"It's empty," I cried. "Get Martin and Chiu-Ming quick!
While the way's open--"

A rifle-shot rang out above us; another and another.
From the portal scampered Chiu-Ming, his robe tucked up
about his knees.

"They come!" he gasped. "They come!"

There was a flashing of spears high up the winding
mountain path. Down it was pouring an avalanche of men.
I caught the glint of helmets and corselets. Those in the
van were mounted, galloping two abreast upon sure-footed
mountain ponies. Their short swords, lifted high, flickered.

After the horsemen swarmed foot soldiers, a forest of
shining points and dully gleaming pikes above them. Clearly
to us came their battlecries.

Again Ventnor's rifle cracked. One of the foremost riders
went down; another stumbled over him, fell. The rush was
checked for an instant, milling upon the road.

"Dick," I cried, "rush Ruth over to the tunnel mouth.
We'll follow. We can hold them there. I'll get Martin.
Chiu-Ming, after the pony, quick."

I pushed the two over the rim of the hollow. Side by
side the Chinaman and I ran back through the gateway.