"Me don't understand _I_talian," said Obed. "Me American. Speeky English, and go to blazes!"
At this there was a pause, and then a dull deep crash, as if the whole body outside had precipitated themselves against the door.
Obed held his pistol quickly toward the door opposite the thinnest panel, which had yielded slightly to that blow, and fired.
Once!
Twice!!
Thrice!!!
Three explosions burst forth.
And then came sharp and sudden deep groans of pain, intermingled with savage yells of rage. There was a sound as of bodies falling, and retreating footsteps, and curses low and deep.
Loud outcries came from the adjoining room.
The noise had awakened the family.