I was fully determined as to my duty--whether orders reached me or not,
the moment an assault was launched I should throw all the force I
commanded beside Brennan, and between our assailants and the imperilled
women. The suspended light was yet burning as we came out, but
flickered wildly as if in a strong draught of air, and I noticed that
the constant rain of bullets during the night had badly splintered an
upper panel of the door. Halfway down the broad hallway, and partially
obscured by the turn of the stairs, a door stood slightly ajar upon the
right hand. Conjecturing this might be where the defenders of the
eastern exposure were lying, I peered within. The blinds were tightly
drawn and I was able to perceive little of its interior, excepting that
the walls were lined with books.

"Ebers," I called, thinking he must be there, "are you in charge here?"

"I vos, Captain," came the instant reply, and he at once emerged from
the darkness, his honest face full of interest. "Is it der preakfast
vot is already?"

"Hardly, my man. I imagine we may enjoy a fight first, to give us
better appetites."

"Mein Gott, but I am vurnished mit der abbetite already. I vould fight
mit more fun if I vos full."

"So no doubt would all of us; but I have no time for mere talk. Did you
meet with any trouble during the night?"

"Troubles? By Chiminy, yes, Captain, I vos hongry for six hour. I have