But he had a hand in very soon, right where he was, for the door was flung open again, and three men bounded upon him in a manner that told very plainly that they had known of his being where he was before they made their united assault.
It appeared to be their object to take him alive, and therefore they did not draw weapons, but leaped upon him and seized him with their hands.
Oh, Jupiter! what a ripper that tall chap was.
He just stretched himself out in an energetic sort of manner, and he sent one flying right and the other left, while he put in a neat kick at the third.
The latter was wise.
He dodged the compliment, and then turned to grab the foot.
Brown was too quick for him, however, and he failed to get the number seven as he desired.
Then all saw in a moment that this was too tough a customer for them to play easy with at all, and they all sailed down upon him with drawn knives at the second charge.
And then it was that Barry Brown, his ears recognizing the voice of his beloved captain in the hallway above, sent forth that cry for aid.
When he heard Harry Hale’s answering shout he seemed inspired with new confidence and strength.