On came the howling, disorderly mob, maddened by the terrible fate of their comrades, and thirsting for vengeance.
“Ready!”
Together the muskets rose to the level.
“Don't fire too high. Now, let 'em have it hot!”
The walls of the narrow enclosure rocked with the thunderous report. The mob quailed, fell back: “they had no stomach for cold lead.
“That's all right,” said Jack coolly as they rapidly reloaded; “but I wish we had breechloaders! A ball, quick!”
The human wave in front, silent except for a sullen murmur that only waited for the rush to be renewed ere it swelled into fury, was again raising its ugly, threatening crest.
“I doubt if we check it this time,” said Don, watching it with anxious eyes; “they've seen us reload, and know where they have the advantage. Better get your cutlass——”
“Ready!” cried his companion.
The wave, broke. A hoarse roar, a tumultuous rusk such as it seemed no human power could withstand, and it was upon them. Again the walls leapt to the thunder of the muskets; again the serried ranks quailed. But before the smoke had left the muzzles of the muskets, the wave swept on again with redoubled fury, poured itself upon and around the brave lads, swept them off their feet For a moment it seemed as if the death-balance must kick the beam.