own yard very soon, too. Mind what I tell you!"

A sneering laugh was the only reply. They had no idea the boys would
really shoot at them.

There was the sound of receding footsteps, followed by the murmur of
voices, and then a few minutes later there sounded the trampling of
many feet, and crash! something struck the door, causing it to creak
and groan under the impact.

"They've found a log, and will better the door down," said Dick. "Be
ready, boys and as soon as the door falls, fire through the opening.
They have brought this upon themselves, and if we injure a few of
them, it will be their own fault."

"We're ready, Dick," said Tom.

"Yes, we'll fire when you give the word," from Ben.

"All right, boys. Level your weapons, and be ready, and when I say
`Fire', pull trigger."

"Yes, yes, we will!" came the reply.

The next moment there sounded the trampling of feet once more, and
crash! the end of the log struck the door. This time the impact was so
great the door could not withstand it, and down it came with a thud.
At least a dozen forms could be seen through the opening, outlined
against the horizon.