d the fog about a mile to the south of the
idol valley, and say two miles from where we were. "That's the White
Rock; it isn't white really, but the vultures roost on it and make it
look so. I have never seen it before, for I passed it in the night, but
I know that it marks the beginning of the cleft which runs up to Mur;
you remember, Shadrach told us so. Well, if we can get to that White
Rock we have a chance of life."

Orme studied it hurriedly and repeated, "Come down; we may be seen up
here."

We descended and began our investigations in feverish haste. This was
the sum of them: In the arch under the tower were set two great doors
covered with plates of copper or bronze beaten into curious shapes to
represent animals and men, and apparently very ancient. These huge doors
had grilles in them through which their defenders could peep out or
shoot arrows. What seemed more important to us, however, was that they
lacked locks, being secured only by thick bronze bolts and bars such as
we could undo.

"Let's clear out before the mist lifts," said Orme. "With luck we may
get to the pass."

We assented, and I ran to the camels that lay resting just outside the
arch. Before I reached them, however, Quick called me back.

"Look through there, Doctor," he said, pointing to one of the
peep-holes.

I did so, and in the dense mist saw a body of horsemen advancing toward
the door.

They must have seen us on the top of the wall. "Fools that we were to go
there!" exclaimed Orme.

Next instant he started back, not a second too soon, for through the
hole where his face had been, flashed a spear which struck the ground
beyond the archway. Also we heard other spears rattle upon the bronze
plates of the doors.

"No luck!" said Orme; "that's all up, they mean to break in. Now I think
we had better play a bold game. Got your rifles, Sergeant and Doctor?
Yes? Then choose your loopholes, aim, and empty the magazines into
them. Don't waste a shot. For heaven's sake don't waste a shot.
Now--one--two--three, fire!"

Fire we did into the dense mass of men who had dismounted and were
running up to the doors to burst them open. At that distance we could
scarcely miss and the magazines of the repeating rifles held five shots
apiece. As the smoke cleared away I counted quite half-a-dozen Fung
down, while some others were staggering off, wounded. Also several of
the men and horses beyond were struck by the bullets which had passed
throu