deceive by silence.
In the moment of excitement no thought had been given by the defenders to the rear of the house, and before Schneider could even turn on his heel, a half-dozen lance points threatened him, front and back.
The fallen peasant was on his feet in a flash, and it was a mighty ugly look that he fixed on Billy.
"You will go to the cellar now, because I say it, and will come out again if I will it."
The sign of leadership was on the man, for none of the strange soldiery about him ventured to speak even a word in his presence.
Schneider, disarmed and no longer resisting, was hustled into the dark hole in the floor, and the boys were forcibly assisted in the same gloomy descent.
The heavy trap was closed with a bang, and sealed by the crossing of a clanking chain.