took der belt oop dree time already, an' I vos empty yet. Troubles?
Donnerwetter, it is all troubles."

"Not that," sternly. "I mean, have the enemy kept you busy?"

"Der vos some shooting, und Hadley he got hurt bad, but der fellers is
all gone. Dis is der right time to eat in der bantry, ain't it?"

"Bring your men fit for duty out here in the hall, and have them join
my party," I said, ignoring his pathetic appeal. "How many have you?"

"Der is four, und, Captain, dey vos most as veak as I am mit netting to
eat."

Seeing I was not to be moved by thought of their pitiable condition, he
drew back with a profound sigh, and as he disappeared some one came
hastily toward us along the hallway from the rear.

"What is it, Caton?" I asked anxiously, as I recognized him.

"They are forming to rush me, I think," he answered. "I need a few more
men if I can get them."

"They are preparing to assault front and rear at the same time," I
answered. "They are massing now, and in my judgment Brennan will have
to face the brunt of it. The front of this house is greatly exposed,
and will prove extremely difficult to defend if they come against it
with any force. How many men do you absolutely require in order to hold
your position? Remember, the women are all in the front part of the
house, and we must protect them at all hazards."