The blacks were now swarming into the house, and Dalton's men kept them back with their revolvers.
Passing into a side room, Shaw saw a chance of escape.
The attack was mainly confined to the other part of the house, where a desperate stand was being made. Squeezing himself through the small window, Rodney Shaw managed to reach the ground safely.
Clutching his revolver, he hurried across to the horses. He was kicked and jostled by the excited animals, but escaped serious injury.
Mounting one he had fairly under control, he was riding away when some of the blacks saw him and with a yell rushed after him.
Constable Doonan also saw him, and, making for his horse, was quickly in pursuit.
Shaw, however, was too far ahead, and Doonan, halting, pulled out his carbine, took a steady aim and fired.
His shot he saw took effect, but Rodney Shaw did not fall. 'I hit him,' said Doonan. 'That will prove he was here.' Then he rode back, dismounted, and drawing his revolver, rushed into the fighting mob.
Blood flowed freely and many blacks lay dead, but still Dalton and his men held out.
From the other houses the members of the gang came out and joined in the fight, for they knew it was their last chance.