CHAPTER XXX.
NICK CARTER’S WORD.
While the threat about the police caused some of the more timid spirits in the crowd to hang back and even talk of going home, the majority were determined to fight their way into the house at all hazards.
“We’ll git there, if everybody joins in!” proclaimed Billings. “As many men as can squeeze in help me to push down this door.”
But the door was heavy and solidly bolted in place, and the combined strength of half a dozen powerful men was insufficient to force it from its hinges on one side or its fastenings on the other.
“We’ll keep on till we do it,” was Billings’ decision, and the attack was renewed.
Meanwhile, there was a decided feeling of apprehension inside the house. Andrew Lampton, Louden Powers, and the man whom they called Howard Milmarsh were all in the bedroom which had been occupied by Louden, which was at the front of the house, and at whose window had taken place the parley with Bonesy Billings.
“I’ve got the outside blinds bolted,” announced Louden Powers, “and the window is closed. Of course, if ever they got through the sunblinds, they could easily smash the window. My idea is to fight them off as they come in. We can’t hope that the house is strong enough in itself to keep them out. It is not a castle.”
“Can’t we make some terms with them?” suggested the alleged Howard.