easy moment, especially when we heard the grating of the
boat alongside the jetty.

"It's time now we went below," said I. "Leave me here to close the
window and pull down the blinds. And, Miss Kit," said I as she rose,
"if any one is hurt this night it shall not be you."

She laughed a brave little laugh, and replied, "You want too much for
yourself, Barry. We'll share and share alike."

Then with her cheeks somewhat pale, and her eyes very bright, she went
below, and groped her way to her station in the hall.

Meanwhile, as ostentatiously as I could, I closed the window and lowered
the blinds; and after moving from one place to another between them and
the candles so as to throw as many shadows as possible, I slipped from
the room, and ran down the stairs.

At first nothing could be seen, and we only had Con's growing uneasiness
to warn us of the danger approaching. Then through my loophole I saw
among the trees a moving light, evidently a lantern, and presently seven
or eight dark forms moving doubtfully along the little jetty.

They halted at a little distance to reconnoitre, and perhaps to wonder
why Martin, on whom they depended to conduct them, did not appear.

At last we could discern a movement and the sound of footsteps crunching
on the gravel. My orders were that no sign should be given by any of us
in the house till they had expended their first shot. And this, as it
happened, turned out to be good advice.

Presently we could see them ranged in a row, about twenty yards from the
house. Then one stepped forward cautiously, and rapped at the door
behind which we stood.

His only answer was a growl from Con.

"Boys," whispered he, "there's not a sound stirring. You'll need to rap
at yon window to find if his honour's at home. All together now."

Whereupon, with a hideous noise, seven guns were let off, and we heard
the bullets crash into the room overhead.

One of the maids lost her nerve, and shrieked. But if they heard it,
they thought nothing of it.

"Are you a goose?" cried Miss Kit angrily. "Stand steady now, like a
woman."

This reassured the girl, and at the same time I gave the order to fire.

Our object was not to kill but to frighten. And I knew well enough the
women would aim wild. But for myself, I confess I had no scruples in
covering the man who carried the lantern.

The effect of our volley was amazing. The villains had barely grounded
their arms, and were proceed