Hal took one more look out the door and saw that the men were
approaching, separated widely.

"They're coming!" he cried, and leaped astride his horse. Then he called
to the mountaineer,

"Open the door wide!"

For a moment the mountaineer hesitated. He saw that there was trouble
coming and he knew that it was none of his business.

Hal aimed his automatic at him.

"Open it wide, quick!" he commanded.

The man hesitated no longer. He threw wide the door.

Again Hal glanced quickly about him; then gave the command in a
sharp voice:

"Forward!"

Out the door they charged at a gallop--Hal and Chester in the lead, next
Colonel Anderson and Nicole, then Nicolas and Stubbs, with Ivan and
Colonel Edwards bringing up the rear.

Outside the door the enemy had drawn somewhat closer together and they
stood with drawn revolvers as the riders charged.

There was no time for flight, and in spite of the fact that the charge