"Now, Manners, steady, pick off your man," the major said, as, aided by
the boys, he jammed a beam of wood between the door and the wall, at such
an angle that, except by breaking it to pieces, the door could not be
forced.

"Now," he said, "it's my turn;" and he fired into the enraged enemy. "Now,
Ned, steady. Are you loaded again, Dunlop?"

"Yes, major; just ready."

"Dick, you follow; take good aim."

The cavalry answered their fire, every shot of which was taking effect, by
a confused discharge of their pistols at the door and window.

"Draw off!" their leader shouted; "rear-rank men hold the horses, front-
rank men dismount and break in the door."

The order was obeyed; and the troopers rushed forward on foot, and were
met by a steady fire, to which the straggling return of their pistols was
but an inefficient answer. Vainly the mutineers hacked at the door with
their sabers and struck it with their pommels.

"Throw yourselves against it, all at once," cried their leader; and a
dozen men sent themselves against the door; it creaked and strained, but
the beam kept it in its place.

"You keep up the fire through the window," said the major; "the boys and I
will fire through the door."