The boys were at the other end of the room, slipping cartridges loaded with small shot into the fowling-pieces they had snatched from the walls.
“Oh yes,” replied Mr. Connolly; “she is all right now.”
A sound of heavy blows echoed through the house. The men below had convinced themselves that the door was firmly fastened, and, desperate from the conviction that they were identified, and relying on the loneliness of the place, they were attacking the barrier with a pickaxe.
“I’ll soon put a stop to that,” cried Jack; and cocking his gun, he left the room.
Dick was about to follow, but his father stopped him.
There’s no one in front of the house yet,” said the old gentleman. “Slip out quietly, my boy, and make a dash for it to the police station. You’ve taken the cup for the two-mile race at Trinity. Let’s see how quick you can be when you are running for all our lives.”
“I’ll go down and fasten the door after him,” volunteered Hayes, and the old man nodded. Outside, on the landing, they could hear the blows of the pickaxe more distinctly. Suddenly, above the clangour, rang out close and sharp the two reports of Jack’s double-barrel. He had selected a window commanding the attack, and had fired point-blank down into the group of men.
Shrieks and groans and curses testified to the accuracy of the young man’s aim, and the sound of blows ceased. Harold and Dick ran rapidly downstairs. The latter unbarred the front door.
“Don’t you run a fearful risk if you are seen?” inquired the American.
“Of course I do,” returned the brave lad, without a tremor in his voice; “but somebody’s got to take the chance; we can’t defend the house forever; and I wouldn’t miss this opportunity of nabbing the whole gang for a thousand pounds.”